Environment and Carbon Management Co-op Student; Fortis BC
This summer I have been working on FortisBC’s carbon management and environment team. My main responsibility has been researching how they could use nature-based carbon offsets to reduce their overall emissions, but I also assist in writing grant applications to the B.C. government, and surveying gas plants for leaks. I have gained extensive knowledge into FortisBC’s role in the clean-energy transition and how the global carbon offset market operates. It has been interesting for me to see how the B.C. government and big corporations use purchased carbon credits to reach their goals of being carbon neutral, and how different projects have been more successful in generating carbon offsets than others. This is my third co-op term and I will be returning to FortisBC for my fourth. Being in co-op has been a highly valuable experience for me as I have been able to gain experience in a variety of industries where my degree could be applicable. I would highly recommend that any forestry student join co-op, but specifically those who are unsure about what they could do with their degree post grad, as the program exposes you to so many potential opportunities.
This summer, I had the privilege of interning with Metsähallitus in Finland, which offered an amazing opportunity to gain experience in forestry and reconnect with the country after 12 years away.
Returning to Finland was both a personal and professional highlight. This experience allowed me to reconnect with the culture, learn about forestry in Finland and experience the warmth of the sauna.
Picture of a typical Finnish landscape taken in Kuhmo, Finland. Credit: Benedict Roser
One of the most insightful aspects of the internship was learning about the differences in forestry practices between Finland and British Columbia. The level of efficiency and precision in Finnish forestry was impressive, especially in their approaches to silviculture. Observing how Finland implements sustainable practices in a way that balances ecological integrity with productivity has given me a new perspective on the possibilities within forest management.
Igniting the fires with a fire starter in a 20 hectare block near Suomussalmi, Finland. Credit: Eero Väänänen
Unique Experiences
A standout experience from the summer was participating in a prescribed burn, which was an invaluable introduction to fire ecology. Seeing firsthand the positive effects that controlled burns have on soil health and biodiversity helped me realize the positive effects fire can have in forest management. Additionally, there was a fun sense of camaraderie during the burn. Cooking makkara and drinking coffee with the entire crew will be a memory I will never forget.
A picture taken during the prescribed burn near Suomussalmi, Finland. Credit: Benedict RoserRoasting a makkara with the Metsähallitus crew by the fire. Credit: Eero Väänänen
Operating a single-grip harvester was another unforgettable experience. It was impressive to see its efficiency and how it minimizes soil impact. Observing the thought process behind its use and how it can be effectively paired with a forwarder was amazing to see. Watching it in action was both insightful and incredibly fun.
Sitting in a Ponsse Single Grip Harvester in Rovaniemi, Finland. I had the chance to operate and cut down a few trees, which was amazing! Credit: Juho Hiltunen
Silviculture in Finland
Another key aspect of the internship was gaining practical experience with Finnish silvicultural methods. I spent time in the field planning and observing various stages of forest management—from thinning and clear-cuts to the specialized soil treatments used to support forest regeneration. This hands-on experience allowed me to better understand how forestry strategies are applied to address both productivity and sustainability.
Throughout the internship, I had the chance to meet with numerous forestry specialists, each offering valuable perspectives on forest management. Everyone I encountered was incredibly kind and eager to help me learn.
Taking DBH and height measurements using a vertex and electronic DBH caliber with Viivi for research on continuous cover forestry. Credit: Laura Kammonen
A heartfelt thank you to everyone at Metsähallitus for making this internship possible and for creating such a memorable summer. Your support and dedication have left a lasting impact, both personally and professionally.
Dr. Sima Fakheran is Associate Professor of Environmental Sciences at Isfahan University of Technology, Iran and Adjunct Professor in the Faculty of Forestry at the University of British Columbia (UBC), Canada.
Dr. Fakheran is President of IALE–Iran (International Association for Landscape Ecology-Iranian Chapter) and Member of Academy of Sciences of Iran (IAS).
She did her Ph.D. at the University of Zurich, Switzerland, and Previously, held the position of Head of the Swiss desk (Leading House for Iran–Switzerland Science and Technology Collaboration) & Director of International Affairs of Isfahan University of Technology, Iran.
She also held the position of Vice President of International Association for Landscape Ecology (IALE) as the first women selected as VP from the Middle East. .
Big trees crucial to migrate B.C. forests under climate change, finds study
A UBC study co-authored by Dr. Suzanne Simard, professor in the faculty of forestry, found ways forest ecosystems can be better prepared for climate change, with a focus on the Douglas fir tree.
AI is bad for the environment, and the problem is bigger than energy consumption
Sustainable business management of natural resources professor Dr. Hamish van der Ven wrote about the broader environmental impacts of artificial intelligence technologies.
Tree migration could help B.C. forests better prepare for climate change, says UBC study A UBC study co-authored by Dr. Suzanne Simard, professor in the faculty of forestry, found ways forest ecosystems can be better prepared for climate change, with a focus on the Douglas fir tree. CTV
UBC students team up with Lil’wat for Sea to Sky forestry research Twenty-one students with the Master of Sustainable Forest Management program learned from Lil’wat Forestry Ventures, the Líl̓wat Nation council and community members, about economic and traditional elements of forestry, organized by lecturer Dr. Ken Byrne.
Should Canada follow Oregon’s lead on mandatory wildfire protection rules? Dr. Felix Wiesner, a forestry professor and expert in fire safety engineering, explained building regulations in relation to wildfires. National Observer
January 20, 2025
New study predicts dire future for B.C. wildfires without major changes Dr. Jen Baron and Dr. Lori Daniels, professors at the faculty of forestry, spoke about their research into the need for changes to wildfire management in B.C. Global News
B.C. must learn to ‘co-exist’ with wildfires as study outlines possible dire future Dr. Lori Daniels, a professor of forest and conservation sciences, explained her research into changes B.C. must make in order to coexist with wildfires. Global News
January 14, 2025
Fire-proofing B.C. homes; expert weighs in as Los Angeles blazes rage on Dr. Felix Wiesner, a professor in the faculty of forestry, commented on the wildfires in the Pacific Palisades neighbourhood of Los Angeles. CityNews
The future of water Dr. Younes Alila, a professor in the faculty of forestry, commented on the impact and causes of flooding in B.C. British Columbia Magazine
January 13, 2025
Building fire safe communities Dr. Felix Wiesner, a professor at the faculty of forestry, was interviewed about fire safety engineering. Global News
Would abundant water sources have helped mitigate the California wildfires? Dr. Kira Hoffman, a postdoctoral fellow at the faculty of forestry, explained that water resources would have done little to alleviate the wildfires. CBC via Yahoo Canada
Calls to improve B.C. building codes as fires rage in California Dr. Felix Wiesner, a professor in the forestry department, commented on the need to improve B.C. building codes to make structures more resistant to wildfire. CTV News
January 9, 2025
B.C. researchers aim to make the perfect T-shirt—from lumber Dr. Feng Jiang, a professor at the faculty of forestry, is part of a team working on making T-shirts from softwood lumber. Business in Vancouver
January 7, 2025
‘Fire weather’ is hitting the north the hardest, study says Research led by Weiwei Wang, a PhD student in the faculty of forestry, found that Canada’s northern regions suffer longer wildfire seasons. The Tyee
January 6, 2025
New study warns of increasing fire risk in Canada without preventive measures Research led by faculty of forestry professor Dr. Guangyu Wang highlights the increasing severity of Canada’s wildfires. Global News, Vancouver Sun, Canadian Press via CBC, APTN, CTV News, Delta Optimist, MSN, PANow, SaskNow
January 2, 2025
‘Ambitious climate action is more urgent than ever’: 3 climate records broken in 2024 Dr. Lori Daniels, a wildfire expert in the faculty of forestry, was quoted in relation to the impact of wildfires on the climate. Space via Yahoo
Vivek holds a PhD in Ecological Modelling and Applied Machine Learning from the University of British Columbia (UBC), a Master’s in Remote Sensing and GIS, and a Bachelor’s in Forestry. His expertise spans invasion ecology, pest risk modeling and the development of advanced spatial-temporal tools to forecast the spread of forest and agricultural pests. His work includes mapping pest dynamics, predicting future range shifts & impacts, and formulating strategies to mitigate the effects of invasive and range-expanding native species. Vivek is affiliated with the BC Ministry of Forests and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC).
In addition to his research on the role of climate change in the population dynamics of eruptive insect pests, Vivek leverages data science to create survey applications, interactive dashboards, and real-time monitoring systems. He employs cutting-edge techniques for detecting and monitoring insect populations, safeguarding forest ecosystems and agricultural industries from the growing threats posed by invasive and range-expanding native pests in a rapidly changing climate.
Summer Camps Athletics and Recreation Programmer; Simon Fraser University
I have been working with SFU Camps this summer and it was truly fantastic. Throughout the summer I got to work on the unceded Traditional Coast Salish Lands including the Squamish (S?wx?wú7mesh Úxwumixw), Tsleil-Waututh (s?l?ilw??ta??) and Musqueam (x?m?θk??y??m) Nations as a recreation camp attendant. In this position, I got to support many different camps that ranged from sciences to outdoor environmental camps. Getting to support staff educating campers about our planet and the importance of it.
UBC Faculty of Forestry successfully co-hosted the Second International Young Scientist Forum – Bamboo Resources in a Changing Climate, held onsite at Zhejiang A&F University (ZAFU) in Hangzhou, China, on December 12–13, 2024. This hybrid event brought together over 100 early-career researchers worldwide, featuring both in-person and virtual participation. The forum explored innovative solutions to climate change, focusing on bamboo’s potential as a nature-based solution. This event, live-streamed globally, garnered over 20,000 views and provided a platform for robust knowledge exchange, bridging gaps in bamboo research and highlighting its critical role in combating climate change.
UBC Leadership: Driving Conversations on Bamboo and Climate Change
UBC Forestry played a key role in shaping the forum. In his opening remarks, delivered virtually, Dean Rob Kozak emphasized the importance of young scientists in addressing the climate crisis and the immense potential of bamboo as a sustainable resource to mitigate climate change.
Professor John Innes, who attended in person, delivered a keynote presentation titled “Research Needs for Bamboo in the Face of Climate Change.” His address highlighted critical areas for advancing bamboo research and emphasized its role as a renewable resource and a climate solution. Professor Innes also moderated the opening ceremony and chaired the Bamboo Ecology and Physiology session, where discussions ranged from bamboo’s physiological responses to environmental stressors to its role in ecosystem restoration.
Associate Dean Guangyu Wang moderated the Emerging Technologies and Businesses session, which discussed innovations in bamboo-based industries, from composite materials to bio-engineering applications. He also moderated the closing ceremony and delivered the forum’s closing remarks, celebrating its success and inspiring continued collaboration among participants.
UBC Forestry Students’ Research Excellence
Yeling Xia won second place in the Best Presenter Award for her research on the structural and micro-response of bamboo strips during drying.
Chunyu Pan won third place in the Best Presenter Award with a life cycle assessment on managing bamboo forests for climate change mitigation.
Lucy Binfield won the Best Poster Award for her study on planting bamboo on degraded land in the Amazon. The study demonstrated bamboo’s potential for ecosystem restoration and community support.
Vaishali Vasudeva presented her research on the value chain of bamboo and its socio-economic benefits, aligning with the forum’s emphasis on livelihood improvements.
Amsalu Alamerew contributed a compelling study on the potential of bamboo as a sustainable alternative to traditional materials, especially its versatility and ecological benefits.
Forum Structure
The forum featured 94 oral presentations across four parallel sessions, combining the expertise of in-person and online participants:
Bamboo Ecology and Physiology: bamboo’s adaptability to environmental changes and its role in ecosystem recovery.
Carbon Management and Livelihood: bamboo’s carbon sequestration potential and contributions to rural economies.
Emerging Technologies and Businesses: innovations in bamboo-based industries, including advanced composites and biochar applications.
Young Graduate Scientists: fresh perspectives and creative approaches from graduate students.
UBC Forestry thanks all participants and organizers for making this hybrid event a resounding success. The forum reaffirms UBC Forestry’s commitment to sustainable solutions for global challenges by fostering meaningful dialogue and international partnerships.
Congratulations Jiawen Shen on winning the 2024 Catherine Lalonde Memorial Scholarship for Wood Related Research!
About Jiawen
Jiawen is a 1st year graduate student pursuing a Master’s in Wood Science at the University of British Columbia. Her research project focuses on the development of binderless composite bark-board cladding and insulation panels that are durable, ignition resistant and carbon neutral. It’s manufactured from an underutilized by-product that would otherwise be burned, landfilled, or used for low-value purposes. Collaborating with a Vancouver-based architecture firm on this project, her work is key to advancing the commercial application of these innovative cladding products.
About the Award
The Catherine Lalonde Memorial Scholarships for Wood Related Research are awarded each year to graduate students whose wood research exemplifies the same level of passion for wood and the wood products industry that Catherine Lalonde tirelessly demonstrated as a professional engineer and president of the CWC.
