Jennifer Hong graduated in 2019 from the Faculty of Forestry at the University of British Columbia, holding a BSc Honours in Forest Sciences specializing in Forest Ecosystem Services. She is passionate about building community and approaches her work through a ‘people-first’ and storytelling lens.
She has worked for various forest-related sectors including Canadian and local government departments, private and NGO organizations such as Parks Canada, Dillon Consulting, the Singapore National Parks Board, Environment and Climate Change Canada, and Youth4Nature supporting a range of climate change, biodiversity, and land management policies and programs.
She currently works as a policy analyst for the Canadian Forest Service, supporting international forest policy and has previous experience advancing bioeconomy policies.
Jennifer was a youth delegate at UNFCCC COP26 and COP27, and is currently a Global Ambassador with Youth4Nature, where she supports youth engagement and participation in international forest fora such as the UN FAO’s World Forestry Congress and conceptualized the Faces of Forestry campaign.
She shares 5 quick facts on cool things she has done:
Combined between my work and volunteer initiatives, my travels took me to almost every continent in the last 3 years (Nairobi, Korea, Stockholm, Colombia, Montreal)
I learned how to fly a drone to help monitor public urban forest landscapes while completing my co-op term in Singapore
I facilitated a panel on the global bioeconomy between international ministers and the Deputy Director General of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (UN FAO) at CBD COP16
I’ve been a contributor to a few podcasts and blog posts as a Global Ambassador for Youth4Nature, and have been featured in the National Observer!
I’m currently a youth representative on the Steering Committee for the Ninth American Forest Congress (to be held in July 2025!)
The Department of Forest Resources Management at the University of British Columbia (UBC) – Vancouver Campus invites applications for a postdoctoral research fellow position as part of the Silva21 project. This position is ideal for a motivated and independent researcher with expertise in forest operations, silviculture, or forest management.
Project Overview
The postdoc will contribute to the Silva21 research program, which aims to develop innovative strategies to enhance the resilience of Canadian forests in the face of increasing disturbances, such as wildfire and climate change. By integrating field research, remote sensing, and operational forestry insights, this project will generate data-driven tools and practical solutions to support sustainable forest management while balancing ecological health and economic viability (www.silva21.com).
Specifically, the postdoc will collaborate with the project team to integrate forest and wildfire management approaches. The research will include:
Reviewing international experiences and best practices in resilient silviculture and sustainable forest operations.
Evaluating innovative forest management strategies that align with wildfire mitigation and forest management objectives.
Developing and recommending cost-effective operational approaches tailored to diverse forest types and communities across British Columbia.
Exploring silvicultural prescriptions that balance economic return (e.g., lumber, pulpwood, and bioenergy) with ecologically appropriate management approaches.
Collaboration and Research Environment
The postdoctoral researcher will join the research group of Associate Prof. Dominik Roeser at UBC and will collaborate with a multidisciplinary team. The research group focuses on framing innovation, research and development initiatives to support sustainable forest management in different operational environments. The Silva21 project fosters strong engagement between academia, industry, and government agencies, providing an exciting opportunity for applied research with real-world impact.
This position offers the chance to work across a range of forest types and communities in British Columbia, applying research findings to develop region-specific recommendations that can shape the future of sustainable forestry in Canada.
Qualifications
The ideal candidate will have:
A PhD in forest operations, silviculture, forest management or a related field.
Strong experience in forest operations, management or silviculture research.
A background in quantitative analysis, spatial modeling, and/or remote sensing is desirable.
Proficiency in GIS, R, and/or Python for data analysis, modeling, and spatial analysis is also desirable
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work effectively in a collaborative research environment.
Position Details
Location: University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
Duration: Initially one year, with the possibility of extension based on performance and funding availability
Start Date: position available immediately
Application Deadline: Open until filled
Salary Range: $60,000-$65,000 CAD per year plus benefits
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit the following:
A cover letter detailing their research experience and interest in the position.
A CV including a list of publications.
Contact information for three academic references.
Applications should be sent to dominik.roeser@ubc.ca with the subject line “Postdoc Application – Silva21.”
Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Metis, Inuit, or Indigenous person.
All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.
The Faculty of Forestry at the UBC Vancouver campus is seeking to hire part-time sessional lecturers in the new Bachelor of Indigenous Land Stewardship (BILS) program. This is an interdisciplinary, four-year undergraduate program created to prepare students to design and implement comprehensive land stewardship systems that are grounded in Indigenous earth-based land ethics – systems that can operate in complex dynamic environmental systems, and inter-governmental environments to foster our next generation of land stewards.
The program includes innovative and diverse courses in areas such as Indigenous ways of knowing, ecology, law and governance, economics, communication, business management, research and data management methods, and community capacity building.
The majority of the courses in the program are multi-access — offered in-person and online — with mandatory in-person attendance for three field courses that occur at the beginning of years 1, 2 and 3.
The successful candidates will deliver core lectures in-person or online; coordinate with guest lecturers; organize and run lab sections if required; develop tests and assignments; mid-term exams, and grading; and hold office hours weekly.
In-person teaching would happen at the UBC Vancouver campus, and online teaching would only be possible should the successful candidate reside in Canada during the duration of the course. For non-Canadian/Permanent residents, you will be responsible for ensuring that you are legally entitled, pursuant to Immigration, Refugees & Citizenship Canada (IRCC)’s requirements, to work at UBC.
The expected salary range for these positions is $3,000 to $4,500 per credit.
We are seeking to hire sessional lecturers in the following courses in 2025W Term 1 and Term 2 (September 2025 to April 2026).
Course Number
# credits
Course title
Short Description
Dates Offered
ILS 101
3
Introduction to Natural Resource Stewardship
Introduction to the principles of ‘caring for the land’ and integrating this ethos into natural resources management, including topics on caretaking for the land, animals, and future generations; sacred places; and the principle of interconnectivity of all living things.
Multi-access offering – Sept to Dec, 2025
ILS 103
3
Decolonization and Natural Resources
Introduction to Indigenous People’s history, cultures and experiences, and the effect on control over natural resources, drawing from local to international perspectives, with a focus on how decolonization, as an analytical lens, can transform institutions and Indigenous People’s everyday lives.
Multi-access offering – Sept to Dec, 2025
ILS 106
3
Holistic Resource Stewardship
Introduction to holistic resource stewardship and the interconnectivity of all living things. A holistic resource stewardship approach is taught, and students learn to operationalize a holistic stewardship plan
Multi-access offering – Jan to April, 2026
ILS 108
3
Plant Identification and Dendrology
Introduction to structure, diversity and development of trees and other plants, drawing from Indigenous and western knowledge systems.
Multi-access offering – Jan to April, 2026
ILS 200
3
Field Measurements
Introduction to different techniques commonly used in field surveys, including assessments of landforms, soils, vegetation patterns and cultural features. This is a one-week field school to be held in late Sept/early October at UBC Forestry’s Malcolm Knapp Research Forest.
In-person offering – Late Sept to early Oct, 2025
ILS 201
6
Ecology 1 – Foundations
Foundations of ecology, the interaction of organisms and the environment, drawing from Indigenous and western perspectives. Topics include organismal, population, community and ecosystem theories
Multi-access offering – Sept to Dec, 2025
ILS 204
6
Ecology 2 – Disturbance and Climate Change
Foundations of disturbance from Indigenous and western perspectives. Topics includes natural (fire, wind, flood, climate) and anthropogenic (logging, dams, mining, climate) disturbances in both intact and altered landscapes.
Multi-access offering – Jan to April, 2026
ILS 300
3
Interventions on the Land
Interventions on the land, drawing from Indigenous and western perspectives. Topics covered include problem diagnostics and the design and implementation of holistic interventions. This is a one-week field school to be held in late Sept/early October at UBC Forestry’s Malcolm Knapp Research Forest.
In-person offering – Sept to early Oct, 2025
Applicants should apply via UBC Workday JR20002 . Applications should include a cover letter, a CV and the names and email addresses of three employment references. Please indicate in your cover letter which courses you are applying for.
Review of applications will begin March 17th, 2025, and continue until the positions are filled.
Questions about the positions may be directed to Dr. Carlos Ormond, Program Director, Bachelor of Indigenous Land Stewardship Carlos.ormond@ubc.ca.
All positions are subject to enrolment, funding and will be governed by UBC’s Agreement on Conditions of Appointment for Sessional and Part-time Faculty Members.
The University is committed to creating and maintaining an inclusive and equitable work environment for all members of its workforce. An inclusive work environment presumes an environment where differences are accepted, recognized, and integrated into current structures, planning, and decision-making modes. Within this hiring process, we will make efforts to create an inclusive and equitable process for all candidates). Accessibility requests or other accommodations are available on request for all applicants. To confidentially request accommodations, please contact the Faculty of Forestry Associate Dean Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, Dr. Hisham Zerriffi (Hisham.Zerriffi@ubc.ca).
Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Metis, Inuit, or Indigenous person
All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents of Canada will be given priority.
UBC Forestry alumnus Wongela Aklilu Dessalegn received a Bachelor of Science in Natural Resources Conservation, majoring in Global Perspectives, in 2015 after a childhood experience inspired her to be a voice for nature. With a growing interest in data science and artificial intelligence (AI), Wongela currently works in leadership at Shopify, managing a team that covers Canada and Ireland. She embodies the essence of a ‘Third Culture Kid’ — feeling both at home in Canada and deeply connected to her upbringing in Ethiopia, Tanzania, Pakistan and Uganda — which continues to fuel her passion for travel. Wongela currently splits her time between Rome, Toronto and Vancouver.
What does Black History Month mean to you?
For me, Black History Month is a time to celebrate the incredible diversity and contributions of Black individuals throughout history. It’s a reminder of the struggles we’ve faced but, more importantly, it’s about celebrating Black excellence and success, which drives us towards the future. Personally, it inspires me to honour figures like Wangari Maathai, the first African woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize for her work in environmental conservation and sustainable development, and Mutale Nkonde, who advocates for ethical AI and works to ensure that technology is developed and used in ways that promote racial and social justice. Women like these paved the way for me to become among the first Black women to graduate from the Faculty of Forestry at UBC, a milestone that reflects my commitment to breaking barriers and advocating for diversity in my field.
What is one of your biggest career accomplishments so far?
One of my proudest accomplishments was starting a Black leadership meet-up at Shopify after realising how few people in my demographic were in managerial roles within the tech industry. The meet-up provides a safe space for Black managers to seek mentorship and coach other Black employees. It’s been incredibly rewarding to see the impact it has had, with several Black employees reaching out to thank me for the visibility and support.
What drew you to study at UBC Forestry?
My love for forests started when I was just eight years old. My family moved to Tanzania and I didn’t speak much English. Participating in a musical about Earth Day gave me an opportunity to practice the language and make friends. It also made me think about how trees can’t speak for themselves. I realised then that I wanted to be their voice. When representatives from UBC visited my high school in Uganda, I was captivated by their programs and the chance to study in such a unique academic ecosystem. It felt like the perfect fit for my mission to be an advocate for nature.
Why did you choose a Bachelor of Science in Natural Resources Conservation, majoring in Global Perspectives?
The program was perfect for me because it offered hands-on experiences, like standing atop Cypress Mountain one week and visiting a Garry oak ecosystem the next. The opportunity to amass international experience was a big draw, too. I spent three months interning at the United Nations Environment Programme in Kenya and another three months working with a sea turtle conservation organization in Costa Rica. These experiences broadened my understanding of conservation through different perspectives and helped shape my career goals.
What advice would you give to up-and-coming Forestry students?
My advice would be to stay open-minded. The Global Perspective major at UBC Forestry encouraged me to take courses that I had never heard of before — from food science to oceanography and Geographic Information Systems. Embrace diverse learning opportunities and explore interdisciplinary courses, as they can really enrich your understanding of conservation and prepare you for a dynamic career. You never know what topic might spark a passion or lead to an unexpected career path!
What occupies you in your spare time?
For the past eight years, I have had the honour of presenting my art installation called “Time Nomads” at music festivals across BC. It’s a photo series dedicated to people being a positive force where they live and visit. The project also invites people to send postcards to their future selves. It’s been amazing to see how “Time Nomads” has fostered community engagement while addressing two important social issues in Canada: cultural identity and mental health.
Lately, I’ve developed an interest in data science, dedicating time to honing my skills in computer programs such as Structured Query Language — commonly referred to as SQL —and gaining confidence with tools like BigQuery and Looker Studio reports to analyse large datasets and identify trends. I’ve also taken up hobbies like skiing, kayaking and going on multi-day hiking trips.
Originally from Ethiopia, Dr. Taye is an interdisciplinary scholar and professor whose research encompasses plant and soil microbiome, with a focus on understanding microbial assembly processes and driving microbiome-based sustainability solutions in agriculture, forest and urban ecosystems. Zelalem joined UBC in January 2025 and is a jointly appointed Assistant Professor to the Faculties of Forestry and Land and Food Systems.
Zelalem’s academic prowess is impressive. The polymath holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biology with minor in Chemistry from Bahir Dar University. He holds Master of Science in Biological Sciences specializing in Botanical Sciences from Addis Ababa University and a double Master’s in Forestry and Natural Resources Management and Environmental Sciences from the Erasmus Mundus Program in Spain and Italy. Lastly, Zelalem received a PhD in Plant Science from University of Saskatchewan. Prior to joining UBC, Zelalem worked as a postdoc and sessional lecturer with the University of Saskatchewan and as a Research Scientist with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada where he advanced research in soil health and plant pathogen ecology and genomics.
In recognition of Black History Month, we spoke with Zelalem about his past, his present and what this month means to him.
Why is Black History month an important time for reflection and celebration?
Black History Month is a powerful opportunity to connect through stories and honour the contributions, resilience and achievements of Black individuals and communities. It is also a moment for reflection on the struggles that have shaped our collective identity while celebrating the richness of Black culture. The stories we share are instrumental in inspiring the next generation, especially young Black scholars, to see themselves as integral to the narrative of progress and innovation. Black History Month serves as a reminder that representation matters and that every voice has the power to create meaningful change.
How did your childhood in Ethiopia shape your future academic and career path?
Growing up in the eastern part of Ethiopia, in Gursum and Harar, I was surrounded by vibrant biodiversity and agricultural landscapes. Visiting my grandparents’ and neighbours’ small-scale farms and forest gardens was influential. Activities like preparing seedling beds, planting seedlings, weeding and harvesting instilled within me a deep appreciation for biology, biodiversity and the wisdom of local farmers in maintaining agroecosystems, forests and home gardens.
At the same time, I witnessed the devastating effects of drought, soil erosion, deforestation and biodiversity loss due to climate change and mismanagement, and the resulting effects in terms of land degradation and food insecurity. These challenges inspired me to better understand and protect natural resources, shaping my decision to pursue these diverse yet interlinked disciplines to contribute to solutions.
What are some of your top research findings so far?
I completed pioneering and foundational work in the area of incorporating rhizosphere microbial attribute considerations into plant breeding. One of the most significant published outcomes from my work was to show for the first time that small genetic differences in plants can control individual bacterial species within the rhizosphere. The second published significant outcome was to show that key bacterial taxa are associated with root growth traits at the vegetative growth stage and that the vegetative stage root length is correlated with canola seed yield. These insights have broad implications for improving crop performance through microbiome-focused approaches.
What are you most looking forward to in your role at UBC?
This is an exciting opportunity to foster innovative, interdisciplinary research that bridges forest ecosystems and agroecosystems for impactful ecosystem resilience and sustainability solutions. My role will focus on research and teaching that bridge forest and agricultural ecosystems, emphasizing microbiomes, soil and plant health, and non-wood forest products, particularly ectomycorrhizal fungi. I am excited to engage with the dynamic research community across UBC Forestry, Land and Food Systems and beyond as we push forward innovative solutions with real-world impact.
Mentoring the next generation of scientists and leaders is a key part of my vision. I aim to inspire and guide students to think critically, embrace interdisciplinary approaches and contribute to solutions to global challenges. By fostering an inclusive and collaborative learning environment, I hope to support diverse perspectives and empower future scholars to make meaningful contributions to sustainability and ecosystem resilience. In addition, I am committed to contributing to an equitable graduate school culture and strengthening international collaborations to enhance UBC Forestry’s global impact.
What keeps you busy in your spare time?
I enjoy exploring nature with my wife and kids, visiting parks and spending time outdoors. We love watching movies and playing cards and board games together, too. Personally, I find joy in reading, cooking and walking. I also stay engaged with my community through events and volunteering.
UBC Forestry wishes to congratulate Dan Macmaster, MSFM’13, on being named a recipient of the 2024-25 Alumni Builder Awards.
An exceptionally dedicated volunteer with the Master of Sustainable Forest Management Program, Dan Macmaster has consistently gone above and beyond in advancing the education of future forest managers. His extensive contributions range from serving on the Master of Sustainable Forest Management Advisory Committee and guest lecturing to volunteering at field camps and organizing multi-day field activities for students.
His outstanding commitment is exemplified by the time, effort, and significant travel he undertakes to ensure he can always provide support. His devotion has made a profound impact on the program and the development of forthcoming generations of forestry professionals.
Congratulations Dan!
Read the full list of 2024-25 Alumni Builder Award recipients here.
Dr. Wardell has over 38 years of experience in natural resource governance, capacity development, conservation and finance in over 20 countries in sub Saharan Africa and south-east Asia. He has published 4 books, 90 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters and 70 technical reports. He co-edited a CUP book CITES As a Tool for Sustainable Development in 2023. His current research interests include shea value chains, REDD+ benefit sharing, forest landscape restoration and community-based wildlife conservation.
UBC Forestry’s “Notes from the Field” series highlights the work of different community forests in collaboration with the British Columbia Community Forests Association.
This issue explores strategies like assisted migration, species diversification, and thinning to mitigate climate change impacts on British Columbia’s forests.
If your community forest wishes to be featured in this publication series, please contact Deborah DeLong at deborah.delong@ubc.ca
Zelalem leads an interdisciplinary research group working across agricultural, forest, and urban ecosystems, focusing on ecosystem productivity, sustainability, and resilience in the face of global change. His group actively collaborates with experts in soil science, plant science, plant pathology, plant breeding, computer science, statistics, and other disciplines. Their research integrates wet lab and field research with computational and data-driven approaches.
Research Areas
Plant and Soil Microbiome – Investigating microbial assembly processes and the role of plant genotype, management practices and environmental factors in shaping microbial communities and function. Using a One Health research approach, we also explore microbiomes across organisms (e.g insects) across agricultural, forest, and urban ecosystems.
Synthetic Microbial Communities – Designing and testing microbial consortia to enhance plant and soil health and productivity. Our goal is through model consortia to uncover key molecular principles and explore their application in sustainable agriculture and ecosystem restoration.
Plant and Soil Health – Examining biological and environmental factors that influence plant and soil resilience, including microbial communities, nutrient dynamics, and drought stress.
Genomic Tools and Ecological Modeling – Developing genomic and computational tools to support climate-resilient plant breeding programs, conservation strategies, and species distribution modeling. Our work integrates large-scale genomics, biodiversity, trait, and environmental databases to improve decision-making in agriculture and natural resource management.
Non-Wood Forest Products & Sustainable Forest Management – Investigating wild edible mushrooms (ectomycorrhizal fungi) and indigenous knowledge to inform culturally sensitive and ecologically sustainable forest management practices. We examine the impact of land use change, climate change and invasive species on non-wood forest products.
Our group employs ecological concepts, genetics, genomics, microbiology, bioinformatics, GIS and remote sensing, computer programming, and statistical and computational approaches. We welcome motivated students from diverse backgrounds interested in these research areas.
Education
BEd. in Biology (Major) and Chemistry (Minor), Bahir Dar University, Ethiopia
MSc. in Biological Sciences (Botanical Sciences), Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia
MSc. in Mediterranean Forestry and Natural Resources Management, University of Lleida, Spain
MSc. in Forest and Environmental Sciences, University of Tuscia, Italy
PhD in Plant Science, University of Saskatchewan, Canada
Post Doctoral Fellow, University of Saskatchewan, Canada
PRP Research Scientist, Agriculture and Agri Food Canada
Awards & Honors
2020 University of Saskatchewan Doctoral Dissertation Award Nominee
2019/2020 University of Saskatchewan Plant Science Outstanding PhD Student
2020 Teacher-Scholar Doctoral Fellow, University of Saskatchewan
2016-2020 Saskatchewan Wheat Development Commission Graduate Scholarship
2016 Singapore International Graduate Award (SINGA)
2012-2014 Erasmus Mundus European Master’s Scholarship
Materials made from the building blocks of wood are an expanding area of research at UBC Forestry. Whether fueling jet engines, offering alternatives to concrete and textiles or replacing plastics, the versatility of bio-based materials has opened the door to their possible application in a broad array of industries. In this issue, we explore a few examples of the potential of these bio-based disruptors, particularly in the global bid towards more sustainable and fully biodegradable products.
