When Ellen Kang BSc (Wd Prod Proc) 2025, heard about the Wood Products program in China, she was intrigued to learn more. Ellen was a transfer student into the program.
“I heard program offers both technical knowledge and practical experience. I wanted to gain more hands-on experience and also learn wood products manufacturing on a industrial level. “
A Common Misconception About Studying Wood

“Some people may think studying wood is just about planting trees or chopping down trees, but it’s not true.” The curriculum of the program is highly diverse.
“I’ve learned furniture design using high technology, it’s like CNC (Computer Numerical Control) to make furniture. Also like different kinds of engineered wood products manufacturing processes, and you can also do minor in Commerce and learn Excel programming.”
The Future Role of Wood for Sustainability
Contrary to common belief, wood can be a highly sustainable material. “It’s not just a beautiful and strong material, it has great potential in areas like sustainable construction and even carbon storage.”
“By studying wood products, we can learn how to make the production process more sustainable. For example, I did research using life cycle assessment to evaluate the potential environmental impact of producing glulam (glue-laminated timber) in British Columbia, and identified improved solutions to reduce the carbon emissions.”
“Compared to other materials, like concrete or steel, wood products, requires less energy to produce and emit less greenhouse gasses. So when we use more wood products in construction or furniture, we actually help reduce carbon emissions.”
Gaining Experience Through the Co-Op Program
Ellen’s most memorable Co-Op experience was at West Fraser plywood mill in Williams Lake where she worked as a Quality Control Assistant. She conducted an experiment to improve machine settings, leading to reduced material waste and increased recovery which was able to economically benefit the mills.
“It was the moment that I truly realized how useful and valuable what I’ve learned in this program is.”
Her classes provided her with the necessary skills to thrive in her Co-Op job. For example in WOOD 335, Ellen learned quality improvement and statistic precise control. The class “taught me how to analyze data and figure out the cause of the problem in the production line”. Also, “I learned different kinds of engineered wood products manufacturing processes. So no matter which mill I go to, I will always know what the production process is and the key technologies.”
Co-Op provided Ellen with the opportunity to experience different kinds of jobs while studying and build connections with companies. It was a “big chance for me to get a return offer after graduation and actually got a return offer, so it’s really great opportunity.”
Advice for Future Students
While Ellen was at UBC Forestry & Environmental Stewardship, she met many nice professors and made great friends. “During the study and Co-Op, I kind of realized my own value by applying the knowledge I’ve learned in this program.”
“My advice is maybe spend more time volunteering in different labs in wood products programs and figure out what you really like.”



















