When Hannah Smith first arrived in Canada from the UK, it was meant to be temporary. After completing her Bachelor of Science in Zoology in 2017, she planned to spend just one ski season exploring the mountains. Eight years later, that brief adventure has evolved into a career centred on forestry, wildfire management, and a commitment to protecting forested landscapes.
Hannah spent five years working as a Ski Patroller, a role that strengthened her connection to the outdoors and emergency response. That experience led her to the Alberta government, where she joined the wildfire sector as a Wildland Firefighter. Now, she is pursuing a Master of Sustainable Forest Management to achieve her Registered Professional Forester (RPF) designation.
Building experience in wildfire planning and technology
After relocating to Kelowna, Hannah transitioned into a Wildfire Planning Technician role with a consulting firm, where she was introduced to landscape- and site-level planning for wildfire risk reduction projects.
During this time, she expanded her technical skill set, earning her drone pilot license and conducting UAV surveys across the forestry sector. She also became a Forester-in-Training (FIT) with Forest Professionals British Columbia (FPBC), a key step toward her long-term goal of becoming a Registered Professional Forester (RPF).
Choosing the MSFM program at UBC
To build the academic foundation required for a professional designation, Hannah chose to pursue the Master of Sustainable Forest Management (MSFM) program in the Faculty of Forestry & Environmental Stewardship.
“I wanted a program that would strengthen my understanding of forestry operations and forest policy, while also giving me opportunities to explore different applications and connect with people in the sector,” she says.
Learning from a diverse cohort
One of the standout aspects of the MSFM program for Hannah has been the diversity of experience within her cohort. Students come from a wide range of professional and academic backgrounds, creating a collaborative learning environment where peers learn as much from one another as they do from the coursework.
Applying theory through hands-on learning
“This semester, we designed a Site-Level Plan for a block at the Malcolm Knapp Research Forest,” Hannah explains. “It was an incredibly useful, hands-on experience, and I’m really looking forward to seeing the results next spring.”
Looking ahead: returning to the wildfire field
After graduation, Hannah plans to return to the wildfire field with a renewed and expanded skill set. She is particularly excited to apply her training in geospatial analysis and planning to help address pressing wildfire challenges in British Columbia, while completing the remaining requirements for her RPF designation.
Advice for future MSFM students
For prospective students considering the MSFM program, Hannah offers practical advice: “If you want to become a forester but need the academic pathway, the MSFM program is an excellent choice. Ask questions early, talk to program staff and industry mentors, and make sure the program aligns with your career goals.”
What began as a single ski season has become a purposeful journey—one that continues to evolve at the intersection of forestry, wildfire resilience, and professional stewardship of Canada’s forests.
