September 15-19 is National Postdoc Appreciation Week. To celebrate, we are profiling several UBC Forestry & Environmental Stewardship postdoctoral researchers. Read about them below!
Dr. Adam Kanigan – Pacific Salmon Ecology and Conservation Laboratory Postdoc
My research investigates the potential impacts of a long-standing monitoring tool—the Chilko River sockeye salmon smolt counting fence—on smolt behaviour and downstream migration. Each spring, Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) installs a river-wide fence ~1.3 km downstream of Chilko Lake’s outlet to enumerate emigrating sockeye salmon smolts. This fence has been in operation near-annually since the early 1950s, providing estimates of smolt productivity for the only wild indicator population of sockeye salmon for the Fraser River watershed. Paired with an accompanying sockeye salmon spawner enumeration project, the resultant data are used in a variety of frameworks to assess stock-recruitment relationships and forecast future spawner returns.
While the fence has been integral to salmon management in British Columbia for nearly 75 years, questions remain about whether its installation influences smolt migration. To address this, I am analyzing existing telemetry datasets to examine smolt movements between Chilko Lake and the counting fence, as well as their fence passage outcomes. My work focuses on identifying environmental and operational factors associated with successful passage, as well as factors that contribute to delays in migration or that modify smolt behaviour. The goal is to provide DFO with recommendations on (1) whether the fence affects smolt behaviour and survival, and (2) how operational practices could be modified to maximize successful passage and reduce passage time.
With recent landslides in the Fraser River (Big Bar, 2019) and Chilcotin River (2024) leading to monumental reductions in salmon recruitment and likely reduced smolt outputs, having a better understanding of any potential negative impacts from monitoring infrastructure is critical. This research also has significance beyond Chilko Lake, as counting fences are a common tool for monitoring migratory fish populations across North America and in many other parts of the world.
Dr. Penghui Zhu – Sustainable Functional Biomaterials Lab Postdoc
I have been privileged to be a postdoctoral fellow in the Sustainable Functional Biomaterials Lab at UBC Forestry & Environmental Stewardship, supervised by Prof. Feng Jiang. My research focuses on transforming abundant forest and agricultural biomass into high-value bioproducts that can replace petroleum-based and resource-intensive materials. For example, I am developing cellulose foam for building insulation with a First Nation community. I am also working on stretchable cellulose films for sustainable packaging and on the cottonization of hemp fibers for textiles. These innovations advance the sustainable use of local resources and contribute to British Columbia’s bioeconomy.
Over the past decade, my work in cellulose-based materials has resulted in 40+ peer-reviewed papers, one book chapter, six patents, and 2400+ citations. I have been fortunate to receive several recognitions, including the Mitacs Elevate Postdoctoral Fellowship, the Mitacs Accelerate Postdoctoral Fellowship, FPAC’s 2024 Chisholm Awards for Innovation in Forestry, the 2025 International Blue Sky Young Researchers Innovation Award, and selection as a semi-finalist in the 2025 UN FAO Transformative Research Challenge (top 24/1500+ applications). These achievements have been highlighted by 50+ media outlets and acknowledged with a congratulatory letter from the Mayor of Vancouver.
One of the most fulfilling parts of my postdoctoral journey has been working with students. I currently supervise nine trainees, including one PhD, one master, and seven undergraduates, and mentoring them has been a true highlight. Their curiosity and dedication enrich my research and inspire me to grow as both a scientist and a mentor. Through this experience, I have gained valuable skills in leadership and teamwork, which I consider just as meaningful as my scientific achievements.
My time at UBC Forestry & Environmental Stewardship has been both challenging and inspiring. It has provided opportunities to expand my research, collaborate with others, and contribute to building a more sustainable future.
Dr. Amber Grant – Urban Forests Research Hub Postdoc
I am a SSHRC-funded Postdoctoral Research Fellow in UBC’s Faculty of Forestry & Environmental Stewardship, whose work sits at the intersection of environmental justice, abolition ecology, and urban nature, examining how structural inequities and carceral systems shape access to urban green space and climate protection in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside (DTES).
My community-engaged, participatory action research is conducted in partnership with the Eastside Illicit Drinkers Group for Education (EIDGE) – a peer-led advocacy group of DTES residents who use illicit alcohol. Together, we examine how criminalization and carceral logics exacerbate the vulnerability of people who drink alcohol in public spaces during extreme weather events, specifically extreme urban heat and heavy precipitation. Carceral logics refer to punitive mindsets, policies, and practices that prioritize surveillance, control, and punishment over care, support, and harm reduction, extending the logic of incarceration and exclusion into everyday urban governance.
Using place-based interviews, participatory mapping, and creative arts-based methodologies, we document how carceral approaches to public drinking intersect with structural inequities (e.g., housing precarity, poverty, systemic racism, inadequate access to healthcare) to compound climate and environmental injustices. Drawing on abolition ecology theory, we investigate how criminalized drinkers engage in place- and meaning-making practices that transform marginalized spaces into sites of mutual aid, cooling, warming, and resilience during extreme weather. Rather than relying solely on technical solutions, we explore how community-led strategies challenge conventional climate adaptation planning and inform more just, non-carceral responses to climate emergencies.
Our community-engaged approach centres the expertise of those most impacted, which is essential for understanding and addressing the intersection of criminalization and climate vulnerability in Vancouver’s DTES. Working with EIDGE (some team members pictured) has shown me that the most urgent research questions emerge from communities themselves, and that meaningful scholarship requires us (academics) to fundamentally reimagine how knowledge is created and shared.
Dr. Yuwei Cao – Integrated Remote Sensing Studio Postdoc
As a postdoctoral researcher in the Integrated Remote Sensing and Simulation (IRSS) Lab at UBC Forestry & Environmental Stewardship, I work at the intersection of remote sensing, artificial intelligence, and cloud computing. My mission is to advance the digital transformation of forestry and help shape the future of precision forestry. By developing deep learning approaches, I aim to make forest monitoring more accurate, automated, and scalable—transforming how we map and understand forest ecosystems.
Forests are central to biodiversity, climate solutions, and sustainable resource management, yet mapping and monitoring their species composition remains a major challenge at large scales. My research focuses on creating deep learning models that integrate data from satellites and lidar sensors, automatically extracting information about tree species across vast landscapes. These tools can reduce the time and cost of traditional forest inventories while providing detailed insights to support sustainable forest management.
Beyond the technical innovations, I am deeply committed to open science and equity in research. I design tutorials and organize workshops that share methods, data, and tools openly, lowering barriers to advanced digital research. In particular, I focus on supporting underrepresented groups in forestry, ensuring that the benefits of AI and cloud computing are accessible to all. My hope is that by combining cutting-edge technology with inclusive practices, we can build a more sustainable and equitable future for forestry.
Dr. Xinyi Huang – UBC Tree Molecular Biology Research Lab Postdoc
Being a postdoctoral research fellow at the Faculty of Forestry & Environmental Stewardship, UBC, has been a deeply rewarding experience. My research mainly focuses on the physiological responses and biochemical profiles of different plants under diverse conditions. One of my current projects investigates the complex metabolic composition of black bamboo (Phyllostachys nigra) through HPLC-timsTOF-MS/MS. This work has the potential to uncover previously unidentified metabolites and biochemical pathways, which could have significant implications in both plant biology and industrial applications. In addition to black bamboo, I have worked with species such as willow, potato, sorghum, and mint. I have also contributed to collaborative projects involving fungi and food nutrition.
Beyond research, my role as a PDF has allowed me to take on a range of responsibilities that I find both fulfilling and meaningful. I enjoy assisting my students, and offering consultations for data analysis and computational programming. I also manage lab operations, including equipment and chemical inventory, meeting and inspection schedules, and other day-to-day activities. When I was a graduate student, I benefited tremendously from my PDF mentor, and now, I strive to be as impactful to those I supervise.
Outside the lab, I enjoy biking and swimming, and at home, I love cooking, drawing, knitting, as well as hanging out with my cat Hermes. I am grateful for my experience as a PDF, and I am excited to bring the skills and experiences I have gained into my next research role in time.
Dr. Min Dai – Sustainable Bioeconomy Research Group Postdoc
Hi, I am Min Dai, a postdoctoral fellow in the Faculty of Forestry & Environmental Stewardship at UBC, working with Professor Guangyu Wang and Professor Qingshi Tu. My research explores how bio-based industries can reduce their environmental impacts and contribute to a more sustainable future.
One of my current studies develops customized strategies for 30 countries to achieve win-win scenarios for both net-zero emissions and water savings in the pulp and paper sector. I am also investigating biodiversity impacts from pulp mill expansion in Southeast Asia. By combining satellite imagery with industry surveys, I am working to identify biodiversity loss and build a trade-traced model that reveals the true drivers of these impacts. In a collaboration, I am conducting a life cycle assessment and techno-economic analysis of a new bio-based foam material. Thisresearch assesses the environmental and economic benefits of large-scale adoption, which generates crucial data to support its wider application. To contribute more to addressing domestic challenges, I am preparing to work with wildfire experts on a study about the impact of wildfires on the timber supply chain, with the aim of delivering policy recommendations for improving wildfire management and timber supply chain resilience.
The collaborative and supportive environment at UBC has made my 11-month experience incredibly rewarding. Engaging with researchers from diverse fields has led to new partnerships and a deeper appreciation for the joy of discovery. Here, Ihave gained more opportunities to present my work and receive trainings for career development and teaching skills. These experiences boosted my confidence as a researcher and opened new opportunities for growth. Beyond the academic side, Vancouver’s natural beauty continues to inspire me and reminds me why sustainable solutions matter.
Dr. Eupidio Scopel – Sustainable Nano Biocomposites Lab Postdoc
My name is Eupidio Scopel, and I am a postdoctoral researcher in Prof. Emily Cranston’s Sustainable Nano Biocomposites group. I am originally from Brazil, and my background is in Chemistry, with a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from the Federal University of Espírito Santo, a Master’s and a PhD from the University of Campinas (Unicamp), and research experience in both Brazil and Canada.
Throughout my career, I have been interested in renewable materials and sustainability. My work has focused on using bio-based macromolecules from lignocellulosic plant cell wall to design materials, colloidal systems, fuels, and chemicals. This has included studies on lignocellulosic biomass fractionation, the production of cellulose and lignin nanomaterials, and their application in hydrogels, emulsions, films, and filaments. Overall, my research covers both fundamental and applied aspects.
At UBC, my research centers on nanocellulose, a renewable material derived from plant biomass with remarkable strength, versatility, and biodegradability. I explore how processing strategies and microscopy-based characterization can help us better understand and optimize the role of nanocellulose in these products and how combining it with other natural ingredients can lead to new functional materials. These applications range from bioplastics to cosmetics and other bio-based products.
Beyond research, I value the chance to collaborate and mentor. Co-supervising students has been one of the most rewarding parts of my postdoc, as it allows me to learn from different perspectives. Overall, being a postdoc at UBC has been an exciting journey of growth, both scientifically and personally. I am grateful for the vibrant and supportive environment here, which encourages curiosity, collaboration, and creativity toward building sustainable solutions for the future.
Dr. Stephanie Bron – Forest Action Lab Postdoc
I am a Postdoctoral Researcher in the Forest Action Lab since August 2025.
My journey has been a bit unconventional as I started research in physics, earning a PhD from the University of Geneva in 2022. I continued in the field of particle physics, completing my first Postdoctoral Fellowship at TRIUMF, Canada’s particle accelerator center, here in Vancouver.
I always had a strong interest in natural ecosystems, which got reinforced by being surrounded by the beautiful forests of British Columbia. This strengthened my decision of transitioning toward environmental sciences and to join the Forestry Department.
As part of a global effort to explore how artificial intelligence and data analytics can transform forestry, my research will develop machine-learning models to predict productivity in forest operations. Building on earlier work from the Forest Action Lab team that combines LiDAR-based forest inventory with data from onboard machine computers that monitor ignition status and movement, I will use available operational and forest information to build and test models.
Reliable productivity predictions help optimize planning for crews, equipment, and logistics, which supports economic sustainability while minimizing the environmental impacts of harvesting.
Dr. Menelisi Falayi – Sunderland Lab Postdoc
After completing my PhD in Environmental Science in 2022, I moved into consulting, working on climate change, carbon markets, and nature-based solutions (NbS) across Africa. During this time, I contributed to designing and implementing both mitigation and adaptation projects
In 2024, I returned to academia and joined the University of British Columbia (UBC), Faculty of Forestry & Environmental Stewardship, as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow under Prof. Terry Sunderland. My research focuses on how NbS, carbon markets, and governance frameworks can connect science, policy, and practice to create real impact.
I work on two main projects. The first, CoastMan Africa, focuses on mangrove-based socio-ecological systems in Ghana, Tanzania, and Zanzibar, where we are co-developing a Decision Support System (DSS) to support better decisions on conservation, restoration, and sustainable livelihoods. The project involves dynamic mapping of mangrove habitat loss risks, supporting local resilience, designing sustainable livelihood strategies. We are also developing a framework for tenure and governance systems that ensure fairness, equity, and community participation.
The second, Carbon4Good – Enabling a High-Quality Forestry Carbon Market in Vietnam, focuses on assessing forest and blue carbon potential across four provinces. The project works with communities, particularly women, in managing forests sustainably, developing climate-smart reforestation projects, and creating alternative income opportunities. My role links international governance frameworks with Vietnam’s carbon market development.
Alongside my research, I give guest lectures for the Master of International Forestry (MIF) program, sharing insights on carbon markets and nature-based solutions. Through these projects, my teaching contributions, and mentorship from Prof. Sunderland, I am gradually shaping my academic path. I look forward to connecting with other researchers.
Dr. Victor Van der Meersch – Temporal Ecology Lab Postdoc
My research focuses on how climate shapes tree growth and reproduction. I work at a macroecological scale, studying temperate forest species across North America and Europe. Collaborating with experts from diverse fields (statistics, climatology, ecology), I develop innovative Bayesian models with mechanistic foundations to disentangle the contribution of climatic drivers from trees’ physiological constraints. Leveraging long-term data streams, including extensive tree-ring records, these large-scale models bring new insights on the climate sensitivity of different species.
I aim to understand what controls species short- and long-term responses to warming and drought, and to what extent trees are resilient to these environmental stressors. At a continental scale, I will investigate if we detect a shift in forest ecosystem functioning in the last decades, and what are the implications of recent climatic perturbations on carbon sequestration. Ultimately, my work contributes to a broader ecophysiological understanding of climate impacts on tree growth and reproduction, with the goal to provide robust forecasts of forest dynamics in future climatic conditions.
