I have been working as a Summer Student at Weyerhaeuser’s Laminated Strand Lumber (LSL) facility in Kenora, Ontario – one of North America’s leading engineered wood product plants. While my daily responsibilities included performing quality checks and maintaining production line components, the most impactful part of my experience was participating in a site-wide internal audit. This opportunity allowed me to step beyond routine tasks and gain a comprehensive understanding of mill operations, from safety systems and material flow to quality control standards across departments. Being involved in audit interviews and documentation review helped me develop a sharper eye for process compliance, root cause analysis, and interdepartmental collaboration. I came to appreciate how every part of the operation is connected-and how continuous improvement is driven by both data and people.
Working at Weyerhaeuser has been a truly inspiring experience. It taught me to think more critically, communicate more clearly, and see the bigger picture behind production. I’m incredibly grateful for this Co-op opportunity, and I would encourage others to embrace the learning moments that come with stepping outside your usual role – it’s often where the most meaningful growth happens.
Research Assistant – UBC Forestry & Environmental Stewardship TEAM Lab
I have been working as a Research Assistant in the TEAM (Timber Engineering and Applied Mechanics) Lab at UBC, where I have been involved in full-scale structural testing of mass timber beams. My main tasks include setting up sensors, preparing test specimens, and collecting data under supervision. Through this experience, I have gained hands-on knowledge of structural behavior, learned to operate lab equipment safely, and developed a deeper understanding of applied mechanics in timber design.
Co-op has given me the chance to apply what I learned in class to real engineering problems, and it has helped me grow both technically and professionally. I believe the co-op program is a valuable opportunity for students to explore their field of interest, build meaningful industry experience, and gain clarity about future career paths.
I have been working as an Invasive Vegetation Management Technician and Skilled Laborer with Evergreen Limited. Because I have been called on to support both vegetation management and skilled labor contracts, I have worked on a wide range of projects – from monitoring the safe excavation of a salmon pathway expansion to treating invasive vegetation in remote areas of the Lower Mainland. This summer has given me a valuable behind-the-scenes perspective on the “war with invasives” in British Columbia, and it has shown me the breadth of what conservation projects can involve. While I have developed technical skills such as safety compliance and chemical handling, I have also gained practical abilities that are applicable to daily life and to the potential future operations of a small business.
Co-op has given me the opportunity to learn how to translate textbook processes into the realities of a small environmental restoration company, as well as to gain insight into the management of forest construction sites. It has also allowed me to explore a career path very different from the research-focused roles I have held in the past. I would highly recommend the Forestry Co-op Program to anyone looking to gain practical experience while discovering how their degree can make a tangible impact on the environment.
I am working in the Advanced Renewable Materials Laboratory as a Laboratory Assistant, where I am working on a project aiming to convert an oil waste product called asphaltene into carbon fiber. My role is to assist with the research of the project by performing tasks such as fiber spinning, sample preparation, and analytical testing to collect data that can be analyzed later.
Through performing these tasks, I have gained crucial research skills and a stronger understanding of the various chemicals within the lab. Additionally, I have gained experience in safely and confidently operating the scientific equipment used to perform experiments.
This Co-op placement has provided me with valuable laboratory experience, such as experimental design, analytical equipment operation, and data analysis. Furthermore, it has provided me with a deeper understanding of working in a professional environment. I recommend joining the Co-op program as you get the chance to learn new skills and apply knowledge from your studies to a real-world, hands-on experience.
Summer Camp Program Facilitator – Wild & Immersive | UBC Malcolm Knapp Research Forest
During this summer 2025, I worked as a Program Facilitator with Wild & Immersive at UBC’s Malcolm Knapp Research Forest in Maple Ridge, BC. Our team delivers natures-based programs for school groups and summer campers ranging from ages 5 to 12. During my work term, I helped lead full-day field trips, designed camp activities, and supported outdoor-based learning through games, hikes, and outdoor exploration. My responsibilities also included managing group dynamics, ensuring safety on trails, and encouraging curiosity about forests and the environment.
Throughout the term, I developed key skills in communication, behavior management, and program planning. I learned how to balance discipline with building strong relationships with youth, and how to adjust activities based on group energy or weather conditions. I also gained insight into the behind-the-scenes logistics required to run outdoor programs smoothly and effectively.
This co-op term deepened my interest in environmental education and gave me the chance to apply leadership skills in a real-world setting. Being outdoors every day, guiding children through meaningful nature experiences, helped me grow more confident, resourceful, and grounded in my passion for conservation. I’m proud of what I accomplished and grateful for the opportunity to be part of such a thoughtful and inspiring team.
Urban Forestry Co-op – Seattle Department of Transportation
As an Urban Forestry Co-op student, I have been updating and analyzing the Seattle Department of Transportation’s inventory of trees in the public right-of-way. I have been using the Urban Forestry Division’s ArcGIS tree collection maps to determine which city units require inventorying. I collect data for each tree in the unit, such as species identification, diameter at breast height (DBH), and health condition.
After inputting these data into the Field Maps application, I use iTree software to determine the general structure and socioeconomic benefits of the urban forest, such as the top five genera planted or the total sequestered carbon dioxide. Then, I detail these findings in a written report using tables and graphics. I also discuss my findings with the Urban Forestry Division to understand why certain species perform well while others do poorly in specific areas.
This opportunity has allowed me to increase my understanding of ArcGIS, Field Maps, and iTree software. Beyond this, I also had the chance to connect with other city staff members and discover new pathways of environmental conservation. Ultimately, I find this placement incredibly meaningful as my work directly helps determine which species will be added to Seattle’s landscape, maximizing tree survival rates and socioeconomic benefits. Additionally, my field work is used to determine whether the city is reaching its sustainability goals, such as 30% canopy cover by 2030. I feel professionally and personally enriched by this experience.
This February, the Master of International Forestry program shook up their usual field component with a trip to Costa Rica. Program Lecturer and Coordinator, Peter Wood, shares more about the experience.
The pride in the eyes of the man leading us through the lush tropical forest is evident. Over the past 40 years, Rodriguez Paniagua has restored what was previously degraded pasture into a thriving ecosystem, now alive with the sounds of birds and insects, and he takes great joy in showing it off. The students are enthralled by the story of how he secured the support of the local community to restore the watershed, and in the process, reduce drought and flooding events.
This was but one of several stops featured in the Master of International Forestry (MIF) field trip to Costa Rica this February, hosted by the Center for Tropical Agricultural Research and Higher Education (CATIE). Costa Rica presents an excellent opportunity to explore many of the questions tackled by the MIF program, including: What makes forests (and forestry) an international issue? How can countries learn from each other’s mistakes and best practices? What exactly is “sustainable forest management,” and what role can this play in achieving Sustainable Development Goals?
Costa Rica offers many conservation success stories, including bringing back its forest cover from 25% in the 1980s, to 60% today, standing in stark contrast to its neighbours.
This is in part due to strict legal protections that were established for primary forests, and payment-for-ecosystem-services schemes, all designed to meet obligations under the Convention on Biological Diversity and other international agreements. It was fascinating to hear the MIF students reflect on how tensions between conservation and development are playing out in their own countries, including Canada.
Other highlights of the trip included a boat tour of a mangrove ecosystem, a visit to a teak plantation, a hike through a high-altitude cloud forest, and making chocolate from raw cacao pods. The CATIE campus, a bustling hub of research nestled within a forest southeast of San Jose, provided an excellent base and allowed us to interact with many researchers working on some of these issues.
We are looking forward to returning to Costa Rica with the new cohort of the MIF, which is a one-year course-based master’s program that prepares students for a career in international forestry. Prospective students are encouraged to follow us on LinkedIn and check out the MIF website, which includes a short video about the field trip.
Williams Lake, B.C. – The University of British Columbia Faculty of Forestry & Environmental Stewardship’s Combined Heat and Power (CHP) Academy, based at the Alex Fraser Research Forest, has successfully wrapped up its June 2025 field training, bringing together participants from Ontario, the Northwest Territories, Saskatchewan, and British Columbia for an intensive, hands-on learning experience.
Over five days, participants developed the technical skills and strategic knowledge needed to implement biomass energy projects, especially in remote Indigenous communities, while deepening their understanding of forest management, wildfire prevention, and community resilience.
Through training on the CHP system, participants learned to operate and maintain biomass energy equipment, tracing the complete pathway from forest to fuel to community heat and power.
“When people come here, they don’t just learn about a machine,” says Mustafa Onder Ersin, Project Manager of the CHP Academy. “They learn how forests can provide sustainable energy, how to evaluate funding opportunities, and how to turn slash piles from wildfire prevention into clean power. That’s the kind of knowledge that builds long-term community resilience.”
Skills Participants Developed
Forests & Forestry: Understanding how sustainable forestry supports long-term biomass supply and ecosystem health
Biomass Supply Chains: From slash recovery and roadside processing to wood chip preparation
Wildfire Prevention: Converting hazardous fuels from wildfire mitigation projects into CHP feedstock
Fossil Fuel Displacement: Measuring diesel savings and greenhouse gas reductions with biomass systems
Funding & Grants: Identifying Indigenous, provincial, and federal program opportunities
Pre-feasibility Analysis: Assessing local resources, technical needs, and community readiness
Site Planning & Integration: Designing CHP systems to support community infrastructure, such as greenhouses and district heating
Looking Ahead
Future CHP Academy sessions are scheduled for September, October, and December 2025, and January 2026. Tuition-free training, including accommodations, meals, and travel subsidies, is available for Indigenous participants.
By connecting bioenergy technology with forest stewardship and climate resilience, the CHP Academy provides communities with the tools to shape their sustainable energy future. For more information or to register, visit the Alex Fraser Research Forest website or contact chp.academy@ubc.ca.
About the Alex Fraser Research Forest
Part of UBC’s Faculty of Forestry & Environmental Stewardship, the Alex Fraser Research Forest spans nearly 10,000 hectares of crown forest in British Columbia’s Cariboo region. The forest serves as a living laboratory for education, research, and demonstrations of sustainable forest management practices.
About FPInnovations
FPInnovations is a not-for-profit organization that develops solutions to support the Canadian forest sector’s global competitiveness. With research facilities in Québec City, Montréal, and Vancouver, and technology transfer centres across Canada, FPInnovations delivers applied research, advanced technologies, and innovative solutions for all areas of the forest sector’s value chain.
UBC Forestry & Environmental Stewardship congratulates Dr. Melissa McHale on receiving one of two prestigious Wall Fellowships, UBC’s highest-value internal research awards. The fellowships will fund innovative research to help B.C. communities adapt to climate change and address rising housing demands.
Project Title: Rising Heat, Roaring Flames, and Waning Waters: Building a Climate-Resilient Research Hub for British Columbia
The Okanagan Valley is feeling the effects of climate change more than ever with hotter summers, more frequent wildfires and growing pressure on water supplies. On top of this, rapid growth and urban development are adding new challenges for local communities.
Melissa’s research is tackling these issues head-on in partnership with the City of Kelowna, Indigenous communities and local organizations. The project is exploring how cities can:
Use trees and vegetation to cool neighbourhoods while saving water
Design greener spaces that also reduce wildfire risk
Build healthier, more inclusive communities through nature-based solutions
This work is also laying the foundation for Canada’s first Long-Term Social-Ecological Research (LTSER) site, part of a worldwide network studying how people and nature can thrive together. What makes this site unique is that it’s guided by Indigenous knowledge and leadership from the very beginning, helping to shape a more sustainable future for the Okanagan and beyond.
About the Wall Fellowships Award
Each year, the Wall Fellowships provide nearly $4 million to support innovative UBC research that tackles major sustainability challenges in B.C. and beyond. Made possible by Dr. Peter Wall’s remarkable gift now exceeding $100 million, the awards advance projects in urban sustainability, coastal protection and sustainable approaches to resource-intensive industries. From climate change and biodiversity loss to cleaner transportation, energy storage and resilient water systems, the Wall Fellowships are driving solutions for a more sustainable future.
View the full list of 2025 Wall Legacy Award recipients, including three UBC Forestry & Environmental Stewardship faculty members and four graduate students here.
Talia Chen is a rising fourth year in the Natural Resources Conservation program – Global Perspectives major. She is also in the Bachelor’s + Master of Management (B+MM) program with the Sauder School of Business.
This summer, Talia has been working as a Research Assistant at the Dragon Lab studying under Associate Professor Dr. Harry Nelson. This position is a WorkLearn position.
The Dragon Lab focuses on community resilience and works with Indigenous and forest communities globally to support their governance of natural resources.
In this Q&A, Talia describes what she has been working on, how her degree has helped her be successful in this role and the skills she has developed.
What are your responsibilities at this job?
I’m working on a research project with Dr. William Nikolakis, Dr. Harry Nelson, and Haitao Li, studying voluntary prescribed burn associations across the US. I’ve been gathering information on these organizations (who, where, how old, acres burned, org structure, etc) and looking through existing literature to understand why/how these groups form. We’re putting together a paper on our findings to advise policy on prescribed burns (and potentially cultural burns) in Canada.
How has your degree prepared you for this role?
My degree has always promoted the intersection between environmental science, social science, and policy, and understanding how those fields interact has been very helpful in approaching my work in this position. In analyzing the circumstances under which these prescribed burn associations exist, we have to look at factors like social capital and other contextual information in addition to factors like wildfire risk and topography. It feels very broad sometimes because there are so many angles to look at this topic from.
What skills have you developed from this role?
Since we started working on this at the start of the summer, it’s been interesting seeing how this team tackles all the unknowns involved. I’ve also never worked with a spatial analyst or written a research paper so it’s been great learning how to incorporate those elements into a research project.
What does a typical day at work look like for you?
I go into the Dragon Lab around noon and stay there working until the evening. My work can be done remotely so if the team doesn’t have a meeting scheduled I don’t always come in, but there are usually a couple people in the lab and being around them helps me focus better. Sometimes I’ll take a break to chat with some of the other undergrads working in the forestry building this summer.
What is your favorite part of this job?
My favorite part of this job is that I’m working towards something that can help the wildfires in my home state of California. We’re hoping to advise BC policy on prescribed burns but I’m eager to gain a better understanding of the landscape of prescribed burns in the states as well. I like that this project allows me to dive into the landscape of collaborative wildfire mitigation via prescribed burning. It’s also been fascinating seeing the crossover with revitalizing cultural burning in much of the US.
