The human side of forestry is often overlooked but always present. Seeing the forest for the trees in this case means connecting the dots between the many ways that people interact with, benefit from and shape natural spaces, and the consequences these activities are having on everything from environmental sustainability to community wellbeing. In this issue, we delve into the social sciences of forestry, highlighting how the academic work, career paths and actions taken by our UBC Forestry & Environmental Stewardship community are shaping the future for the sake of humans and the planet.
Jaehoon Her (Wood Products Processing)
Fabrication Designer (Detailer) – Mercer International
I have been working as a Fabrication Designer at Mercer Mass Timber in Vancouver, a company that focuses on sustainable construction using mass timber materials such as Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) and Glulam. During my co-op term, I was responsible for creating 3D models of building structures and converting them into 2D shop drawings used in the actual fabrication process. It was exciting to see how digital design plays a direct role in real-world construction, and this hands-on experience helped me better understand the connection between design and manufacturing. I was able to apply what I learned in school about engineered wood, and it was especially rewarding to see how those academic concepts are used in industry to build sustainable structures.
What made this experience even more meaningful for me was my long-time interest in environmental sustainability. I have always been concerned about the impact of carbon emissions on our planet, and through this co-op, I was able to explore how eco-friendly materials like CLT and Glulam can reduce the carbon footprint of construction. Visualizing entire buildings in 3D before they are built helped me gain a new perspective on sustainable architecture and the role design plays in creating greener cities.
This co-op gave me more than just technical skills-it gave me clarity about my career path and the kind of work I want to pursue in the future. Being part of the mass timber industry showed me the importance of innovation in sustainable building practices. I believe co-op is one of the best opportunities for students to grow both professionally and personally.
Andy Chen (Wood Products Processing)
Quality Control Process Analyst – West Fraser
I have been working for West Fraser at the Slave Lake Veneer Division. I have been working on optimizing the log conditioning process, specifically preventing over-conditioning and under-conditioning logs. This process improvement also works on improving veneer quality and production efficiency through the lathe, where veneer is peeled.
Another aspect I aim to improve is energy efficiency by reducing energy consumption in the log conditioning process. This has involved conducting conditioning trials with controlled parameters, analyzing core temperature data, analyzing energy data, and summarizing key findings in reports. Through this experience, I’ve developed a deeper understanding of industrial wood processes and quality control. I have toured many mills on work trips where I gained knowledge about panel manufacturing processes such as LVL and Plywood.
Co-op has given me the chance to contribute meaningfully to real operations while building technical skills and confidence in a professional environment. Co-op has given me a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to move to a small town and experience working in a potential career path after graduation. I can experience the work and lifestyle of being in an environment so different from Vancouver and learn if it is the best career choice for me based on my interests and skills.
Will Sparks (Natural Resources Conservation)
Academic Intern – Marine Conservation Cambodia
For the past 3 months I have been living on the remote island of Koh Ach Seh and working as an academic intern for Marine Conservation Cambodia. I have been conducting Seahorse and Seagrass surveys, including following underwater transects to document ocean sediment composition, seagrass cover, and presence of marine life. I have also been pursuing an independent project through MCC, which is focused on the identification of different termite species found in the Kep Archipelago, the first study of its kind in Cambodia.
I’m very grateful for the opportunity that I’ve had doing my first Co-op here at MCC. I am not only learning valuable scientific skills and gaining important experience in the area of conservation but also pushing my own personal boundaries through a once-in-a-lifetime international experience.
I would strongly recommend Co-op (especially international Co-op) to any forestry student as a way to gain these valuable skills while also making memories to last a lifetime.
In the Media: August 2025
Here’s a look at UBC Forestry & Environmental Stewardship in the media throughout August 2025.
August 9, 2025
Wildfire smoke ignites more cross-border tensions between Minnesota and Canada
Lori Daniels
The Minnesota Star Tribune
August 12, 2025
Winnipeg balances public trees removed, planted in 2024 – but long journey to grow canopy still ahead
Sara Barron
CBC News: Manitoba
August 17, 2025
‘Pray for rain’ – wildfires in Canada are now burning where they never used to
Jen Baron
The Guardian
August 20, 2025
Over 70,000 new trees have been planted in narrow Hills Provincial Park since fire tore through area
Lori Daniels
CBC News: Saskatchewan
August 24, 2025
Mount Underwood fire a ‘harbinger’ of future island fires, says wildfire specialist
Lori Daniels
CBC News: BC
August 26, 2025
City of Vancouver injecting trees with pesticide to deal with invasive beetle
Richard Hamelin
CBC News: BC
August 27, 2025
With so much sockeye abundance this year, why can’t commercial fishermen catch more salmon?
Scott Hinch
CBC News: BC
August 28, 2025
Drought is a big problem in Canada – and it’s getting worse
Younes Alila
The Narwhal
Sara Andrade (Natural Resources Conservation)
Seasonal Environmental Field Laborer – Township of King
For my first co-op work term, I am working at Cold Creek Conservation Area in the Township of King, Ontario, as an Environmental Field Laborer and Outdoor Programs Facilitator. So far, I have contributed to wildflower and tree plantings involving community and school groups, as well as a medicinal garden in collaboration with members of the Six Nations Indigenous communities. Additionally, I have worked electronic waste and community outreach events, took the lead in a snake monitoring program for Ontario Nature, and facilitated nature-based programs for children. As the season progresses, I will be focusing on the maintenance of our planting sites and continuing program facilitation.
The variety of activities, environments, and interpersonal interactions that my co-op term has provided me with have been very valuable in expanding my skill set and applying my knowledge and passion in forestry. I am extremely grateful to the UBC Forestry & Environmental Stewardship Co-op program and the Township of King for providing me with this opportunity, and I am looking forward to the rest of my placement.
Kasper Giesbrecht (Forest Sciences)
Wildland Firefighter – British Columbia Wildfire Service
During the summer co-op term, I have been working as a wildland firefighter for the British Columbia Wildfire Service. Working for the BCWS has opened countless pathways for me and tremendously grown my interest in wildfire and other forest disturbances. In this position I have become familiar with the direct and indirect attack operations of the BCWS as well as developed technical skills around chainsaws, hose and water delivery equipment, forest operational safety and more. The position has also allowed me to train and develop what I have learned in previous forestry semesters, through the outdoor work. My tree identification, pathogen recognition, and disturbance ecology knowledge have all consistently been practiced and advanced.
The co-op program helped me greatly in the early stages of my application, through resume and interview tactics and skills. The program has also helped me acknowledge and reflect on goals and learning objectives I have for myself in the position, as well as communicate these goals productively to my supervisors.
Sophie Chin (Forest Sciences)
Research Assistant – Summerland Research and Development Centre
Cherry season has officially begun in the Okanagan! I’ve been hard at work with my team here at the Summerland Research and Development Centre, harvesting fruit samples from hundreds of trees to create robust datasets which will help us understand what makes a great cherry. I’ve learned so much already since working with the Fruit Tree Breeding Program – everything from pollination, grafting, planting, thinning and training to pest management, as well as strategies for working alongside wildlife in the field.
Joining the UBC Forestry & Environmental Stewardship Co-op program has allowed me to experience student life outside of the classroom, applying my knowledge of plant and soil biology to real-life research. Beyond that, it’s been a privilege to work with such an awesome team of researchers at the SurDC and to witness the power of diverse skill sets coming together to get the job done.
Meet a Forestry Student – Upper-Year Student Panels
Join us to hear from a panel of upper-year Forestry students who are excited to share their personal experiences and advice with incoming students! Our panelists represent a variety of our different majors, so this is also a great opportunity to learn more about which major you might be interested in pursuing. The panelists will be different for each session, so you are more than welcome to attend both times if they work with your schedule. All sessions will take place on Zoom.
Meet a Forestry Student – Panel 1
Monday, August 11
6:00 – 7:00 pm Pacific Time
Meet a Forestry Student – Panel 2
Thursday, August 14
7:00 – 8:00 pm Pacific Time
Click the button below to RSVP in advance.
By RSVPing, you will be sent the details for the session(s) you would like to attend. We want these sessions to be as informative as possible for you – when completing the RSVP form, you will also be able to let us know what you’re hoping to learn more about or have answered by our student leaders.
Any questions? Contact Ayra Faiz, Student Engagement Officer, at ayra.faiz@ubc.ca.
Johanne Grelet (Bioeconomy Sciences & Technology)
Research Assistant – The University of British Columbia
I have been working as a research assistant at the Bioproduct Institute in Orlando Rojas’ Lab. I have been supporting my supervisors on research focused on the development of sustainable materials for water treatment and carbon dioxide capture using biomass-based adsorbents and Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs).
Throughout this work term, I have gained valuable hands-on experience with laboratory techniques such as XRD, BET, TGA, and synthesis methods, while also learning how to critically analyse experimental data.
Co-op has allowed me to apply concepts from my coursework in a real-world setting, deepen my understanding of the bioeconomy, and develop professional skills that will benefit me in both industry and academia.
To me, co-op is an essential part of my undergraduate journey as it bridges the gap between theory and practice, and I would highly encourage others to take advantage of this opportunity to explore their interests, gain practical experience, and build meaningful professional connections.