Graeme Cameron (Bioeconomy Sciences & Technology)

Graeme Cameron (Bioeconomy Sciences & Technology)

August 1, 2025 | Author: Carolyn Wijaya

BC Co-op Student – Bureau Veritas

Graeme Cameron

For my first co-op term, I am working as a BC Co-op Student at Bureau Veritas, in the inorganics laboratory of their Environmental Services Department. The key focus of our laboratory is to determine the amount of inorganic compounds present in water, soil and air samples, and to report this data to our clients who require it for their environmental impact assessments. 

During my work term, I have been working mainly with the analysts who test for Nitrogen and Phosphorous. My main responsibilities involve going through our sample database to outline current and upcoming deadlines, developing worksheets for these samples based on the compound of interest for testing, and then preparing these samples for analysis. In the photo, as part of my sample preparation, I am putting water samples into an autoclave. We use an autoclave to sterilize these samples, as this machine uses high pressure steam at temperatures up to 121C to eliminate microorganisms that may be present in the sample, while ensuring consistent conditions for each sample prior to analysis.

During my co-op work term, I have learned a lot about the ins and outs of a professional laboratory. I have gained very valuable laboratory and professional teamwork skills, and knowledge about how environmental compliance testing is done from the laboratory setting. 

This is a large reason of why co-op is so important to me and why I would encourage everyone to join coop. This work term has given me hands-on experience that will allow me to further my learning outside of the classroom, understand the various career opportunities that exist for my degree and graduate as a more well-rounded student.

Posted in: Bioeconomy Sciences & Technology, Student Stories
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Dayton Szczekocki (Forest Sciences)

August 1, 2025 | Author: Carolyn Wijaya

Student Viticulturist – Arterra Wines Canada

Dayton Szczekocki

For my first term with the UBC Forestry & Environmental Stewardship Co-op program, I have been working as a student viticulturist for Arterra Wines Canada in South Okanagan. As a student viticulturist, I help manage and care for grape vines that will be harvested for wine production in the fall. I work with many varieties of wine grapes including but not limited to: Merlot, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, and Shiraz. Projects I have worked on during this work term include: collecting grape bunch count numbers in vineyards to assist with crop yield predictions, pest management planning and data collection for leafhopper species and powdery mildew, and biomass sampling for experimental cover crop trials to increase nutrients in the soil and to promote native biodiversity and pollinators inside vineyards.

By participating in this co-op, I have learned much about the wine production process, pest management techniques, sustainable soil management, and what goes into large-scale agricultural production. Co-op is a valuable experience that allows you to take concepts learned from lectures and expand them by working hands-on in a real-world environment.

Posted in: Forest Sciences, Student Stories
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UBC Forestry & Environmental Stewardship leads forest therapy conference to promote mental health 

July 30, 2025 | Author: UBC Forestry

The Faculty of Forestry & Environmental Stewardship at the University of British Columbia is set to host the International Conference on Forest Therapy from August 8 to 11, bringing together global experts to explore how nature can heal modern health challenges. Dr. Guangyu Wang, a leading UBC researcher in forest therapy and professor in the Faculty of Forestry & Environmental Stewardship, explains why 2025 is a turning point for this emerging field, from rising mental health concerns to innovations that make forest therapy accessible—even indoors. 

What is forest therapy and why is it especially relevant in 2025? 

We’re seeing a sharp rise in mental health challenges like anxiety, depression and burnout, worsened by the pandemic and our screen-heavy lifestyles. Forest therapy, a structured practice rooted in the Japanese tradition of shinrin-yoku (or forest bathing), offers a powerful response. 

First introduced in Japan in 1982, shinrin-yoku encourages people to engage all five senses in nature—listening to birdsong, breathing deeply, touching trees and soil, and fostering an emotional connection to the forest. Research shows it can lower stress hormones, reduce blood pressure and improve cognitive function.  

Recent research from our MINT Lab (Multidisciplinary Institute of Nature Therapy) showed that just 20 minutes in a forest can dramatically improve memory and focus. Other studies reveal forest therapy rewires the nervous system, slashing stress hormones while supercharging your immune system. When most of us are trapped in concrete jungles, forest therapy offers a powerful antidote.  

Why host the International Conference on Forest Therapy in Vancouver? Why now? 

Vancouver is a natural fit for this event as we’re literally surrounded by forests. UBC’s Faculty of Forestry & Environmental Stewardship and the MINT Lab have decades of expertise in how trees and ecosystems affect human health. With healthcare systems overwhelmed, forest therapy offers a proven alternative that doesn’t require prescriptions or lengthy waits. To move forest therapy from niche to mainstream, we need to bring together the global research community.  

What unique perspectives does your research bring to this global conference, particularly in the use of technology for forest therapy? 

At MINT Lab, we’re exploring how forest therapy can be brought indoors. We use tools like virtual reality, scent diffusion and negative ion generators to replicate forest environments for clinical, urban or mobility-restricted settings.  

This makes forest therapy more inclusive, supporting seniors, individuals with disabilities, and high-stress professionals who may not have easy access to nature. Simulating forest elements—what people see, hear, smell and feel—delivers measurable mental and physical health benefits like lower stress and enhanced focus and creativity. We’re lowering the barrier to nature-based healing while preserving its essence. 

How does this conference align with broader public health or environmental challenges? 

As cities expand and climate change accelerates, we’re more disconnected from nature than ever. Forest therapy bridges that gap by linking environmental care with human health.  

In British Columbia, these challenges are particularly acute. Forest resources are shrinking, climate change is intensifying wildfire risks, and many forest-dependent communities are experiencing economic and healthcare challenges. 

Forest therapy offers a sustainable, low-impact alternative. Guided walks and community-led retreats can help communities create new income sources, improve well-being and support local ecosystems. 

The conference brings together experts from research, healthcare and policy to explore how forest therapy can support health community resilience and sustainable land use. 

How can the public participate and gain benefits? 

Members of the public are welcome to attend any part of the conference. Registration is required, and modest fees apply. Registered participants are welcome to a guided forest therapy walk on August 11 at no extra cost. This walk offers a unique chance to experience the calming, restorative power of forest immersion firsthand.  

Whether you’re a healthcare professional, educator, student or simply curious about nature-based healing, the conference offers a meaningful opportunity to learn, connect and experience the benefits of forest therapy in practice. 

For more information on the conference, please visit their website or contact jiawen.lu@ubc.ca  

To arrange interviews with Dr. Guangyu Wang and other researchers, please contact lou.bosshart@ubc.ca 

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Tri-Mentorship Program: Yeganeh Asadian’s Experience Becoming a Mentor

July 28, 2025 | Author: UBC Forestry

Yeganeh Asadian (BSc(Natural Resources Conservation)’07, MSc(Forestry)’10) is currently at the Vancouver Airport Authority as a Manager, Climate and Environment. Yeganeh volunteered as a mentor with UBC Faculty of Forestry & Environmental Stewardship Tri-Mentorship Program in 2024 and as a Speaker/Lecturer at the Industry Nights, Building a Sustainable World: Careers in the Green Economy in 2022.

UBC Forestry & Environmental Stewardship’s Tri-Mentorship Program is a unique program that provides the opportunity for students to connect with industry professionals. This program develops networking skills, communication and the confidence for entering the workforce.

Yeganeh shares why she decided to become a mentor, her experience being apart of this program and why it is important to her.

When I first stepped into a Canadian classroom, everything felt foreign—the language, the culture, the education system. Having moved to Canada just five years before starting university, I struggled to navigate this new world. I lacked a mentor to help guide me through the challenges of language fluency, adapting to the academic structure, and finding a sense of belonging. Those early years were marked by uncertainty and isolation. 

It wasn’t until later in my career that I met mentors who profoundly shaped my professional and personal journey. Their guidance was more than just career advice—it was about human connection, shared experiences, and personal growth. They taught me that mentorship is not just about opening doors professionally but also about fostering confidence, resilience, and a sense of purpose. Their impact instilled in me a deep appreciation for the role of mentorship and a commitment to paying it forward. 

That commitment led me to volunteer as a mentor with UBC Faculty of Forestry & Environmental Stewardship Tri-Mentorship Program in 2024 and as a speaker at Industry Nights: Building a Sustainable World—Careers in the Green Economy in 2022. These experiences allowed me to bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world application, helping students and emerging professionals find clarity in their career paths. 

Through the Tri-Mentorship Program, I had the opportunity to connect with students, sharing insights from my journey and offering the kind of guidance I once wished I had. The most rewarding moments came when I saw mentees gain confidence, realizing they had the skills and knowledge to pursue their ambitions. Similarly, speaking at Industry Nights was a powerful experience—it was inspiring to engage with individuals passionate about sustainability and to witness their excitement about the possibilities within the green economy. 

But mentorship, to me, is not just about structured programs or formal engagements. Throughout my career, I have made it a priority to support anyone who seeks guidance—whether through a scheduled meeting, a casual conversation, or a quick message seeking advice. I have never turned anyone away because I understand what it feels like to navigate a path without a guide. 

Mentorship is about lifting others as we climb, creating a cycle of support that strengthens both individuals and communities. The lessons my mentors imparted to me continue to ripple outward, shaping the next generation of leaders in forestry, sustainability, and beyond. In every mentoring moment, I see an opportunity to give back, to empower, and to ensure that no one has to walk their path alone. 

Interested in getting involved in tri-mentorship? Applications are still open!

Apply here

Posted in: Alumni, News
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Recognizing Community-Driven Collaboration: PRE Fund Awards

July 28, 2025 | Author: UBC Forestry

UBC Forestry & Environmental Stewardship wishes to congratulate Cissy Zhang on being awarded UBC’s Spring 2025 Partnership Recognition and Exploration (PRE) Fund.

About Cissy

Cissy Zhang is a Master of Science student in the Department of Forest Resources Management and a member of the Indigenous Ecology Lab at UBC. Her project, Sasiwala: Centering Kwiakah Knowledge Systems in Regenerative Forestry, supports a two-day gathering bringing together Kwiakah First Nation members and UBC co-researchers to build relationships and share knowledge before beginning a Kwiakah-led forestry project. Held in Campbell River and on the Nation’s Core Territory, Sasiwala emphasizes land-based learning, storytelling, and collaboration grounded in both Indigenous knowledge and Western science. PRE funding supports an Indigenous facilitator, recommended by Dr. Jennifer Grenz, to guide respectful dialogue, as well as a videographer to document the gathering for future community and research use.

About the PRE Fund

The Partnership Recognition and Exploration (PRE) Fund celebrates inspiring initiatives that bring together UBC students, faculty, and staff with community partners to address shared goals across a wide range of themes.

By supporting the development of reciprocal, ethical, and impactful partnerships, the PRE Fund reflects UBC’s ongoing commitment to community-led engagement, experiential learning, and socially responsible research and teaching.

Each year, the PRE Fund provides up to $1,500 to help bridge resource gaps and strengthen new or existing university–community collaborations. Since 2017, it has supported over 445 partnerships with more than $667,000 in funding. Approximately 40% of this support has gone to IBPOC-led projects, including 25% led by Indigenous partners.

See the official announcement and learn more about the awarded projects here.

Posted in: Awards, FRM Featured, News, Students
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Making an Impact Door by Door – Charlotte Conley’s Summer Job

July 24, 2025 | Author: UBC Forestry

Meet Charlotte! Charlotte is a fourth-year in the Natural Resources Conservation program – Science and Management major. This summer, Charlotte is working as a Canvasser for the Wilderness Committee. She shares how her degree in conservation has helped her with this role, the skills she has developed and what she has enjoyed the most about this position.

This summer I had the opportunity to work with the Wilderness Committee, an environmental charity for protecting species at risk, old growth forests, among other conservation issues in BC. My job entails going door to door, connecting with previous donors as well as canvassing for new donors.  

I am responsible for being knowledgeable about current environmental issues the Wilderness Committee is involved in and being able to successfully communicate these topics to individuals with a variety of perspectives. Studying conservation has enabled me to do this successfully as these subjects directly relate to what I have learned in lectures. Having this foundational knowledge helps to facilitate these conversations while expanding the depth of my understanding of conservation and environmentalism.

Working in this position, I have developed my interpersonal skills by being able to successfully discuss complex and controversial topics. With this job being quite physically and emotionally demanding at times, in regards to working in outdoor conditions and encountering lots of rejection, I have improved my resilience and perseverance.

Developing this grit and ability to communicate will definitely benefit me in future jobs. Being responsible for accounting for all of the donations I receive, I have honed my attention to detail and organizational skills. 

My favourite part about this job is definitely connecting with those in my community over environmental issues. I have really enjoyed many of the conversations I have gotten to have with individuals all over Vancouver. Being able to connect with others on these topics that I feel so passionately about has been a wonderful experience. Having the opportunity to learn more in depth about different environmental issues has been a great way to expand my knowledge in the field of conservation. 

Learn more about Natural Resources Conservation at UBC Forestry & Environmental Stewardship

Posted in: Conservation Featured, News, Students
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Tobiasz, Anna

July 24, 2025 | Author: UBC Forestry

Anna Tobiasz

Tobiasz, Anna

MSFM Program Coordinator

Department of Forest Resources Management

Forest Sciences Centre 2229
2424 Main Mall
Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4
Canada

anna.tobiasz@ubc.ca

Research Areas:

Biography
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I am a Registered Professional Forester with experience in landscape-level planning and forest operations across various regions of British Columbia. I hold a BSc in Forest Ecology and Management (UNBC) and a MSc in Forestry (UBC), where my research focused on modelling stand susceptibility to Douglas-fir beetle. As part of the Malcolm Knapp Research Forest team, I carry out strategic and landscape-level planning. Within the Faculty of Forestry & Environmental Stewardship, I contribute to various programs through teaching and coordination. My interests lie in disturbance ecology and helping others explore the complex dynamics of forest ecosystems and management.

Selected Publications
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Posted in: Education and Pedagogy in Forestry, Faculty Profiles, FRM Faculty, Sustainable Forest Management
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A Summer in the Lab – Raewyn’s Experience

July 24, 2025 | Author: UBC Forestry

Meet Raewyn, a fourth-year Bioeconomy Sciences and Technology student working as an undergraduate research assistant in the Advanced Renewable Materials Lab!

The Advanced Renewable Materials Lab is led by Dr. Scott Renneckar. This lab works with plant based polymers and a range of other natural materials to create sustainable products for a variety of applications.

Raewyn shares what it is like working in a lab, what a typical day at work is like and the unique opportunities this position has provided her with.

In this role, I get hands on experience researching renewable biomaterials, preparing samples, and testing the properties of the materials I create. One project I’m currently working on involves developing foams without the use of fossil fuels. 

Through my degree, I’ve taken courses in organic chemistry, polymer science, and applied biotechnology, which provide a strong foundation for many of my daily tasks. My laboratory classes offered hands-on experience, allowing me to practice essential lab techniques and procedures. I’ve also been able to apply research skills, particularly in literature review and data analysis, developed through coursework to real world scenarios. 

I’ve had the opportunity to work with a variety of equipment in the lab, including ATR, DSC, DMA, and a rheometer. Building on this, I’m learning how to interpret, analyze, and compare results and raw data generated by these instruments. 

A typical day in the lab involves meeting with my supervisor to discuss tasks for the day, planning my schedule, preparing and analyzing samples while updating my lab book, and attending lab meetings to share progress on current projects. The best part of this job is that it allows me to gain meaningful, hands on experience that I can apply both in the classroom and in my future career. I also love having the opportunity to explore scientific topics that interest me and to follow my curiosity in a field I’m passionate about. 

Learn more about Bioeconomy Sciences and Technology at UBC Forestry & Environmental Stewardship.

Posted in: Bioeconomy Featured, News, Students
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Camera Traps, Carnivores and Conservation – Taya Baerg’s Summer Work

July 24, 2025 | Author: UBC Forestry

Taya Baerg is a third-year student in the Natural Resources Conservation at UBC Forestry & Environmental Stewardship. This summer, Taya is working as a Himalayan Carnivore Research Assistant at UBC’s Gaynor Lab. This position is apart of the WorkLearn program.

In this Q&A, Taya shares her experience working in this position, the skills she has developed and what a typical day at work looks like for her!

What are your role and responsibilities in your summer position? 

My role in Gaynor Lab is a Work Learn position – it is as much my responsibility to learn as it is to work! As for the ‘work’ portion, my day-to-day responsibilities involve organizing and annotating images collected from camera traps in Shey Phoksundo National Park, Nepal, to support ongoing research studying human impacts on two of the region’s top predators: wolves and snow leopards. As for the ‘learn’ portion, I participate in meetings and discussions in which my labmates and I gain insight into each others’ research and critically read relevant scientific literature.  

How has your degree prepared you for this role?  

My degree in forestry has helped me in developing many skills crucial for this role, including interpreting data and scientific communication. My courses have introduced me to a number of concepts that have amplified my understanding of the lab’s research, such as niche partitioning and human-wildlife conflict. In particular, CONS 454 (South Africa field school) introduced me to the world of camera traps, inspiring me to further pursue work in this field. 

What skills have you developed from this role?  

This role has immensely strengthened my skills in data management and statistical analysis. I have had the opportunity to explore ways in which GIS and R can be used to manage data and synthesize results.  

What does a typical day at work look like for you? 

A typical day involves putting on some good tunes and looking at thousands and thousands of images of leopards, wolves, people, livestock, and so much more! It also involves collaborating with my supervisor and labmates to discuss our findings and overcome difficulties with the data. 

What is your favorite part of this job?  

The highlight of my job is hearing about what everyone else in the lab is doing! The lab’s research varies in terms of topic, location, and study subject – from bobcat range shifts here in BC, to ungulate niche partitioning in Mozambique, to predator-prey interactions in California. It is a privilege to be immersed in such diverse studies among such a passionate team 

Learn more about Natural Resources Conservation at UBC Forestry & Environmental Stewardship

Posted in: Conservation Featured, Featured Undergraduate, News, Students
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Cedar Bark Harvesting Demo and Weaving

July 21, 2025 | Author: UBC Forestry

Banner for cedar bark harvesting demo and cedar weaving event.

When: July 21, 2025 | 10 am to 1 pm
Where: UBC Farm, behind CSFS admin building (IDEAL signage will mark area)

Register Here

Join Elder Leonard Williams for a hands-on cedar bark harvesting demonstration and cedar weaving project, open to all UBC faculty, staff, and students. While the event is primarily aimed at STEM faculties as part of regular EDI.I programming, anyone interested—especially those enrolled in the IDEAL or Cascades of Change programs—is welcome to attend. This experiential opportunity fulfills Stage 2 requirements for both programs and offers a unique chance to learn directly from Indigenous knowledge and practice.

Posted in: EDI event, Past Events
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