Environmental Co-op Student – Elk Valley Resources
I have been lucky enough to spend the last four months working as an Environmental Science Co-op Student at Elk Valley Resources, a coal mining company based out of the Elk Valley in Eastern BC. My main project has been helping set up research trials in collaboration with the University of Alberta to help improve reclamation results on an operational scale. Although this project will not kick off in the field until the snow melts at the trial sites during my next work term, I have spent the majority of my time with helping set up the logistics of the project.
A typical workday for me includes creating supporting documentation, making maps on GIS software, and organizing data. Additionally, I work with the water team whenever they need an extra hand by conducting water sampling- to ensure that water quality at and around the mine sites are within regulatory boundaries.
My favorite part of my co-op experience is definitely the connections I have made. My peers encourage me to pursue work that I find interesting and are always willing to answer all of my questions. Since the company is so large, I have been able to try out work from a variety of fields and to see what environment I work best in. I know that these relationships I have made within the last four months will aid in my career growth beyond this work term.
UBC Forestry & Environmental Stewardship and University of Melbourne experts Sara Barron, Amy Hahs, and Kenneth Winkel explain how encouraging students to take ‘Nature Snacks’ can improve belonging and wellbeing.
UBC students Amari Davison and Hana Nishimura (photo above) manage an Instagram account @campusnaturesnacks to inspire students to take short nature breaks on UBC campus.
With wellbeing among young adults an increasing concern, a collaboration between UBC’s Faculty of Forestry & Environmental Stewardship and the University of Melbourne aims to tackle student mental health one ‘nature snack’ at a time
We spoke with three experts: Dr. Sara Barron (SB), Program Director of UBC Faculty of Forestry & Environmental Stewardship Master of Urban Forestry Leadership, Associate Professor Kenneth Winkel (KW), a teaching specialist at the Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, and Associate Professor Amy Hahs (AH).
Together, they explain how taking short breaks in nature can help us all nourish our mental health.
What is a ‘Nature Snack’?
SB: We propose the term ‘Nature Snack’ as a concept of taking moments in our day to connect with nature for our well-being. This is about ‘snacking’ using all our senses as a way to feel better. A snack is a little bite you sneak in between meals to keep the hunger away. Why not do the same to nourish your brain and body? A Nature Snack won’t solve everything, but it might just power you through your day. The idea is that a snack is easy to sneak in. It can take anywhere from 30 seconds to 10 minutes and should leave you feeling better – via a dose of sensory rejuvenation.
KW: This idea builds on the more familiar term ‘exercise snack’ coined by Dr Howard Hartley at Harvard Medical School in 2007. It promoted taking moments in the day to do short bursts of ‘high intensity exercise’ such as squats, push-ups, sprints or going up stairs. The intention was to combine lots of small moments into a healthy ‘mindful’ and consistent exercise habit. Likewise, promoting ‘nature snacking’ is about becoming mindful of choosing to go outside, of consciously seeking out green spaces and engaging in biodiversity experiences, as opposed to automatically being hermits inside our sensory deprived concrete and plastic caves. In short, choosing nature snacks is good for you!
Why the focus on wellbeing?
AH: Everything works better when you feel well. It’s easier to process information, to focus, make decisions and sift what is important from what is just ‘noise’. It’s also easier to get outside for exercise, spend time with friends and do things you enjoy; rather than retreating to your indoor comfort space for rest and screen-based entertainment. Feeling well also means that there are fewer physiological stressors acting on your body, less inflammation and damaging oxidation that would otherwise, over time, increase disease risk.
Who can benefit?
SB: Our recent study (in press) at UBC found that students are lonely, and feel guilty taking breaks, but that they find restoration in campus nature. We are starting our project focused on university students, but the concept applies to anyone looking for a way to find restoration.
Where can one take a break with nature?
KW: Any engagement with nature is helpful – ideally a total of 2 hours a week immersed in complex green and blue spaces, but, as Sara says, any dose is good, and it all adds up. At the University of Melbourne, we are fortunate to have a great variety of green spaces – from precolonial river red gum trees shading the university sports oval to a curated and secluded ‘systems’ garden featuring a real rainforest – all perfect for recharging your sensory batteries. However, there are also coffee or literal snacking spots shaded by wonderful trees scattered around the main campus.
These provide biodiverse green andsocial spaces to enjoy the sights and fragrances of nature whilst relaxing with friends or a great book! The wonderful chorus of birds at sunset sings the day away and invites out the creatures of the night, such as our bats and possums. I also enjoy growing Devil’s ivy (Golden Pothos or, formally, Epipremnum aureum) in my office. I used to have a window view of blue sky and gum trees, but my current office has a view of a concrete wall – so not much green there!
SB:It can be challenging to get outside, and especially into the deep forest. In a stressed-out world, we need to find easy ways to reconnect with nature for our own health. You don’t always need a forest, just a moment and a new way of seeing. Even for folks who can’t get outside, focusing on a natural scene or looking out the window is restorative.
When is the best time to take a break?
AH: Any time! If I have a couple minutes between meetings, or if I’m working on something difficult, I’ll duck outside for a ‘Nature Snack’. The short pause helps me reset and work with more intention; rather than feeling like I’m running from one thing to the next and everything is reactive.
SB: There is no right or wrong way to take a break. Our colleague Kate Lee found that even 40 seconds looking at a green roof helped sustain attention and increased feelings of restoration.
Finally, how do each of you ‘Nature Snack’?
SB: I am a tree person, and I have a few favourite trees at both the UBC campus (the Elm at University Boulevard and Main Mall) and at the University of Melbourne (the Queensland kauri at Burnley gardens) that I visit when feeling particularly stressed. Their endurance is calming for me.
AH: I like to take a big deep breath of fresh air to savour the smell of plants and the feeling of sun and wind on my skin and in my lungs. When I breathe out again I can feel my shoulders are more relaxed and my brain and heart are not racing quite so fast. I have a snack every time I step out of a building into a greenspace, or just before I head back inside, so I get at least four ‘Nature Snacks’ each day (two at home, two at work). Usually I sneak more in as I’ve started to crave them! What makes this a ‘Nature Snack’? I trained myself to do this on purpose. Now, I’ve done it so often, if I don’t remember I still breath in instinctually.
For more information, please follow the project on Instagram @campusnaturesnacks
References
Barron, Sara, Black, T., Nishimura, H., Savage, J., Schlachter, H., Emily Rugel, E. (2025) Student Researchers, Student Spaces: An inquiry into university courtyards as diverse & inclusive areas for social connection and well-being. Paper accepted Arboriculture and Urban Forestry Special Issue.
Barron, S., & Rugel, E. J. (2023). Tolerant greenspaces: Designing urban nature-based solutions that foster social ties and support mental health among young adults. Environmental science & policy, 139, 1-10.
Lee, K. E., Williams, K. J., Sargent, L. D., Williams, N. S., & Johnson, K. A. (2015). 40-second green roof views sustain attention: The role of micro-breaks in attention restoration. Journal of environmental psychology, 42, 182-189.
Mavoa, S., Davern, M., Breed, M., & Hahs, A. (2019). Higher levels of greenness and biodiversity associate with greater subjective wellbeing in adults living in Melbourne, Australia. Health & place, 57, 321-329.
White, M. P., Alcock, I., Grellier, J., Wheeler, B. W., Hartig, T., Warber, S. L., … & Fleming, L. E. (2019). Spending at least 120 minutes a week in nature is associated with good health and wellbeing. Scientific reports, 9(1), 7730.
Winkel, K. D., Hahs, A., Barron, S., & Hartig, T. (2024). Eco-ethical care for people and the planet. The Lancet, 403(10442), 2377.
International Business Co-op – Sun.King New Energy Technology (Fuxing) Co., Ltd
I have been working on advancing global renewable energy solutions through my role in the International Business Department of a leading energy storage company. My responsibilities spanned managing export compliance for electronic components, engaging clients at international trade shows, and collaborating on digital campaigns that highlighted sustainable innovations. This experience taught me how to bridge technical expertise with commercial strategy-translating complex product specs into client value while navigating cross-cultural business dynamics.
Co-op has been transformative, offering a platform to apply classroom concepts like systems thinking and lifecycle analysis to real-world sustainability challenges. It reinforced the power of interdisciplinary skills in driving global impact, whether optimizing supply chains or designing eco-conscious solutions. For students seeking to explore career paths, build versatile competencies, and contribute meaningfully to industries shaping our planet’s future, co-op is an unparalleled opportunity to learn, adapt, and lead with purpose.
Vision Grading Implementation & Quality Control Assistant – Gilbert Smith Forest Products Ltd.
My first co-op at Gilbert Smith Forest Products (GSFP) was an invaluable experience that deepened my understanding of the sawmill side of the forest industry. What surprised me most about this job was the wide variety of product sizes and grades that Western Red Cedar (WRC) can produce, and how efficiently the mill maximizes the value of every log.
Unlike more conventional mills, GSFP is very open to new technologies and process improvements, including the introduction of AI grading systems. My daily tasks included performing quality control checks at the end printer and optimization edger, ensuring clear and accurate grade and length prints, as well as verifying that the after-cut widths fell within a reasonable range.
I was also involved in projects like testing the accuracy of the AI vision scanner for defect-based board grading and conducting a time study at the stacker to identify areas for improvement and reduce downtime. This hands-on experience not only reinforced what I’ve learned in school but also taught me how to handle unexpected challenges and strengthened my problem-solving skills under pressure.
This term, I started working as a Veterinary Assistant at an animal hospital in Seattle, Washington. I’m gaining valuable, hands-on experience in companion animal medicine while supporting a dedicated team of veterinarians and technicians. My responsibilities include assisting in exams, administering fluids and vaccines, performing nail trims, updating medical records, filling prescriptions, and more!
One of the most rewarding aspects of this role has been learning how to implement fear-free practices to reduce patient stress and create a more positive veterinary experience. I’ve also been developing strong communication skills-whether it’s helping a nervous pet feel safe or clearly explaining information to clients. With this job, I’ve been steadily building confidence in technical procedures like vaccine administration and blood draws, while also learning how to support animals and their people with compassion and care.
This experience is giving me a deeper understanding of small animal medicine and what it takes to thrive in a fast-paced clinic setting. It’s been incredibly rewarding to gain these skills through hands-on experience-and it’s only strengthened my passion for veterinary care and pursuing a future in this field.
Northern Spotted Owl Co-op Student – British Columbia Conservation Foundation
This summer, I am continuing at the Northern Spotted Owl Breeding Program where I have been working since January. This year, we had a record-breaking breeding season with 12 new chicks joining our program, almost double our previous record!
With the busy breeding season coming to an end, we have been shifting our focus to expanding the breeding centre by constructing aviaries and maintaining the property. This includes building roost boxes, installing branches, predator-proofing, planting native plants, building mouse arenas for enrichment, and graveling paths. I have also been continuing daily animal husbandry tasks, such as feeding and cleaning, and have been enjoying watching the fledglings grow.
With the help of my amazing supervisors, I have been able to gain invaluable experience and knowledge in conservation breeding, and step foot into what my future career could look like. The Co-op program has also been extremely supportive throughout this experience, providing guidance and support during the transition into a new workplace. I highly recommend the Co-op program to students who want to gain experience in the field, as they provide so many opportunities and support you every step of the way.
For my first co-op term, I have had the opportunity to work with CTS Youth Society, a non-profit organization, as an Overnight Camp Counsellor at Capilano River Regional Park. My responsibilities included training and mentoring youth Peer Leader volunteers aged 15-18 and supporting youth ages 12-18 in outdoor education and community-building activities. As well, leading stewardship projects partnered with MetroVan such as removing invasive species and fence building. I also had the privilege of learning alongside campers through Indigenous workshops with 2 Métis women and enjoying their homemade Bannock!
This role has strengthened my communication, decision-making, and conflict resolution skills, while allowing me to share my knowledge about ecology, plants, and conservation with the community.
Working with CTS Youth Society and UBC CO-OP has shown me the value of applying my classroom knowledge in a meaningful, hands-on way, and I would highly recommend the program to anyone interested in growing both professionally and personally while making a positive impact in their community.
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.
