Undergraduate Researcher – UBC Chemical and Biological Engineering
As an undergraduate researcher at Dr. Rojas’s lab in Bioproducts Institute, I have been working on the project that aims to turn wheat residues into textile fibers. My role in the project is to run experiments to obtain optimal pulp that is well suited for wet-spinning that makes the fibers.
This is my first time working in the lab, and I have learned a lot; from planning experiments to learning how to operate equipment, this work term has been full of new inspirations.
Project title: Global Center for Sustainable Bioproducts Grantee: Amit Kumar (University of Alberta) Co-grantees: R. Ahmad (University of Alberta), S.K. Agrawal (University of Alberta), K.K. Kim (University of British Columbia)
Kwang Ho’s research primarily focuses on developing sustainable biorefinery processes to maximize the conversion of biomass carbon into value-added products.
About the NSF NSERC/SSHRC Award
Four Canadian research teams were selected to work with international partners to address global challenges through the bioeconomy. These projects will receive $9.95M CAD over five years.
This year’s competition invited international, multi-disciplinary teams to use bioeconomy research to address global challenges. These innovations can impact sectors like agriculture, health, security, manufacturing, energy, and the environment.
Learn more about the funded project on the NSF website.
Curious about the diverse tree species at the Malcolm Knapp Arboretum? Join a guided tour to explore trees from Europe, China, North America, Korea, and the Caucasus Mountains, set against the Pacific Northwest. Learn to identify native trees and understand the differences between native, exotic, and invasive species, while discovering each tree’s role in our ecosystem.
Summer Student Resource Assistant – BC Timber Sales
This summer I’ve had the pleasure of working as a Resource Assistant with BC Timber Sales based in Smithers. My role has exposed me to a breadth of studies and field work such as block layouts, silviculture planting and harvesting, riparian assessments, road assessments, and the economic valuation of wood harvests. My individual responsibilities are primarily based on assessing the health of streams before and after forestry activities, as well as checking and assessing forest roads to generate a cohesive road map.
I have thoroughly enjoyed my time in this role as it provides me with personal tasks and responsibilities which have greatly improved my experiential learning, and I am also given ample opportunities to shadow and work with colleagues in different positions, exposing me to a variety of different jobs and forestry related fields. To me, co-op has been an invaluable learning experience since I have been fortunate enough to visit new sites and participate in different hands-on activities everyday.
Inside the Fight to Save Forestry Jobs Forestry professor Dr. Christopher Gaston commented on job losses in B.C.’s forest industry. The Tyee
Can urban forests survive the housing boom? Forestry professor emeritus Dr. Stephen Sheppard commented on the challenges developers face in protecting trees awhile building new homes. National Observer
To save monarch butterflies, these scientists want to move mountains Forestry professor Dr. Sally Aitken commented on the assisted migration of trees that could save a monarch butterfly reserve. National Geographic (subscription)
Vancouver Park Board to vote on second phase of Stanley Park tree removal Forestry professor Richard Hamelin said that the removal of decaying trees is crucial, as they create a safety hazard. CTV News
‘There’s hope’: What we can learn from species that have made a comeback in B.C. Forestry professor Dr. Peter Arcese commented on the return of several mammal and bird species to B.C. due to successful conservation efforts. Vancouver Sun, The Province, Windsor Star, Prince George Post, Ottawa Citizen
Learn more about UBC Forestry & Environmental Stewardship Graduate Programs and how to apply. Hear from our program coordinators and get a chance to ask questions about the UBC Faculty of Forestry & Environmental Stewardship.
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is a global initiative aimed at educating young leaders from disadvantaged backgrounds in Sub-Saharan Africa to drive social and economic transformation. With Africa’s youth population growing, the program addresses challenges in access to quality secondary and tertiary education by providing comprehensive support.
UBC partners with the program to offer quality education, empowering scholars to impact their communities. Rob Kozak, Dean of UBC Forestry & Environmental Stewardship, highlights the alignment of the program with UBC’s commitment to sustainability, giving scholars opportunities to advance in forestry and natural resource management for global benefit.
Date: September 30, 2024 | 11:45 AM – 3:00 PM Location: Various locations around UBC Campus
Join us for an Intergenerational March in recognition of Orange Shirt Day (OSD), hosted by the Faculties of Applied Science, Land and Food Systems, and Forestry. This event reflects the Faculties’ commitment to the UBC Indigenous Strategic Plan. We invite all members of the UBC community, families, and allies to participate. The March is designed to be intergenerational, offering both educational and supportive experiences for the Indigenous community on campus and beyond. Engaging activities will help younger participants connect with the land’s original inhabitants, encouraging continued conversations at home about this challenging chapter in Canadian history.
All are welcome and registration is not required. The event starts at 11:45 am at 1956 Main Mall.
In recognition of National Forest Week, we had the pleasure of speaking with Hélène Marcoux, Manager of the Malcolm Knapp Research Forest, to gain insight into the complexities of managing this invaluable UBC resource. Hélène’s expertise in forest management, combined with her passion for advancing research and education, has been pivotal in shaping the forest’s future. In this conversation, Hélène reflects on her experiences, the challenges of balancing ecological integrity with research needs, and the forest’s vital role in education and community engagement.
Can you introduce yourself and describe your role within the Malcolm Knapp Research Forest?
My name is Hélène Marcoux – I’m a registered professional forester and UBC Forestry & Environmental Stewardship MSc grad ’13 – I’m a forest ecologist, silviculturist and a nerd when it comes to plants and soils. My primary role includes overseeing the entire 5100-ha Malcolm Knapp Research Forest (MKRF) operations – including the relationships, the finances, the land and our academic mission. More specifically, I provide oversight to four different businesses operating at the MKRF: log sales, a sawmill producing custom-finished timber products, rental of the Loon Lake Lodge and Retreat Centre, and education and outdoor programs provided by the Wild and Immersive.
What are the main challenges you face in managing the forest?
The challenge is making sure that everything we do in this research forest is sustainable now and for generations to come – and by sustainable, I’m speaking to all environmental, economic, social and operational considerations. But sometimes the challenge is finding ways to accommodate a new 30-ha experimental research project – or more mundane day-to-day things, like clearing snow up to Loon Lake at 4 am. On other days, it’s scratching my head to come up with low-cost solutions to another complex problem. Whatever it is, it’s always interesting and diverse!
How do you balance the conservation goals with the operational needs of the forest?
Managing the research forests involves more than just fulfilling UBC’s mandate—it’s about genuine care and stewardship of land. Our team feels a deep sense of duty and loyalty to this forest. To me, humans are part of the land, and that stewardship is about implementing management activities that support ecosystem resilience. This forest is the first place in the Lower Mainland where logging trucks leave a forest and travel through a growing community of residents. Logging and log sales are an integral part of our revenue streams but are also, in many cases, in support of research or educational activities – and vital to our sawmilling operation.
Could you share a recent research project at Malcolm Knapp Research Forest that excites you?
Ohhh, it’s hard to answer this! I love the work that Dr. David Montwé is doing, looking at coastal Douglas-fir genotypes that exhibit greater drought tolerance in a changing climate – and the recent publication by Dr. Deb Wertman and colleagues who were the first ones to describe filamentous fungi (Neonectria bordenii) found at the Malcolm Knapp Research Forest – which appears to be a mutualistic buddy of alder bark beetle (Alniphagus aspericollis). I love exciting discoveries!
How can the public get more involved in supporting sustainable forestry and conservation efforts?
The most important work taking place in our province is reconciliation with First Nations – and the shift towards forest business partnerships and redistribution of forest tenures. All Canadians and British Columbians should prioritize their own cultural education on this front – as this is the basis of a more sustainable forestry sector. On another front, I think foresters need to do a better job of providing opportunities for the public to learn. The public has concerns – and they are legitimate. However, there’s a lot of science and research that underpins current policies and practices – and so little of this is communicated or shared with the public – especially to folks living in large cities.
So to the public, I’d say find opportunities to learn about forestry, open your minds and consider how wood is part of your life – and most importantly, get out in the forest! There are a lot of polarized debates in the media that do not reflect the breadth of tradeoffs and values that are being considered in forest management. The reality with forests is that trees grow slowly and massive landscape-level changes can occur with a single spark or an insect the size of a grain of rice. It’s complex!
Can you tell us about some of the field schools and youth programs offered at the Malcolm Knapp Research Forest, and how they inspire the next generation of foresters?
Teaching is one of the best parts of our jobs – we offer opportunities for all ages to learn between UBC Faculty of Forestry & Environmental Stewardship field schools for our undergraduate students and professional masters programs, Wild & Immersive public programs – and internship programs for high school and university students. A big part of what we do as the Malcolm Knapp Research Forest is supporting Faculty of Forestry & Environmental Stewardship field schools. We currently host nine field schools each year – along with many other field trips. Students stay overnight at the forest at Loon Lake Lodge for 3-9 days and immerse themselves in learning in the forest. Since 2019, Wild and Immersive has hosted over 3500 participants per year – forest school programs primarily targeting 5-12-year-old kids and preschool and teen leadership opportunities. For the adults from the community – come join our public tours and opportunities to learn and have fun in the forest.
How can people get more involved in supporting sustainable forestry and conservation efforts during National Forests Week and year-round?
Look for local events! But don’t limit yourself to National Forest Week – there are 365 days per year to get out in the woods!
Join us for the first showcase of Indigenous short films, food and conversation. Stay tuned for more events to be announced soon.
Folil Trafün (‘Joining roots’ in Mapuzugun) is part of several showcases of Indigenous and Afro-diaspora films made in Latin America and Canada, followed by dialogues to deepen understanding of the films and their relationship with local realities.
