Quality Control/Process Assistantat West Fraser in Mitsue, AB
Quality Control/ Process Assitant at West Fraser Slave lake Veneer Mill. I have been working on various projects and QC duties. One of my main projects i am working on is getting optimal conditioning for our logs by doing multiple trials and analysis in regards to our ponds, i have also created a VBA code, which i will convert it to PLC for optimal conditioning time and temperature in regards to the ambient temperature. I have been working on other various projects such as energy management, improving veneer quality, making both lathe lines run efficiently, programming the NV4G system, and so much more. Coop means a lot to me, i got to experience the life outside of school, make more connections with people in the industry, and helping West Fraser achieve targets .
Forest Pathology Research Assistantat UBC Faculty of Forestry in Vancouver, BC
This summer I have been working in the Forest Pathology Lab at UBC. In this role, my main responsibility is to help a master’s student collect data for his thesis on Hemlock Dwarf Mistletoe where he is measuring the spread of this parasitic plant from mature forests into regenerating cutblocks. At the beginning of the summer, I used GIS to help identify potential study sites. And, when I had a bit of extra time, helped out with the lab’s annual Swiss Needle Cast counts. Currently, I am helping with data collection where I am learning and honing a variety of skills including stem mapping, dwarf mistletoe rating, drone piloting, orienteering and, more broadly, problem solving. We will continue to collect data at sites all throughout southwestern British Columbia until the end of the summer. So far, this Co-op position has provided me with valuable exposure to new experimental techniques and has shown me what research at an academic institution really looks like.
Haibo Feng is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Wood Science at UBC. His research area focuses on green building, building information modelling, life cycle assessment and building energy performance. He has extensive industrial and research experience in promoting sustainable building construction with the integration of advanced building systems and renewable energy supports.
Tell us about yourself!
I am an Assistant Professor working in a Sustainable Timber-Built Environment. After working at Northumbria University in the UK as an Assistant Professor in sustainable construction, I joined UBC Forestry’s Department of Wood Science. I have over 6 years of industrial experience working in Canada and around the world.
I am passionate about sustainability in the built environment from materials to construction to waste. Outside of work, I enjoy cycling and walking with my family, I also enjoy searching for all kinds of delicious foods that Vancouver could offer.
What drew you to your work?
My career started as a civil engineer in skyscraper construction management, and I developed a deep understanding of the environmental impacts of construction. After three years of onsite experience, I joined UBC as a Master’s student to start my research on sustainable construction by investigating the environmental and economic performance of LEED-certified buildings and green vegetation applications on buildings. After my MASc studies on sustainability, I chose to practice in the BC consulting industry to further understand the applications of all kinds of technologies and designs for green buildings.
I was impressed by how fast the construction industry adapted the sustainability concept into the whole life cycle of buildings and construction, while I observed that there is still a huge gap in detailed regulations and standards development to support the industry in better-pursuing sustainability and zero carbon targets. I went back to complete my Ph.D. degree after three years of experience in the consulting firm with the topic of whole building life cycle assessment. My Ph.D. experience in sustainable construction put me in a good position to continue serving the academic and industry with low-environmental-impact materials, technologies and designs.
What attracted you to working at UBC?
UBC is a top-ranking university that provides enormous opportunities and resources for researchers to achieve their career needs and research profile development.
The efficient and friendly work environment in UBC creates great conditions for me to focus on breaking through research barriers and servicing the industry with my research skills. UBC has a beautiful campus that is also located in a great city to work and grow my family. Last but not least, the support and encouragement from colleagues at UBC Forestry and Wood Science give me a bright path toward career development.
How is British Columbia leading the way in Sustainable Construction, Circular Economy, and Zero Carbon Building compared to your work in other locations? How does your work align with this?
B.C. is leading the path in sustainability in Canada and around the world by having an ambitious target of zero carbon emissions. CleanerBC’s action plan on climate change shows the government’s ambitions and support for sustainable construction. Circular economy is an efficient economic strategy to promote cleaner and more sustainable industries in all aspects. B.C. provincial and municipal governments are taking all kinds of actions and strategies to promote and develop opportunities to move towards a circular economy.
There are many research centres and institutes at UBC and other universities to support the government and industry to establish businesses and technologies with circularity concepts, such as BioProduct Institute and Clean Energy Research Centre on the UBC campus. In terms of building environmental impacts, BC is leading the industry toward low-carbon and energy buildings through the life cycle. The B.C. Energy Step Code is a promising and practical push from the BC government to mandate the building industry toward technology revolutions. Besides that, Passive House and embodied carbon counting requirements from Vancouver B.C. also lead the B.C. industry towards greener and smarter practices. Furthermore, the Zero Carbon Building Design standard was first issued by Canada’s Green Building Council, which shows the positive and supportive position from 3 levels of government in comparison with my work in other locations globally.
Fortunately, my work on sustainable construction is completely supported and aligned with all the policies, regulations and support from different organizations mentioned above. My intention is to continue developing more sustainable and affordable buildings with all kinds of technologies, including high-efficiency mechanical systems, bio-based materials, digital technology, robotics, and BIM. I will communicate with all kinds of parties that are in need of technical and academic support on sustainable construction and zero carbon emissions. I will continue developing the Sustainable Built Environment Lab with my graduate students and colleagues in Forestry and across campus.
In addition to research, what are you most looking forward to working on in the Faculty of Forestry?
I am delivering two micro-certificates, Circular Bioeconomy Business Development and Zero Carbon Building Solutions, to professionals based on my research and industry experience. This will be an exciting opportunity for me to return what I have learned to the industry to promote sustainable construction. On the other hand, I will be able to connect with industry professionals and understand the real needs and barriers towards sustainability.
Besides teaching and research, I am always happy to meet more colleagues in other Forestry departments and get to know more interesting stories about their research and life. I am passionate about embracing new ideas so feel free to shoot me an email if you think there is any intersection between our research interests, or if you feel something interesting about me that you want to know more about.
Co-op Studentat Ministry of Forests in Victoria, BC
This Summer I have been working as a Co-op Student in the Strategic Policy and Intergovernmental Relations unit in the Deputy Minister’s Office, in the Ministry of Forests. As a Co-op Student I focus on research, organisation, administrative support, and learning about the Ministry of Forests and the forest sector.
My main assignment was to plan the Canadian Council of Forest Ministers Conference that is being hosted next year. This has involved a lot of research, collaboration with businesses, organisation of information, and budgeting. Additionally, I am responsible for coordinating materials for our booth at an upcoming trade show, which involves liaising with two other branches of the Ministry. I am also creating our virtual booth, organising our meeting requests into a spreadsheet, and creating a schedule for the executive staff.
I am a regular attendee of several meetings between various Ministerial branches, each regarding different projects and initiatives. I provide administrative support, learn about how the Ministry and the Canadian natural resources sector works, and develop professional relationships. I also went on a business trip to attend a high-level meeting and the Forest Innovation & Bioeconomy Conference!
Throughout my time working this job, I have been building my capacity for Indigenous relations, and make sure to integrate of Indigenous engagement and reconciliation in all of my work.
I am extremely grateful to have had such exciting experiences and opportunities during this co-op term, and to have met the wonderful people that I have.
From arborist with a private landscaping company to parks forester foreperson with the City of Burnaby
Mark McDonald Arborist/Urban Forester
Born and raised in Burnaby, BC, Mark McDonald (BSc’19 (Forest Sciences), MUFL’22) was not thrilled by his high school experience. At 18 years of age, he entered the workforce, developing skills as an arborist with a private landscaping company.
Tree maintenance and care were what appealed to Mark the most. While learning the ropes as a tree climber on one contract with the City of Burnaby, Mark also got a glimpse into the local government’s work culture.
These experiences raised questions in Mark’s mind about the relationship between trees and the urban environment. Eager to learn more, Mark began researching forestry and horticulture programs, and found the right fit with UBC Forestry’s Bachelor of Science in Forest Sciences program, which offered an option to major in forest pathology.
“I find plant evolution, physiology and health issues really fascinating, especially in urban areas where trees are highly susceptible to many factors that affect their survival, including pests and diseases, often acquired through contact with people and through trade goods.”
Mark identified a need for the City of Burnaby to expand into remote sensing and geomatics applications for its tree inspection work. He saw how, like many other cities, Burnaby’s tree canopy was shrinking as the local human population grew and densified. In collaboration with architects, engineers and various other disciplines, Mark put forward nature-based and engineered solutions to create urban green spaces that are more climate resilient and sustainable, and provide ecosystem services that can benefit an increasingly diverse population of community members.
In pursuit of his goal to extend his knowledge base to better fulfill his career aspirations with the City of Burnaby, Mark juggled his studies with work. His undergraduate degree thesis project examined a type of Phytophthora water mold that is in the same genus as pathogens that caused the Irish potato famine and is responsible for sudden oak death. The water mold was found growing on red alders in Burnaby. Mark’s study on the subject – conducted under the supervision of UBC Forestry Prof. Richard Hamelin – was later published in the Canadian Journal of Plant Pathology in 2022.
Also in 2022, Mark completed a Master of Urban Forestry Leadership at UBC Forestry. The comprehensive, 14-month, online, course-based master’s program takes an interdisciplinary perspective and focuses on strategic management, decision-making and creativity. In 2023, Mark enrolled in UBC Forestry’s Climate Action and Community Engagement online micro-certificate course, which teaches students how to lead climate action and greening initiatives in their communities.
Work Experience:
Para Space Landscaping Inc.
· Labourer – landscaping (2003-2004)
· Plant Health Care Supervisor (2004-2005) Diagnosed common plant diseases and pests and oversaw their eradication using sustainable methods.
· Landscape Maintenance Supervisor (2005-2007)
· Groundsman/Climber (2007-2008)
City of Burnaby
· Labourer 3 – Arborist (2011-2016)
· Tree Pruner (2014-2016)
· Field Arborist (2016-2022)
· Aboricultural Foreman (2022)
· Tree Inspector (2016-2023)
· Parks Forester Foreperson (Present position as of Jan. 2023)
Education:
The University of British Columbia
· Bachelor of Science (Bsc) in Forest Sciences, Forest Pathology 2019
· Master of Urban Forestry Leadership, Urban Forestry Jul 2021 – Aug 2022
· UBC Forestry’s Climate Action and Community Engagement Micro-Certificate enrolled in 2023
We are pleased to announce that UBC Forestry alum Dr. David Brand, PhD’85, has been named this year’s recipient of the 2023 alumni UBC Entrepreneurship Award!
With over 40 years of experience, Brand has become an internationally influential trailblazer in forestry investing in support of a sustainable future.
About David Brand
Entrepreneurship Award
Combining his expertise in forest sciences and investing, Dr. David Brand launched the global investment company New Forests in 2005. This certified B Corporation has grown into one of the world’s largest forestry investment firms, initiating investment programs in forestry plantations, conservation areas, and timber processing; as well as carbon projects. After almost 18 years as CEO, Dr. Brand now serves as the company’s chair. With over 40 years of experience in investment management, operational forestry, science, and public policy, Brand has become an internationally influential trailblazer in forestry investing in support of a sustainable future.
About the Entrepreneurship Award
This award recognizes a UBC or honorary alum that has demonstrated outstanding entrepreneurial leadership, business innovation and made a positive impact on local and global communities through their work. Nominees should have 3 to 5 years of experience with their business venture.
Detailerat Structurlam Mass Timber Corporation in Penticton, BC
Hi, my name is Kiana Rowlands and I currently on my second work term at Structurlam Mass Timber Corporation as a detailer. During this work term I have been developing my 3D modelling and 2D drawing skills through Cadwork. As a detailer, I read and interpret structural and architectural drawings to 3D model the pieces needed for the fabrication of the scope of a project (Glulam, CLT, steel, or hardware). More recently, I have been working on a mock-up for a larger project which is still in the design stage, so I have been able to learn how the design of steel connections is influenced by the ability to erect each piece. During both of my co-op terms with Structurlam, I have been able to use my Excel/VBA skills to create or modify code for new processes; more specifically, this work term I have been able to work on the production data engine, which is the file that is used to run the plant in Conway, Arkansas. As a co-op student, I have been able to learn and develop new skills that I wouldn’t have otherwise. Co-op has also helped me learn what type of job/career path that I would like to follow.
Envisioning the next generation of tall wood building design, manufacturing and construction
A mass timber building in Finland showcases laminated veneer lumber (LVL) structural composite lumber made out of dried and graded wood veneer.
Formerly the stuff of dreams, tall wood buildings have arrived on the scene as a more sustainable alternative to concrete and steel construction. At 18-storeys, UBC’s Brock Commons mass timber student residence – made possible by a site-specific building code – became the world’s tallest wooden building in 2016. In 2020, the Government of BC’s Tall Wood Initiative allowed for the construction of 12-storey mass timber buildings across the province.
Environmentally, wood building construction is said to have key climate mitigating advantages. It’s estimated to have 20% less carbon dioxide (CO2) intensity in tons of emissions per dollar of output compared with fabricated metal products, 25% less CO2 intensity than cement and 50% less than iron or steel, according to a 2020 study led by researchers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
The burgeoning tall wood building field has opened up a multitude of new avenues for research and innovation, sparking the launch of the Sustainable Timber Built Environment (STBE) cluster at UBC Forestry in 2022.
“STBE is a multidisciplinary social and applied sciences hub that supports teaching and research on holistic approaches to the manufacturing, design and construction of sustainable high-performance timber building systems,” notes cluster member and UBC Forestry Prof. in Wood Building Design and Construction, Frank Lam (BASc’82, MASc’85, PhD’92).
The UBC Earth Sciences Building shown here features glue-laminated timber (glulam) as well as cross-laminated timber (CLT), which consists of alternating layers of kiln-dried lumber glued together to form plate elements.
Currently comprised of a team of five UBC Forestry faculty members in the Department of Wood Science, the cluster is gearing up to attain great heights with mass timber and tall wood building technology.
“In the past, we processed material in one way, mostly focused on low-cost utilization,” notes Asst. Prof. Cristiano Loss, a STBE member and Assoc. Chair in Wood Building Design and Construction. “Now we want to create taller and stronger buildings, so we need to use wood from different types of trees and create and optimize new products and processes.
Another key to advancing the sector will be automation integration, adds Cristiano. Artificial Intelligence, machine learning tools and robotics could be used to aid in optimizing tall wood building design, construction and safety, as well as the manufacture of new engineered wood products. Advances in this field require training members of the up-and-coming workforce who will lead the charge in the coming years.
Laminated strand lumber (LSL) floor plates – made from a composite of flaked wood strands – along with glulam beams and columns form floor elements in the UBC Earth Sciences Building.
“In the near term, STBE will develop a stream in the undergraduate Wood Products Processing program on timber building systems, and set up course-based micro-certificates serving practicing professionals as well as new graduates,” notes Frank. “In the longer term, more involved graduate programs will be considered.”
Frank and Cristiano were recently been joined by STBE cluster members, Assoc. Prof. Minghao Li (PhD’09), Asst. Prof. Haibo Feng (MASc’13, Phd’21) and Asst. Prof. Felix Wiesner. Cluster members will lead several new tall wood building courses, as well as a new lab space to be housed in UBC Forestry’s Centre for Advanced Wood Processing.
Shown here under construction, UBC’s Brock Commons Tallwood House student residence features CLT and glulam columns.
“Their expertise is most critical to the development and expansion of mass timber elements for larger and taller timber buildings,” says Frank. “It also nicely complements existing expertise at UBC Forestry and UBC Civil Engineering.”
STBE cluster members
Prof. Frank Lam BASc’82, MASc’85, PhD’92 Wood building performance and modeling
As senior chair in wood building design and construction, Frank’s main research interests include developing fundamental knowledge on the performance of solid sawn timber, wood-based composites and engineered wood systems, including testing and developing approaches to enhance the performance, strength and reliability of wood products. His work aims to address issues relevant to the forest products industries in the fields of timber engineering and wood-based composite mechanics to improve the utilization of structural wood products.
Cristiano’s research aims to develop high-performance, wood-based systems and structures, as well as related performance-based optimum design procedures for engineers to provide them with cost-effective and safer buildings that can withstand extreme events. His work focuses on integrating new engineered wood products, structural elements and prefabricated hybrid composite systems into a coherent framework of innovative methods of design and construction for the next generation of buildings and sustainable urban development.
Cristiano is the instructor for the Hybrid Timber Construction micro-certificate starting Fall 2023. Register today.
The main thrust of Minghao’s research is to develop robust structural solutions for timber buildings via experimental, analytical and numerical techniques. He has extensively researched high-performance engineered timber products and innovative connection systems, mass timber and timber hybrid structures. He is particularly interested in the design of resilient timber buildings.
Minghao is the instructor for the Tall Wood Structures micro-certificate starting Fall 2023. Register today.
Felix is an expert in fire safety engineering, with a focus on the fire performance of timber buildings and infrastructure. He has extensive experience in large-scale compartment fire tests to assess the fire dynamics in engineered timber buildings and their structural response. His research also considers the role of fire safety within the context of durability and service life of wood products.
Felix is the instructor for the Fire Safety for Timber Buildings micro-certificate starting Fall 2023. Register today.
With a focus on green building, building information modeling, life cycle assessment and building energy and carbon performance, Haibo is particularly interested in using sustainable technologies to promote zero-carbon timber-frame buildings. He also has extensive local and global experience in sustainable building design and construction management.
Haibo is the instructor for the Zero Carbon Building Solutions micro-certificate starting Fall 2023. Register today.
This article was originally published in the Spring 2023 issue of Branchlines Magazine. View the full issue here.
Mr. W. Gerry Burch is turning 100 in August 2023. In celebration of his distinguished career and lifelong commitment to forestry, we invite you to make a donation to the Gerry Burch Forestry Scholarship. The scholarship recognizes outstanding undergraduate students on track to become future forestry leaders and innovators, much like Gerry, whose contributions to the profession as a Registered Professional Forester and generous volunteerism with the Faculty have left a lasting mark.
About Gerry
Gerry is Canada’s oldest and most highly regarded forester. Born in Cranbrook, BC, in 1923, Gerry attended UBC Forestry in the 1940s, where he was an active student leader. Graduating with a Bachelor of Applied Science, majoring in Forest Engineering, in 1948, Gerry went on to receive his Registered Professional Forester designation and pioneer significant improvements in sustainable forestry practices, especially during his 41-year service with BC Forest Products Ltd. as a Chief Forester.
A dedicated philanthropist, Gerry has maintained strong ties to the UBC Faculty of Forestry — establishing scholarships, leading fundraising efforts and sharing his wealth of knowledge. In 1994, Gerry helped found the Faculty Alumni Fundraising Committee, and acted as its Vice-Chair. Gerry also Co-Chaired the Growing for the Future Campaign that supported the Forest Sciences Centre, where the Faculty of Forestry is housed today.
In recognition of Gerry’s longstanding dedication and tireless efforts in support of the forests and people of British Columbia, the Gerry Burch Working Forest located on the southern slope of Lake Cowichan on Vancouver Island now bears his name. Gerry has been, and continues to be, a leader in all things related to BC’s forests — our province’s most treasured resource.
Join us in celebrating Gerry’s century of life and dedication to forestry by contributing to the Gerry Burch Forestry Scholarship. Your support will help show our collective appreciation of Gerry’s remarkable career and volunteerism while also empowering UBC undergraduate students to realize their dream to become the next generation of forestry leaders like Gerry.
About the Gerry Burch Forestry Scholarship
The Gerry Burch Forestry Scholarship is aimed at empowering exceptional students pursuing studies in forestry-related disciplines. By providing financial support, the scholarship eases the burden of educational expenses, allowing recipients to focus on their academic pursuits and career aspirations.
When you donate to the Gerry Burch Forestry Scholarship, you contribute to building a sustainable future for our forests and the communities that depend on them. Your generosity directly supports deserving students who hold the potential to make significant contributions to forestry research, conservation, and management.
How to Contribute
Giving back to the forestry community has never been easier. Your tax-deductible donation to the Gerry Burch Forestry Scholarship fund can be made securely through the UBC Giving website. Every contribution, regardless of size, plays a vital role in shaping the future of forestry.
