UBC Forestry & Environmental Stewardship is excited to announce that Dr. Andrea Lyall has been awarded the UBC Dissertation Prize for Social Sciences and Humanities! As winner of the UBC Dissertation Prize, Andrea has also been nominated for the CAGS/ProQuest Distinguished Dissertation Awards Competition. Only two UBC candidates are nominated for this national level competition.
This research explores the integral relationship between forests and the Ḵwiḵwa̱sut’inux̱w Ha̱xwa’mis community in present-day British Columbia, Canada, focusing on how forests are central to their identity, culture, and livelihoods. Utilizing Indigenous methodologies and participatory action research, Andrea’s research highlights the significance of forests in maintaining cultural identity, traditional practices, and access to essential resources such as traditional foods and western red cedar, while addressing concerns about cultural erosion and limited forest preservation policies within the community.
Lab Research Assistant – The University of British Columbia, Department of Wood Science
I have been working with my supervisors on developing a sustainable, environmentally friendly, bio-based insulation foam, through various rounds of trial, error, and analysis.
Throughout my co-op work term, I have learned to work with different biomaterials, using different lab equipment, and to interpret different kinds of data. I have also gained experience in the processes of researching scholarly articles, viewing academic presentations, and even of producing and presenting an academic poster at the Bioproducts Institute’s Research Day.
I have learned a lot about the worlds of research, academia, and bioproducts development from my supervisors, group members, and other scientists that I have had the chance to talk and work with.
Land One, a first-year cohort program at UBC, has won the D2L (Desire 2 Learn) Innovation Award in Teaching and Learning in recognition of its transformative approach to student-centred learning.
The program launched in 2018 supported by the Faculties of Land and Food Systems (LFS) and Forestry. Land One accepts 50 students and offers integrated first-year courses in a supportive environment as students adjust to university academics, as well as several opportunities for personal development, such as learning about different worldviews and participating in field trips throughout the year.
“Supported by both Faculties, this interdisciplinary approach demonstrates the program’s commitment to preparing students for contemporary global challenges in land use, food security, climate change, and sustainability,” says Dr. Fernanda Tomaselli, Coordinator of the Land One program and a Lecturer in the Faculty of Forestry & Environmental Stewardship’s Department of Forest Resources Management.
“By fostering a holistic understanding and providing practical skills, Land One empowers students to contribute meaningfully to sustainable solutions.”
Central to Land One is the core teaching team’s commitment to inclusive pedagogy and decolonizing education, integrating diverse ways of knowing such as Indigenous perspectives and worldviews. Students speak of the transformative impact of this approach, with many expressing a newfound interest and appreciation for Indigenous knowledge.
The core teaching team includes Dr. Tomaselli, Dr. Lindsay Cuff, Assistant Professor of Teaching in LFS and Forestry, and Dr. Athena McKown, Lecturer in Forestry’s Forest and Conservation Sciences Department.
Through its integrative approach and experiential activities, Land One cultivates students’ sense of responsibility towards their local communities. For example, students’ awareness extends beyond the classroom by participating in a number of field trips and volunteer activities in nearby farms, community gardens, and research forests.
“Land One not only imparts academic knowledge, but also cultivates a sense of global citizenship. Our goal with the program is to shape the next generation of learners who can contribute to finding solutions to complex ecological and social challenges.”
The D2L Innovation Award in Teaching and Learning recognizes excellence in collaborative teaching and learning in post-secondary education. It is offered by the Society for Teaching and Learning in Higher Education.
This event is free and will be held virtually and in person. Lunch will be provided to the first 50 in-person attendees and granted on a first-come, first-served basis. Please bring your own drink.
The introduction of new and cutting-edge technologies into academia typically elicits a mixture of uncertainty and concern, and the advent of generative artificial intelligence (AI) is no exception. Generative AI, such as ChatGPT from Open AI, unlocks a multifaceted landscape of potential and challenges, especially in research and educational methods. This talk will outline how AI can serve as an assistant in academic environments to bolster research, instruction, and learning processes while encouraging participants to consider the nuanced implications of emerging technologies in education, focusing on critical engagement rather than uncritical adoption.
Dr. Leveridge will draw from his expertise as an educational technologist and communication strategist to emphasize the ethical integration of AI, informed by Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) and Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles. The session will highlight some examples of AI’s role in supporting research and instruction. Through exploring practical applications and ethical considerations, the talk will focus on reinforcing and applying established best practices for integrating AI within academic environments.
Lab Research Assistant; University of British Columbia, Forestry Science Centre
During my co-op work term, I have been actively involved in assisting two projects: the development of superelastic and hydrophobic hemp fiber aerogels through freeze drying, and the cottonization of fiber for textile applications. Through these projects, I have achieved my learning objectives and gained invaluable experience in the lab, particularly in the sector of biomaterials, with a focus on textile application of hemp fiber.
I have had the opportunity to familiarize myself with various instruments such as the PFI, HPLC process, pH meter, and milling machine, enhancing my technical skills significantly.
Additionally, I’ve had firsthand exposure to the roles of undergraduates, doctoral candidates, and postdoctoral researchers, which has greatly impacted my perspective and inspired me to consider pursuing further studies as an undergraduate student.
Co-op has been instrumental in providing me with real-world experience, expanding my skill set, and offering insights into potential career paths, making it a valuable opportunity that I would highly recommend to others considering joining co-op.
I am very happy to have been offered a job with BC Wildfire Service. During these four months, my colleagues here have been very friendly and helpful to me. After learning about org structure for a period of time, I learned how the government’s response goes to fire incidents.
During this time, I participated in the ambassador program to share and talk with the public about fire prevention.
In addition, after practice, I have been able to complete the prep period independently and complete and release the prep sheet. During this period, through reading data and documents, I gained more knowledge about wildfire.
The 2024 symposium will be held at the University of British Columbia. The event will unite SING member organizations, alongside local and national Indigenous genomics leaders. Activities will include SING alumni gatherings, a public session, professional development opportunities, and networking. The SING Consortium is a global advocate for Indigenous-led genomics, bioinformatics, data sovereignty, and decolonial/Indigenous ethics.
Here’s a look at UBC Forestry & Environmental Stewardship in the media this month
B.C.’s early start to wildfire season produces record May carbon emissions Forestry professor Dr. Lori Daniels said some of B.C.’s past forestry practices may have unintended consequences pertaining to wildfires. CBC Vancouver
Wildfires: What are the drivers? Forestry PhD student Jen Baron discussed what is driving Canada’s unprecedented, longer wildfire seasons. The Clear Cut podcast
Outlook on the state of Canada’s wildfires Dr. Lori Daniels provides an overview on what to to expect this season. Global News Morning
Amid an uptick in wildfires, scientists search for lessons on how to save old-growth rainforests from a fiery future Forestry professor Dr. Suzanne Simard said we have set up our landscape for vulnerability by clearcutting forests and weeding out the most fire-resistant tree species. Hakai Magazine
Wildfires are already prompting evacuations across Canada, and Ontario’s air quality could soon feel the effects Forestry professor Dr. John Innes said climate change is increasing wildfire risk as warming temperatures make wood dry, providing for excellent fuel. Toronto Star via Welland Tribune, Hamilton Spectator, St. Catherines Standard
The COVID-19 pandemic changed our patterns and behaviours, which in turn affected wildlife Dr. Cole Burton, associate professor in the faculty of forestry, wrote about how changing human activity levels during the COVID-19 pandemic affected wildlife behaviour. The Conversation UBC News coverage
Invasive ash-tree killer insect detected in Vancouver, a first in B.C. Forestry professor Dr. Richard Hamelin urged the City of Vancouver to act quickly to stop the spread of emerald ash borer beetles which can cause mass destruction of trees. Vancouver Sun, The Province, Prince George Post
Metro Vancouver tree canopy in decline: report Forestry professor emeritus Dr. Stephen Sheppard commented on a report which showed that the amount of ground covered by trees is decreasing in Metro Vancouver. CBC Vancouver
The future of B.C. wine has never been more uncertain Dr. Rachel White and Forestry professor Dr. Elizabeth Wolkovich commented on how climate change may affect vineyards. The Narwhal
Billions of cicadas arising sound like 1950s ‘science fiction movie’ Forestry professor Dr. Alan Carroll explained that cicadas are a nuisance only for a short while as the insects live for a few weeks after they emerge. The Weather Network
How to live in harmony with Canada geese in Edmonton this spring Forestry master’s student Dominic Janus gave tips on how to avoid geese attacks. CTV News
Bored to death Forestry professor Dr. Richard Hamelin commented on the presence of emerald ash borer beetles in Vancouver, which can cause mass destruction of trees. Canadian Geographic
No, our coastal rainforests are not too wet to burn Forestry professor Dr. Suzanne Simard said we have set up our landscape for vulnerability by clearcutting forests and weeding out the most fire-resistant tree species. Hakai Magazine via The Tyee
What exactly are ‘zombie’ fires, and how are they affecting wildfires this spring? Forestry professor Dr. Lori Daniels explained “zombie fires,” which are fires that smolder underground during the winter and flare up in the spring when the weather is dry and warm. CBC News, CBC News
The future of forests Forestry professor Dr. Isla Myers-Smith commented on how Canada’s boreal forests help to cool the Earth. CBC Radio Specials (40:30 mark)
Why using generative AI could make you less creative, disconnected from global issues Forestry professor Hamish van der Ven comments on how generative artificial intelligence and social media can undermine efforts to address serious global issues like climate change. Vancouver Sun
A lack of mining innovation threatens the energy transition Forestry professor Gregory Paradis works with BRIMM to hopefully create a sustainable development framework that balances effectiveness, cost, environmental impact, and social considerations within the mining industry. Innovation News Network
‘It’s a struggle’: Manitoba beekeepers gather to celebrate, as industry weathers challenges A study co-authored by Dr. Matthew Mitchell (Forestry, Land and Food Systems) found that increasing wild pollinator habitat could boost crop yields enough to feed 24 million Canadians, while increasing farmer income by about $3 billion. CTV News
Together, ecological and personal journeys can heal the land Forestry professor Dr. Jennifer Grenz (Nlaka’pamux Nation) discussed her new book Medicine Wheel for the Planet: A journey toward personal and ecological healing, and how integrating Western science and Indigenous practices is beneficial. The Tyee, Ms Magazine, She Does The City
Much-beloved UBC Forestry & Environmental Stewardship faculty member, mentor and friend to many, Dr. John Worrall (BSF’63) passed away on August 8, 2023. His legacy, however, lives on in the many people whose lives he touched.
“Worrall was one of the first teachers that UBC Forestry & Environmental Stewardship students encountered at the start of their academic journey,” says Worrall’s close friend and former student, John Davies (BSF’99).
Known mostly as Worrall among colleagues, students and friends, Worrall was born in 1938 in Healing, Lincolnshire, England to Mollie and Jack Worrall. He is survived by his brother, Richard.
Worrall’s time at UBC Forestry & Environmental Stewardship began in the 1960s when he completed a bachelor’s degree in Forestry before studying Chemistry at Newcastle University and receiving a master’s and PhD from Yale University. After returning to UBC in 1969 to take a Faculty position, Worrall was awarded two Killam Teaching Prizes for excellence in this role.
“On top of teaching the basics of dendrology in his typically unconventional way, Worrall imparted to students the principles he lived by, including the importance of caring for others, kindness and being true to yourself,” remembers John, who saw Worrall as a surrogate father.
The official burger-flipper at the annual Forestry Undergraduate Society (FUS) Coconut party, Worrall also frequently hosted on-campus Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners for students who were unable to travel home for the holidays.
“Worrall would stuff a turkey and cover it in bacon, and make a big pot of mashed potatoes and gravy for students, all out of the generosity of his heart,” recalls UBC Forestry & Environmental Stewardship staff member Chiara Longhi.
Worrall became part of Chiara’s family
Chiara and Worrall became close friends after meeting at a UBC Forestry & Environmental Stewardship event in the early 2000s. “We used to play Boggle and Scrabble,” Chiara says. “He had an extensive vocabulary and a great sense of humour.” Worrall also regularly joined Chiara and her family for holidays and gatherings, becoming “an extension of our family,” she says. “He was loved by his chosen family and will be deeply missed.”
Worrall’s uniqueness and strength of character were his badges of honour. In his quintessentially unconventional way, Worrall was known to take students out of the classroom for tree walks around UBC campus where he would identify different plant species by sight and share anecdotes to help extend students’ learning experience.
“He loved being outside,” recalls Ponch Ocampo, who provided home care for Worrall after Worrall was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.
“Every day with him, we would go to his garden where he would spend hours with his plants,” notes Ponch. “Whenever we went for a walk, he would teach me how to differentiate the leaves and bark of different trees, and then quiz me about them later. He didn’t forget anything about plants.”
Worrall’s students were frequent fixtures at his home — just a short distance from the UBC Forestry & Environmental Stewardship building. During his teaching days, he often offered free accommodations to students in exchange for some help with housework.
“He would take students down to see the sequoias in California or on hikes to Mt. Frosty in Manning Park, BC, and never asked for any money,” says Chiara. “He also remembered the names of many of the students who took his classes years after they had left UBC, and would surprise people with this ability.”
Worrall continued to teach years after retiring in 2003, returning to campus to play ping pong with students or to help out with FUS or Faculty events. Upon his request, Worrall’s ashes were scattered in one of his favourite spots: a golden larch forest at Mt. Frosty, in the company of many of those who loved him.
In recognition of Mosaic’s transformative gift, UBC Forestry & Environmental Stewardship is updating the name of its Fletcher Challenge Lecture Theatre to the Mosaic Lecture Theatre.
Game-changing support is helping keep BC forestry on the world stage
A transformative $1.25 million gift to UBC Forestry & Environmental Stewardship from Mosaic Forest Management extends the realm of possibilities of forestry education, student experiences and the forestry profession.
“Mosaic’s gift to UBC Forestry & Environmental Stewardship supports our ongoing commitment to students as one of the leading forestry academic institutions in the world,” says UBC Forestry & Environmental Stewardship Dean, Prof. Rob Kozak. “This gift also reflects an important and ongoing partnership with members of the local forest industry, helping to ensure that post-secondary education in forestry continues to respond to industry and workforce needs in the province.”
Mosaic’s donation will further enhance UBC Faculty of Forestry & Environmental Stewardship research, education and community outreach mandate through various streams, including facility upgrades and experiential learning opportunities, such as field schools and field work.
“UBC Forestry & Environmental Stewardship students are the future,” says Domenico Iannidinardo (BSF’01), Senior Vice-President of Corporate Engagement and Chief Development Officer with Mosaic.
Mosaic was created in 2018 through the affiliation of Island Timberlands and TimberWest. Operating as several predecessor companies — including Fletcher Challenge on Coastal BC — for over 100 years, Mosaic is among Canada’s largest private timberlands producers.
Prior to their recent transformational gift to UBC Forestry & Environmental Stewardship, Mosaic established many ongoing career-building opportunities for forestry students, such as internships, field classes and summer positions.
Domenico was a summer student with Mosaic around 25 years ago, while studying towards a Bachelor of Science in Forestry at UBC. This opportunity expanded his view of how to apply technologies he had learned about in his course work, such as the role geographic information systems ― then in their nascency ― could play in the future of forest modeling and tree harvest practices.
In fact, the same year that UBC Forestry & Environmental Stewardship opened the doors of the then newly minted Forest Sciences Centre, Domenico was among the student body who attended lectures in the very same hall that now bears the Mosaic name.
During her time at UBC Forestry & Environmental Stewardship, Lorry Mackay (BSF’23) completed two summer co-op terms with Mosaic, where she developed professional skills that helped her secure a full-time job as an Infrastructure Planner with the timberlands management company after graduation.
“Through the support of UBC Forestry & Environmental Stewardship professors, I gained exposure to cutting-edge field- and computer-based forest management technologies and tools,” says Lorry. “This, coupled with class time spent outdoors at UBC’s Malcolm Knapp Research Forest and my co-op experiences with Mosaic, set me up for success.”
Collaboration and sustainability
Apart from supporting educational institutions, Mosaic is passionate about giving back to the broader community. Over the past five years, the forestry company has contributed over $10 million to various communities and environmental causes, and thousands of hectares of land for conservation and related non-timber uses, says Domenico. Last year alone, Mosaic donated almost $700,000 to community organizations. Mosaic also funds public campsites and firewood programs, and supports a variety of recreational opportunities from hiking to biking, fishing, game clubs and more “to ensure that we safely share the great outdoors and increase community access,” Domenico says.
Equity, diversity and inclusion inform community outreach and business operations, including close working relationships with over 30 First Nations on the Coast of BC.
A portion of the proceeds from the carbon credits sold on 40,000 hectares of Mosaic’s BigCoast Forest Climate Initiative are now part of a research commitment with the Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas Innovation Program ― lands and waters of which ecosystem conservation and protection rest primarily with Indigenous governments.
Mosaic’s support of voluntary, non-government-required reductions in the carbon footprints of multiple companies over multiple continents around the world is part of their goal to “drive changes in the forestry sector and other sectors that will ultimately benefit communities and the planet,” states Domenico.
This vision for forest management involves sustainable forest operations that protect the long-term viability of the land. Mosaic has replanted millions of hectares of harvested forest with the seedlings of local species, says Domenico. The company is also certified by the Sustainable Forestry Initiative, which requires meeting a multitude of sustainable forest management standards.
“We try to set the bar high in hopes that others in the industry will follow suit,” says Domenico.
This article was originally published in the Spring 2024 issue of Branchlines Magazine. View the full issue here.
