Raunaq Nambiar (Natural Resources Conservation)
June 1, 2023 | Author: nidarang
Research Technician at UBC Forestry & Environmental Stewardship in Vancouver, BC
During my work term, I have been working with the Conservation Decisions Lab at UBC Forestry & Environmental Stewardship on a variety of projects. I have had the opportunity to hone my skills as a research technician by exploring data processing tools like Excel and R using real-world data and tasks as opposed to the work provided in my coursework. This has given me a better insight into the more technical nature of this field. Through this, I have also learnt about the importance of the back-end lab work, as well the work done in the lab with collaborating with various stakeholders and balancing scientific needs with social needs. I’ve also had the chance to explore working independently and remotely, which is something I am grateful to be able to try out as a student, and the importance of maintaining a healthy, vibrant workspace, wherever one might be.
Posted in: Conservation, Student Stories
Tagged with: Co-op, Forestry Co-op, Natural Resources Conservation, Student Stories
May 25, 2023 | Author: UBC Forestry
Greenery can be a common source of refuge and recreation in the urban environment, but have you ever stopped to wonder who maintains the lush plant life found in parks and other public spaces? In this issue, we explore the relatively new role of the urban forester, and find out what it takes to fill those shoes. We hear directly from leading urban forestry researchers who are examining the human and wildlife health implications of urban forests, as well as the important role citizens can play in maintaining green spaces. We also speak with several, highly experienced BC urban foresters who have dipped their toes in everything from landscape design to pest infestation management, wildfire preparedness and tree planting initiatives. Find all this and more in our Urban Forestry issue.
Posted in: Branchlines, Highlights, News
Tagged with: Urban Forester, Urban Forestry
May 25, 2023 | Author: UBC Forestry
UBC Forestry & Environmental Stewardship is delighted to congratulate Dr. Ingrid Jarvis for receiving the UBC Distinguished Dissertation Prize and nomination to CAGS/ProQuest DDA.
Ingrid’s research focuses on the connection between urban natural environments and human health and wellbeing. Her work has also looked specifically at the effect of urban greenspaces on childhood development. Her dissertation is entitled Understanding the human health benefits of urban green space across the life course by integrating epidemiological and novel geospatial approaches. To learn more, read her dissertation here.
The UBC Distinguished Dissertation Prize is awarded to students whose doctoral dissertations are of exceptional quality and originality, and make a significant contribution to their academic field. One prize is offered in each of the following fields: social sciences and humanities, natural sciences and engineering, and health sciences. The prizes are awarded on the recommendation of the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies and recipients are chosen from amongst those nominated to the CAGS/Proquest Distinguished Dissertation Awards competition.
Posted in: Awards, Research Awards
Tagged with: Awards, Distinguished Dissertation Prize, Graduate, Greenspace, Human Health, PhD, Urban Forestry, Urban Greenspace
May 23, 2023 | Author: Forestry Co-op
Intern at Eco Field Trips in Singapore
During my Co-op work term, I interned at Eco Field Trips in Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia. I taught school groups aged 11-18 on Biology, Conservation, and Outdoor Education topics. I learned various techniques and tactics to engage students of different age groups and of other cultures. I was also happy to learn how to communicate more effectively with my coworkers and superiors whom I traveled and lived with during the job. It was vital that my coworkers and I became quick experts on local flora and fauna during the pre-trip surveys to ensure that we were providing the students with a fulfilling experience, reconnecting them to the planet.
Posted in: Conservation, Student Stories
Tagged with: Co-op, Forestry Co-op, Natural Resources Conservation, Student Stories
May 18, 2023 | Author: Forestry Co-op
Landscape Maintenance Team Member at Kennedy Landscaping LTD in Richmond, BC
Moving into this fall term, I am continuing my work term with Kennedy Landscaping in Delta BC. So far I have had opportunities to learn a variety of new skills using small engine tools such as pruning, hedging, line trimming, and leaf blowing while helping maintain beautiful lanscapes throughout the Lower Mainland of British Columbia. Lately I have had the opportunity to build my leadership skills by driving trucks, leading crews, and teaching minor skills to new employees. I have also been spending more time on newly developed sites helping crew leads come up with management plans and checking landscape installs. I am excited to see how my duties change with the seasons and I look forward to working with this incredible team for the rest of the year!
Posted in: Student Stories, Urban Forestry
Tagged with: Co-op, Forestry Co-op, Student Stories, Urban Forestry
May 18, 2023 | Author: Forestry Co-op
Spotted Owl Intern at British Columbia Conservation Foundation in Langley, BC
I have been working for the British Columbia Conservation Foundation (BCCF) at the Northern Spotted Owl Breeding Program (NSOBP). With only three known Northern spotted owls left in the wild, I am directly involved in conserving one of Canada’s most endangered species. Currently, I am learning the process of daily care for the owls such as studying typical or abnormal feeding and breeding behaviours. I assist the staff with artificial egg incubation, monitoring growth and development, and ensure ideal environmental conditions for new chicks that will contribute to the species’ population.
As well, I help maintain rodent colonies as fresh food for the owls by feeding, cleaning enclosures, and refilling water bottles. I have learned a lot about the behaviors of rats and mice through research, teaching, and hands on experience. Other duties I have performed include digitizing rodent and owl data, sewing, planting trees in owl aviaries, and supporting staff at outreach events or presentations. This position so far has been an extremely educating and rewarding experience that has shaped my life and career path. I am very grateful for the chance to be part of such an important program protecting Canada’s biodiversity.
Posted in: Conservation, Student Stories
Tagged with: Co-op, Forestry Co-op, Natural Resources Conservation, Student Stories
May 18, 2023 | Author: Forestry Co-op
Forest Inventory Data Analyst at BC Public Service in Victoria, BC
For my second co-op work term, I joined the Forestry analysis and inventory branch under the Ministry of Forests as a data analyst. My current job is to support the biometrics team in their transition from using SAS to R as their primary data analysis software. Specifically, I have been working on translating permanent sample plot (PSP) ranking codes from SAS into the R language. In this position, I am able to apply the R programming skills I learned at UBC and gain a variety of R related skills. My workplace and supervisor have all been very supportive and this job has allowed me to learn a lot about different careers in the current forestry field. I am grateful to Co-op for providing such an amazing growth and learning opportunity, and I look forward to using the skills I learned in this position in my future career.
Posted in: Conservation, Student Stories
Tagged with: Co-op, Forestry Co-op, Natural Resources Conservation, Student Stories
May 18, 2023 | Author: Forestry Co-op
Laboratory Research Assistant at Canfor in Burnaby, BC
For my second co-op work term, I got to work as a Laboratory Research Assistant at Canfor Pulp Innovation in Burnaby, BC. I was introduced to various procedures and experiments involved in pulp refining, some of which consist of making circular handsheets from refined pulp of different energy levels, testing handsheet properties in a controlled temperature and humidity environment, and checking for specific properties of refined pulp through additional experiments. As I got to learn more of these procedures and experiments, I was able to have a greater understanding of how Canfor Pulp Innovation conducts mill trials and their involvement in working with customers and mills that use their products. Forestry Co-op has given me the opportunity to use my laboratory and scientific skills from previous courses, and I am glad to see the relevance of my studies in real-life jobs including my current work position.
Posted in: Forest Sciences, Student Stories
Tagged with: Co-op, Forest Sciences, Forestry Co-op, Student Stories
May 18, 2023 | Author: Forestry Co-op
Research Compliance & Occupational Hygiene Assistant at University of British Columbia in Vancouver, BC
This Winter term I’ve had the pleasure to join UBC’s own chemical safety team with the Safety and Risk Services as an research compliance & occupational hygiene assistant. Our team is currently working on a pilot project to increase lab awareness of hazardous substances and provide researchers with useful information regarding their chemical storage and inventories. My role in the team is to manage communications and scheduling, in addition to helping identify the hazards associated with the chemical inventories of various labs.
Developing a professional voice when communicating in a business setting was something I found very intimidating at the beginning of my placement. This Co-op term gave me a chance to polish those skills and build my confidence both within my department during meetings as well as acting as a representative of my workplace in external communications.
I have learned an incredible amount about research safety and lab protocol during this term, and my supervisors have encouraged my growth at every turn. Forestry Co-op and the UBC SRS team have provided me with a much broader perspective on laboratory research and safety which will help guide me in transforming what I’ve learned in my studies into workplace skills.
Posted in: Forest Sciences, Student Stories
Tagged with: Co-op, Forest Sciences, Forestry Co-op, Student Stories
May 18, 2023 | Author: Forestry Co-op
Environmental Co-op at Teck Coal Limited in Sparwood, BC
For my third co-op work term, I’m working as an Environmental Co-op with Teck Coal Ltd. Based out of Sparwood BC, I’ve been working closely with the Fish Team, focusing on fish habitat, planning, and monitoring. So far this term, I’ve helped out with field projects such as stream temperature monitoring, and trail camera maintenance to qualitatively monitor fish habitat and ice levels. I’ve also been working on a project using ArcMap to monitor and track large wood additions and their movement over time. Before working for Teck, I’d never worked for such a large company before, but I feel just as supported as I have in my previous co-op positions. The co-op program is a great way to try new things and gain valuable hands-on experience in your field of study.
Posted in: Conservation, Student Stories
Tagged with: Co-op, Forestry Co-op, Natural Resources Conservation, Student Stories
