Bio-economy Co-op Student; Ministry of Forests, Indigenous Bioeconomy and Innovation Branch
This summer I have been working as a Bioeconomy Co-op student with the Indigenous Bioeconomy and Innovation (IBIO) branch within the Ministry of Forests. My role involves contributing to the transformation of British Columbia’s Forest sector from low value, high volume to high value, low volume production through innovative fiber-based products. This opportunity allows me to witness firsthand the province’s collaborative efforts with academia and industry to drive innovation in the sector.
A significant achievement of mine involves developing a business case for lignin carbon fiber, a key biomaterial application of lignin, and gaining skills in statistical and economic analysis. I am leveraging government connections by partnering with UBC for a technoeconomic analysis on lignin carbon fibers, directly supporting my business case. Furthermore, I have opportunities to visit UBC’s Bioproducts Institute to learn about the newest cutting-edge biomaterial research projects that we are funding.
Additionally, I am currently involved in organizing the Forest Innovation and Bioeconomy conference, where I contribute as a member of the organizing committee. This role includes liaising with venues and stakeholders to ensure the event’s success. Through my Co-op experience, I have effectively applied knowledge gained from the BEST program to practical scenarios, such as reviewing business cases, project proposals, and engaging with industry leaders in the bioeconomy.