Wildfire Field Research Assistant; University of British Columbia, Faculty of Forestry
As a Wildfire Field Research Assistant for UBC’s Centre for Wildfire Coexistence this summer, I have been working on a few different projects relating to wildfire data collection.
Most recently, I have been collecting pre-fire data on rangeland in the Okanagan-Similkameen region. The data we collect will be used to help monitor the eco-cultural impacts of prescribed and cultural fire on cattle rangeland.
This position has taught me how to record plant species data, estimate plant cover, as well as use GPS technologies to locate our plots. I have improved my teamwork and communication skills while navigating challenging terrain and learned good safety strategies while in the field.
Additionally, as part of Dr. Lori Daniels’ lab I got to take part in the first Wildfire Coexistence Symposium in June. I learned a lot about the current work being done to tackle the challenge of coexistence with fire and heard from many experts about the whole-of-society solutions needed. So far this Co-op term has been full of learning and building connections within the faculty and beyond. I am grateful for everything I have experienced so far as a Co-op student in this lab, and I am looking forward to what I get to do for the rest of the season!