Hannes Dempewolf
Crop evolution; agro-biodiversity conservation
Loren Rieseberg; Quentin Cronk
Blaubeuren
Germany
Why did you decide to pursue a graduate degree?
I decided to enter grad school because I feel passionate about my research and have the great hope that it will help me to contribute to some of the global challenges we face today.
Why did you decide to study at UBC?
During my previous stay as an undergraduate exchange student at UBC , I realized how much I enjoyed living in British Columbia and the city of Vancouver. UBC's reputation as one of the leading research-oriented universities in the world is growing rapidly and this reputation certainly added to the appeal. In recent years, UBC has been able to attract more and more world-class scientists to join its faculty. The chance to work with such brilliant scientists was probably the primary reason I decided to come back to UBC for my PhD.
What do you hope to accomplish with your research?
We have a shared global responsibility to find sustainable ways to provide food for the world's increasing population and at the same time conserve (agricultural) biodiversity in the face of environmental change. I hope to address this challenge with my research.
What has been your most memorable Vancouver experience so far?
Trail running in the North Shore Mountains, sailing Howe Sound and relaxing on the Gulf Islands are all experiences that rate pretty highly on my list.
What advice do you have for new graduate students?
Living in Vancouver and studying at UBC is a very cosmopolitan experience. Try to take advantage of it in every way you can!
