Joshua Switzer
Ecosystem restoration
Dr. Cindy Prescott
Lisbon, ND
United States of America
Why did you decide to pursue a graduate degree?
Like most graduate students, I wasn't sure about what I wanted to do after obtaining my bachelor's degree. All I knew was that I wanted to learn more in the field of forest ecology, as wells as have a better chance of landing a great career.
Why did you decide to study at UBC?
The Belowground Ecosystem Group here at UBC has a great reputation among North American universities for conducting sound ecosystem-based research and having an amazing group of well-published professors. Opportunities for snowboarding at Whistler and mountain biking on the North Shore definately made my decision easier.
What do you hope to accomplish with your research?
I hope that my research will provide answers on how to make ecosystem restoration projects more efficient, while ensuring that we learn from our mistakes and let natural forest processes direct our actions.
What are your future career goals?
I hope to become a forest silviculturist or a fire ecologist with a conservation land trust or government agency.
What has been your most memorable Vancouver experience so far?
Playing beach volleyball every week at Jericho Park with other forestry graduate students during the beautiful Vancouver summer.
What advice do you have for new graduate students?
Not really; there is little difference between universities in the U.S. and Canada.
Personal Interests / Hobbies
Snowboarding, downhill mtn. biking, cross-country mtn. biking, kayaking, trail running, disc golf, hiking
