Molly Zhang
Why did you decide to pursue a graduate degree?
Before starting my PhD at UBC, I worked full-time for about two years following the completion of my master’s degree in Germany. During my master’s, I had already considered pursuing a PhD, but I wanted to gain work experience first, and I’m glad I did. The time away from academia gave me fieldwork experiences as an applied biology technologist in BC, and I gained lots of personal growth with the team I work with. I had always hoped to continue the project I began during my master’s, which involved working closely with local communities in Cape Town, South Africa. That experience left a lasting impression on me as I built meaningful relationships and felt a deep sense of responsibility to give back by using research to support the goals and visions of the communities. Without financial support, I would not have been able to continue this work. UBC’s Four-Year Fellowship and, later, the SSHRC scholarship from the Canadian government made it possible. I am not pursuing a PhD purely for its career prospects — academic paths can be uncertain and demanding — but rather because I genuinely enjoy research, love writing and reflecting, and knew I would find joy and purpose in the program I chose.
Why did you decide to study at UBC?
I completed my Bachelor's degree from UBC Forestry in 2020, so there was a natural pull that drew me back to my alma mater. At the same time, I was already living and working in Vancouver and wanted to continue building on the professional and personal foundations I had established here. Choosing to stay in the city for my PhD felt like the right decision. I was drawn to the program’s alignment with my research interests and was inspired by the work of faculty and students pursuing similar directions. I felt confident that I could find both intellectual engagement and a supportive community in the PhD program.
What is it specifically, that your program offers, that attracted you?
What drew me to the Institute for Resources, Environment and Sustainability (IRES) was its multidisciplinary research and the strong sense of community within the program. As a relatively small institute, IRES offers a unique opportunity to form close connections with both fellow students and faculty members. I’ve found the environment to be intellectually rich and socially supportive, with many students pursuing research in similar areas, which has led to stimulating conversations and friendships I wouldn’t have found elsewhere. I also appreciate the practical support the program provides. There are weekly seminars where students, faculty and guest speakers share their work and experiences and provide guidance on securing grants and funding. IRES gives me both the academic freedom and the guidance I need to thrive as a PhD student.
What was the best surprise about UBC or life in Vancouver?
To my surprise, I’ve come to really enjoy life in Vancouver. As an immigrant to the city, I didn’t fall in love with it right away, and Vancouver can be a lonely city for people who moved here alone. But over time, I built a circle of close friends who have become like family to me, and that has made all the difference. After living here for a few years, I’ve grown to appreciate the city more and more. While the winters are grey and wet, the North Shore mountains offer incredible winter hikes, and skiing is easily accessible with several local mountains just a short drive away. Summers in Vancouver are vibrant, with festivals, outdoor activities and beautiful beaches. Some of my favorite ways to enjoy the season are hiking, camping, paddleboarding and relaxing with a book by the water to watch the sunset. This summer, I’m excited to start bike touring and hopefully sailing with the UBC Sailing Club. The joy and connection I’ve found here has been an unexpected and wonderful surprise.
What aspects of your life or career before now have best prepared you for your UBC graduate program?
Strong writing and communication skills, along with the mindset of being brave and unafraid to fail. I have also learned the value of trying different things in life and not being afraid to change direction. My work experience in applied biology in BC has been very meaningful. It gave me firsthand insight into how biological work is implemented on the ground, the implications of environmental legislation, and how those policies affect people across different professions. Having worked at two different consultancies, I also developed the ability to clearly communicate my needs and ideas to others. On top of that, having lived and studied across Asia, Europe, Africa and North America has given me a deep appreciation for cultural diversity and the ability to navigate different perspectives. It is a valuable asset that continues to shape my approach to research and collaboration.
What advice do you have for new graduate students?
Apply for funding early and don’t be discouraged by rejection. Keep trying, because you never know what opportunities you might receive if you just put yourself out there. When choosing a supervisor or committee members, try to speak with their current or former students first. It can give you valuable insight into what to expect and help you make an informed decision. Remember, there are many different ways life can work out. A PhD is a tough journey. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure, don’t hesitate to reach out for support. There are people who care about how you’re doing, and you’re not alone in this journey.
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Learn more about Molly's research
In the past decades, the transition towards monoculture and rapid urbanization has left the global food system and living environment vulnerable to the effects of climate change. Research has shown that native and culturally important food plants enhance diet diversity, adapt to local climates, support local biodiversity and strengthen cultural identity. However, despite the clear benefits, the adoption of native food plants remains limited. This raises the question: why have these practices not been more widely adopted if their benefits are so substantial? This, in turn, leads to my primary research question: How does planting native food plants impact socio-ecological systems in different ecological, cultural and political landscapes? My research aims to examine the socio-ecological outcomes of the adoption of native food plants and identify the factors that enable or hinder their integration into existing food systems in different environments.