Raelani Kesler
Why did you decide to pursue a graduate degree?
I decided to pursue a graduate degree to work on contemporary environmental issues through interdisciplinary and community-engaged research. I was particularly interested in opportunities to work alongside Indigenous communities on questions related to land stewardship, sovereignty, and traditional food system revitalization.
Why did you decide to study at UBC?
I chose to study at UBC because I wanted to work with my supervisor, whose research approach and areas of focus aligned closely with my interests. The lab offered the opportunity to work within a supportive and motivated research group, while also conducting research in a region and ecosystem that I was interested in exploring more deeply. UBC also offered the opportunity to collaborate with and learn from researchers whose work I respected.
What is it specifically, that your program offers, that attracted you?
What attracted me to my program was its interdisciplinary structure and flexibility, which allowed me to integrate natural sciences, qualitative methods, and community-based perspectives within a single research project.
What was the best surprise about UBC or life in Vancouver?
The best surprise about UBC and life in Vancouver has been the community of students. There are so many opportunities to dive deeper into different interests and ways of learning, both within and outside of research. I’ve been inspired by how many students see their work as a way to contribute to social and environmental change. It has been really powerful to be surrounded by people who care deeply about their research and the impact it can have.
What aspects of your life or career before now have best prepared you for your UBC graduate program?
I think a combination of curiosity, hands-on experience, and previous research opportunities prepared me well for graduate school at UBC. Working in food systems and on farms gave me practical experience with environmental and social issues connected to land stewardship and food production, while past research experience helped me build skills in critical thinking, project development, and scientific communication.
What advice do you have for new graduate students?
My advice for new graduate students is to remember that research is a dynamic and iterative experience. Plans, ideas, and directions will change, and learning how to adapt is an important part of the process. I also think it’s important to appreciate the small moments along the way, because those are often what make the experience meaningful. Graduate school is a unique privilege and opportunity to spend time deeply engaged in learning, curiosity, and understanding, so try to be present for it while it’s happening.
Learn more about Raelani's research
This research examines how wildfire and invasive species influence post-fire ecosystem recovery in the Interior Douglas-fir forests of British Columbia through a community-collaborative approach developed with St’át’imc community members. The project explores how wildfire alters rhizosphere microbial communities and functional gene profiles associated with culturally important berry species, and whether they recruit microbes that support soil recovery. Beyond ecological processes, the research integrates historical land use, present ecological conditions, and community perspectives to re-story post-wildfire landscapes, while also examining post-wildfire land-use governance and opportunities to strengthen St’át’imc food sovereignty and stewardship following wildfire.