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Forests go far beyond British Columbia; they cover 1/3 of the Earth’s land surface. Forestry graduate students learn from a dynamic and diverse group of researchers who educate and communicate how forests and forest products contribute to the well-being of all living things. The health and sustainability of forests and the people who depend on them underlies everything we do.

The Faculty of Forestry is one of the top institutions globally in forest-related education and research. The unique breadth of expertise we possess allows us to integrate new knowledge across many disciplines. Offering both master’s and doctoral programs, our graduate students learn from a dynamic and diverse group of researchers from around the world.

 

Research Facilities

The Forest Sciences Centre is a showcase for construction using Canadian forest products, and was architecturally designed to mimic the landscape of British Columbia: towering trees, mountains, and blue-green waters. The 17,505-square-metre Forest Sciences complex has 11 classrooms, 2 lecture theatres, teaching laboratories, office space, computer labs, study areas, and a cafeteria, and houses the Faculty’s three departments.

Built alongside the Forest Sciences Centre is the 3,730-square-metre Centre for Advanced Wood Processing. It is Canada’s national centre of excellence for education and research related to wood products processing and advanced wood products manufacturing, and works to advance knowledge that fosters job creation, stabilizes forest-dependent communities, encourages increased value recovery, and ensures the sustainable management of Canada’s forests. This building includes two 25-seat classrooms, a machine lab, a simulator lab and a computer lab.

Within the Faculty of Forestry, there are also several research groups. Visit the website of each project to find out more.

Off-campus facilities include two Research Forests: the Malcolm Knapp Research Forest in Maple Ridge and the Alex Fraser Research Forest near Williams Lake. These are working forests located throughout the province where students and faculty can study in an outdoor setting. Fish and wildlife, silviculture, forest harvesting, forest ecology, forest management, and resources management figure prominently in these field studies.

Research Highlights

UBC Forestry is turning out a new generation of foresters, and faculty are committed to meeting future challenges in forestry through in-depth, cutting edge research. In fact, UBC Forestry receives the highest level of forestry research funding of any forestry faculty in Canada.

In the 2017/2018 fiscal year, members of the Faculty Forestry were awarded a total of over $12 million in research funding. 

Our wide breadth of research includes topics such as tree rings, integrated remote sensing, bioenergy, forest conservation genetics, landscape visualizations, African forest conservation and development, alpine studies, climate change, and advanced wood processing.

Schools / Departments

Department

Graduate Degree Programs

Research Supervisors in Faculty

or browse the list of faculty members in various academic units. You may click each unit to view faculty members appointed in that unit. View the full faculty member directory for more search and filter options.
Name Academic Unit(s) Research Interests
Aitken, Sally Department of Forest & Conservation Sciences forest genetics, climate change, Climate change, conservation, ecology, genetics, genomics
Alila, Younes Department of Forest Resources Management Hydrology, Flood, Water Resources, Water Structures, Forest Hydrology, Forest management, hydrological engineering
Atleo, Tara Department of Forest Resources Management Indigenous economics; Indigenous peoples environmental knowledge; Sustainability management; Sustainable development and policy; Sustainability Management; Communities and Indigenous Knowledge; Stewardship Economics
Avramidis, Stavros Department of Wood Science Other natural sciences, n.e.c.; Wood-water relations and sorption thermodynamics.; Fluid flow, heat transfer, and molecular diffusion; Modeling steady-state and dynamic non-isothermal diffusion in wood.; Application of fractals and machine learning to modeling wood physical properties.; Molecular modeling of the wood nano-pore network in the cell wall.; Industrial wood kiln drying optimization and development of new drying strategies.; Radio frequency vacuum (RFV) heating and drying of wood and wood products.; Dielectric wood phytosanitation.; Wood thermal modification.
Barbeito Sanchez, Ignacio Department of Forest Resources Management refining novel silvicultural practices; establishment and management of forests under global change
Benson-Amram, Sarah Department of Forest & Conservation Sciences, Department of Zoology
Boedhihartono, Agni Department of Forest & Conservation Sciences Forestry sciences; Other studies in human society, n.e.c.; Visual arts and media arts, n.e.c.; Natural resource management; biodiversity; Communities and Livelihoods; conservation; Forest management; Land-use Change; social science; sustainability; Tropical Landscapes and Livelihoods; Arts and Conservaion; Landstewardship; Traditional Ecological Knowledge; Arts for Conservation; Visual anthropology; Forests and Societies
Booker, Thomas Department of Forest & Conservation Sciences population and quantitative genetics
Bulkan, Janette Department of Forest Resources Management aboriginal forestry, biodiversity, climate change, communities and livelihoods, conservation, corporate responsibility, forest management, forest policy, international trade, social impact, social science
Bunn, David Department of Forest Resources Management
Burton, Cole Department of Forest Resources Management Forestry sciences; Ecology and Quality of the Environment; Ecological Trends; Animal; Biodiversity and Biocomplexity; Landscape and Restoration; Environment Management and Protection; Biodiversity conservation; Ecological Monitoring; Landscape ecology; Mammal Ecology; Population and Community Ecology; Wildlife Management
Cardinal-McTeague, Warren Department of Forest & Conservation Sciences Earth and related environmental sciences; Forestry sciences; plant biodiversity; Indigenous environmental management and food systems; monitoring of ecosystem health and function
Carroll, Allan Department of Forest & Conservation Sciences climate change, mountain pine beetle, bark beetles, forest disturbance, integrated pest management, insect ecology, population dynamics, insect-plant interactions, Climate change, conservation, ecology, ecosystems, forest biology, forest management
Cool, Julie Department of Wood Science modelling, wood products, wood science, wood
Coops, Nicholas Charles Department of Forest Resources Management Forestry sciences; Telemetry (Remote Sensing, Radar); Space Techniques; Forestry Technology and Equipment; Plants and Forests
Cranston, Emily Department of Wood Science, Department of Chemical & Biological Engineering Nanoparticle synthesis, properties and applications; Bio-based materials and nanocellulose; Atomic force microscopy (forces, adhesion, friction, imaging); Colloid and interface science; Polymer chemistry; Cellulose nanocrystals; Bioproducts; Foams, emulsions, aerogels
Dai, Chunping Department of Wood Science Forestry sciences; Bamboo; Bio-products; Wood Products; Wood Science; Wood Technology
Daniels, Lori Department of Forest & Conservation Sciences forest plants and trees; forest history; forest management; environmental protection and natural resource use, Climate change, ecology, fire regimes
Devisscher, Tahia Department of Forest Resources Management Forestry sciences; adaptation; climate change; Human Health; Human Well-being; Nature Recovery; Social-Ecological Resilience
El-Kassaby, Yousry Department of Forest & Conservation Sciences Forestry sciences; Applied Genetics; conservation; genomics; Seed orchards’ genetics; Tree breeding; Tree domestication
Eskelson, Bianca Department of Forest Resources Management Natural resource management; Forest Biometrics; Forest Modelling; Disturbance Effects; Management Effects; Climate Effects
Evans, Philip David Department of Wood Science Wood anatomy, wood durability, wood products, wood technology
Feng, Haibo Department of Wood Science Building construction engineering; Concrete, cementitious materials and other architectural and construction materials; BIM; Construction; LCA; sustainability; Wood Products; Zero energy / caron building
Gaston, Christopher Department of Wood Science Forestry sciences; markets and economics for Canadian wood products
Gergel, Sarah Department of Forest & Conservation Sciences Aboriginal forestry, biodiversity, climate change, communities and livelihoods, conservation, ecology, remote sensing, sustainability

Pages

Graduate Student Stories

Stephen Johnston

Doctor of Philosophy in Forestry (PhD)

Post-release mortality of Chinook salmon in marine recreational fisheries

Johanna Bock

Doctor of Philosophy in Forestry (PhD)

Urban natures for diversity: A perspective on individual behaviours, values, and mental health

Samadhee Kaluarachchi

Master of Science in Forestry (MSc)

Quantifying flood risk and sensitivity through causal inference methods in British Columbia

Marie Boulinaud

Doctor of Philosophy in Forestry (PhD)

Blaming swidden cultivation in the Philippines: evidence, consequences and understandings for Indigenous Peoples

Sharayu Jakhotiya

Doctor of Philosophy in Forestry (PhD)

People, Policy, And Predators: Studying the impacts of policy, governments, and markets on the governance models of forest dwelling communities in Central India’s tiger reserves

Mike Stefanuk

Doctor of Philosophy in Forestry (PhD)

Fire regimes from past to future in dry interior forests of the Cariboo region, British Columbia

Miah Godek

Doctor of Philosophy in Forestry (PhD)

Wildfire resilience and Indigenous cultural burning in the Okanagan Valley, British Columbia

Tara L. Brown

Doctor of Philosophy in Forestry (PhD)

Comparing guided and self-guided forest bathing in metro Vancouver parks: a seasonal longitudinal RCT examining health impacts and environmental factors
All Student Stories

Alumni on Success

Jane Yuexian Wang

Master of Geomatics for Environmental Management (MGEM) [2018]

Job Title
Programmer / Analyst

Employer
University of British Columbia

Dan Macmaster

Master of Sustainable Forest Management (MSFM) [2013]

Job Title
Fibre Manager and Head of Forestry

Employer
Vaagen Fibre Canada

Kristina Cockle

Doctor of Philosophy in Forestry (PhD) [2010]

Job Title
Research Scientist

Employer
CONICET

Jill Hamilton

Doctor of Philosophy in Forestry (PhD) [2012]

Job Title
Assistant Professor

Employer
North Dakota State University

Michael Donaldson

Doctor of Philosophy in Forestry (PhD) [2012]

Job Title
Content Development Manager

Employer
Canadian Science Publishing

Patrice Meteunou

Master of Sustainable Forest Management (MSFM)

Job Title
Parks and Recreation

Employer
City of Port Coquitlam

Ella Furness

Master of Science in Forestry (MSc) [2012]

Job Title
Doctoral Candidate

Employer
Cardiff University
All Alumni Stories

Recent Publications

This is an incomplete sample of recent publications in chronological order by UBC faculty members with a primary appointment in the Faculty of Forestry.

 

Experimental investigation on some influencing factors of the lateral resistant behavior of wood infill walls in traditional timber frames
Publication: Journal of Building Engineering
UBC Author(s): Frank Lam (Department of Wood Science / Faculty of Forestry)
Volume: 106
Publication Date: 15 July 2025

View Publication
The reinforcing effect of bonded post-tensioning tendons on the glulam beams without finger joints
Publication: Engineering Structures
UBC Author(s): Frank Lam (Department of Wood Science / Faculty of Forestry)
ISSN: 01410296
Volume: 335
Publication Date: 15 July 2025

View Publication
A remote sensing methodology for sub-stand growth and yield projection of post-harvest forest regeneration
Publication: Forestry
UBC Author(s): Dominik Roeser (Forest Resources Management / Faculty of Forestry)
ISSN: 0015752X
Volume: 98
Page Range: 454-463
Publication Date: 1 July 2025

View Publication
The assessment of individual tree canopies using drone-based intra-canopy photogrammetry
Publication: Computers and Electronics in Agriculture
UBC Author(s): Richard Hamelin (Forest & Conservation Sciences / Faculty of Forestry)
ISSN: 01681699
Volume: 234
Publication Date: July 2025

View Publication
Demand response based battery energy storage systems design and operation optimization
Publication: Energy and Buildings
UBC Author(s): Haibo Feng (Department of Wood Science / Faculty of Forestry)
ISSN: 03787788
Volume: 338
Publication Date: 1 July 2025

View Publication
Capturing constraints on boreal gross primary productivity using the remote sensing-based CAN-TG model.
Publication: Ecological Informatics
UBC Author(s): Tongli Wang (Forest & Conservation Sciences / Faculty of Forestry)
ISSN: 15749541
Volume: 87
Publication Date: July 2025

View Publication
Altitudinal influences on soil microbial diversity: The pivotal role of plant functional composition in shaping bacterial and fungal communities
Publication: Forest Ecology and Management
UBC Author(s): Tongli Wang (Forest & Conservation Sciences / Faculty of Forestry)
ISSN: 03781127
Volume: 586
Publication Date: 15 June 2025

View Publication
Comprehensive spatial LCA framework for urban scale net zero energy buildings in Canada using GIS and BIM
Publication: Applied Energy
UBC Author(s): Haibo Feng (Department of Wood Science / Faculty of Forestry)
ISSN: 03062619
Volume: 388
Publication Date: 15 June 2025

View Publication
How geospatial technologies are transforming urban net-zero energy buildings: A comprehensive review of insights, challenges, and future directions
Publication: Journal of Building Engineering
UBC Author(s): Haibo Feng (Department of Wood Science / Faculty of Forestry)
Volume: 104
Publication Date: 15 June 2025

View Publication
A conceptual design of timber-insulation mixed slab surface to mitigate large open-plan compartment fire development
Publication: Journal of Building Engineering
UBC Author(s): Felix Wiesner (Department of Wood Science / Faculty of Forestry)
Volume: 104
Publication Date: 15 June 2025

View Publication
A novel analytical model for axial load and coupling ratio of balloon-type cross-laminated timber coupled shear walls
Publication: Structures
UBC Author(s): Cristiano Loss (Department of Wood Science / Faculty of Forestry)
Volume: 76
Publication Date: June 2025

View Publication
Responses of spectral indices to heat and drought differ by tree size in Douglas-fir
Publication: Science of Remote Sensing
UBC Author(s): Nicholas Charles Coops (Forest Resources Management / Faculty of Forestry)
Volume: 11
Publication Date: June 2025

View Publication
Adapting to change: Visitor patterns in national parks across the pandemic timeline
Publication: Trees, Forests and People
UBC Author(s): Guangyu Wang (Forest Resources Management / Faculty of Forestry)
Volume: 20
Publication Date: June 2025

View Publication
Editorial to Special Issue: “Interactions between polysaccharides and water for advanced chemistry, structure and materials design”
Publication: Carbohydrate Polymers
UBC Author(s): Feng Jiang (Department of Wood Science / Faculty of Forestry)
ISSN: 01448617
Volume: 357
Publication Date: 1 June 2025

View Publication
Seismic Design of Hybrid Coupled CLT Shear Walls with Steel Link Beams
Publication: Earthquake Engineering and Structural Dynamics
UBC Author(s): Minghao Li (Department of Wood Science / Faculty of Forestry)
ISSN: 00988847
Volume: 54
Page Range: 1520-1539
Publication Date: May 2025

View Publication
A GDP-mannose-1-phosphate guanylyltransferase as a potential HIGS target against Sclerotinia sclerotiorum
Publication: PLoS Pathogens
UBC Author(s): Shawn Mansfield (Department of Wood Science / Faculty of Forestry)
ISSN: 15537366
Volume: 21
Publication Date: May 2025

View Publication
A formaldehyde-free, high-performance soy protein-based adhesive enhanced by hyperbranched sulfuretted polyamidoamine-epichlorohydrin resin
Publication: International Journal of Biological Macromolecules
UBC Author(s): Chunping Dai (Department of Wood Science / Faculty of Forestry)
ISSN: 01418130
Volume: 305
Publication Date: May 2025

View Publication
Assessing CREMAs’ Capacity to Govern Landscape Resources in the Western Wildlife Corridor of Northern Ghana
Publication: Environmental Management
UBC Author(s): Terence Sunderland (Forest & Conservation Sciences / Faculty of Forestry)
ISSN: 0364152X
Volume: 75
Page Range: 1055-1070
Publication Date: May 2025

View Publication
Quantifying the impact of single-tree morphological characteristics on the vertical gradient cooling effect and human thermal comfort during summer
Publication: Urban Forestry and Urban Greening
UBC Author(s): Guangyu Wang (Forest Resources Management / Faculty of Forestry)
ISSN: 16188667
Volume: 107
Publication Date: May 2025

View Publication
Genomic Exploration of Climate-driven Evolution and Evolutionary Convergence in Forest Pathogens
Publication: Genome Biology and Evolution
UBC Author(s): Richard Hamelin (Forest & Conservation Sciences / Faculty of Forestry)
Volume: 17
Publication Date: 1 May 2025

View Publication
CONSTANS-Like and SHORT VEGETATIVE PHASE-Like Genes Coordinately Modulate TERMINAL FLOWER 2 to Control Dormancy Transitions in Pinus tabuliformis
Publication: Plant, Cell and Environment
UBC Author(s): Yousry El-Kassaby (Forest & Conservation Sciences / Faculty of Forestry)
ISSN: 01407791
Volume: 48
Page Range: 3066-3084
Publication Date: May 2025

View Publication
Carboxylated xylan nanoparticles prepared by sequential periodate-chlorite oxidation and their application as a highly effective bio-based adsorbent
Publication: International Journal of Biological Macromolecules
UBC Author(s): Scott Renneckar (Department of Wood Science / Faculty of Forestry)
ISSN: 01418130
Volume: 308
Publication Date: May 2025

View Publication
Dataset of design factors and corresponding properties for sustainable design of cellulose lightweight materials
Publication: Resources, Conservation and Recycling
UBC Author(s): Feng Jiang (Department of Wood Science / Faculty of Forestry)
ISSN: 09213449
Volume: 217
Publication Date: May 2025

View Publication
Integrating urban building energy modeling (UBEM) and urban-building environmental impact assessment (UB-EIA) for sustainable urban development: A comprehensive review
Publication: Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews
UBC Author(s): Haibo Feng (Department of Wood Science / Faculty of Forestry)
ISSN: 13640321
Volume: 213
Publication Date: May 2025

View Publication
Large-scale compartment fires to develop a self-extinction design framework for mass timber-Part 2: Results, analysis and design implications
Publication: Fire Safety Journal
UBC Author(s): Felix Wiesner (Department of Wood Science / Faculty of Forestry)
ISSN: 03797112
Volume: 152
Publication Date: May 2025

View Publication

Pages

Recent Thesis Submissions

Doctoral Citations

A doctoral citation summarizes the nature of the independent research, provides a high-level overview of the study, states the significance of the work and says who will benefit from the findings in clear, non-specialized language, so that members of a lay audience will understand it.
Year Citation Program
2024 Dr. Dort studied the genetics and genomics of plant pathogens. She used comparative genomics to discover patterns of plant pathogenicity in fungi and established CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing in an oomycete forest pathogen. Her research provides a foundation for future studies of forest pathogens and the improvement of disease surveillance strategies. Doctor of Philosophy in Forestry (PhD)
2024 Coexisting with flood-adapted forests can be a challenge for communities that are built within historical floodplains. Dr. Moran's research revealed conditions under which cottonwood forests might thrive in the presence of flood control infrastructure, and suggested workable restoration strategies for highly developed riverscapes. Doctor of Philosophy in Forestry (PhD)
2024 Dr. Wertman discovered a unique, putative mutualism between the alder bark beetle and a newly described species of fungus. Her research expands upon known bark beetle-fungus symbioses to include a hardwood tree-killing system and has implications for the future health of nitrogen-fixing red alder throughout the Pacific Coast of North America. Doctor of Philosophy in Forestry (PhD)
2024 Dr. Chadwick developed methods for deriving critical assessment data for regenerating post-harvest stands in Alberta, Canada from drone imagery. His methods provide a basis to increase the efficiency with which monitoring can occur and offer a level of wall-to-wall detail that cannot be practically obtained with traditional methods. Doctor of Philosophy in Forestry (PhD)
2024 Dr. Lane studied changes in tidal marsh vegetation and seed germination potential in coastal conservation areas of BC. She found evidence for loss and limited germination of native species, and high risk of invasion by non-native species. This research highlights a need for active management and restoration in coastal ecosystems in BC and beyond. Doctor of Philosophy in Forestry (PhD)
2024 Dr. Loughnan studied climate change impacts on the timing of life history events, including the start of spring in forests. She found important relationships with environmental cues, like temperature, and evolution in how native woody species are responding. Her work has applications in conservations and management of forests across North America. Doctor of Philosophy in Forestry (PhD)
2024 Dr. Zhao developed ecological models to predict forest tree species' fundamental climate niche and productivity. Her innovative studies offer essential insights into forest adaptation strategies such as conservation or assisted migration in response to climate change. Doctor of Philosophy in Forestry (PhD)
2024 Dr. Wang estimated the pattern and changes in wildland fires and their ecological effects in Canadian forests. Her research contributes to a better understanding of how climate and vegetation interact with fires, thereby enhancing our capabilities for future coexistence with wildfires. Doctor of Philosophy in Forestry (PhD)
2024 There is a need for spatially explicit and accurate information regarding fish habitat in forested watersheds. Dr. Dakin Kuiper's doctoral studies examined the ability of airborne laser scanning to characterize stream habitat features important to salmon. His research will help forest and fisheries managers to better conserve these keystone species. Doctor of Philosophy in Forestry (PhD)
2023 Dr. Lyall studied peoples' relationships with the forests with the Kwakwaka'wakw of the West Coast of Canada. The research approach was collaborative and inclusive of Indigenous Knowledge. The research explained the cultural and heritage significance of the forests, from ancient stories, traditional foods, forest practices, and western red cedar. Doctor of Philosophy in Forestry (PhD)

Pages

 

MGEM GTA Award – 2024/25

Congratulations to Brent Murray, the 2024/2025 recipient of the MGEM GTA Award! The post MGEM GTA Award – 2024/25 appeared first on UBC Faculty of Forestry.

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MGEM Best in Class Awards – 2024/25

Congratulations to the 2024/25 recipients of the MGEM Best in Class Awards! The post MGEM Best in Class Awards – 2024/25 appeared first on UBC Faculty of Forestry.

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Graduate Teaching Assistant for FRST 507B (Deadline: May 25, 2025)

Job Post: The Department of Forest Resources Management at UBC Forestry is seeking a Graduate Teaching Assistant for 2025S1 FRST 507B. Apply now. The post Graduate Teaching Assistant for FRST 507B (Deadline: May 25, 2025) appeared first on UBC Faculty of Forestry.

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Insights from a U.S. Student at UBC Forestry – Samiksha Mukherjee’s Experience

Samiksha Mukherjee shares her experience as a U.S. student that chose to study at UBC Forestry. The post Insights from a U.S. Student at UBC Forestry – Samiksha Mukherjee’s Experience appeared first on UBC Faculty of Forestry.

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Branchlines: Supporting Urban Sustainability from Vancouver to Honolulu

Inspired by climate change impacts in her native Hawaiʻi, Chanel Yee (BUF’23) pursued urban forestry at UBC and now helps tackle wildfire risks with the USDA Forest Service. Learn more about her career! The post Branchlines: Supporting Urban Sustainability from Vancouver to Honolulu appeared first...

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Tzeng Yih Lam awarded Silvicultural Prize 2024

Congratulations to Tzeng Yih Lam on being awarded the 2024 Silvicultural Prize! The post Tzeng Yih Lam awarded Silvicultural Prize 2024 appeared first on UBC Faculty of Forestry.

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