People

Dr. Guangyu Wang

Director, AFRC
Associate Dean, Asian Strategies
Professor, Department of Forest Resources Management

Email: guangyu.wang@ubc.ca | Tel: 1-604-822-2681

Dr. Guangyu Wang’s research interests include sustainable forest management and integrated watershed management, specifically using computer modeling applications. He has completed several research projects on watershed-scale forest restoration and sustainable development projects, wherein he used system dynamic approaches, bioregional assessments, and geographic information systems techniques to analyze the mechanisms of ecosystem degradation and model broad land use management. One of his major research focuses involves examining Chinese forest management practices, where he has been able to develop novel management plans and sustainable management models for Chinese forests. Furthermore, Dr. Wang is currently involved in serval researches related to climate change, forest adaptation, and carbon market mechanisms.

As a previous business professional, Dr. Wang is also interested in the strategic planning and financial management of natural resources, in addition to the public perception and implementation efficiency of land-use change policies.

Evaluating Forestry Contributions to the Carbon Market
Adaptation of Asia-Pacific Forests to Climate Change

Dr. Suzy (Xueqin) Zeng (on leave)

Assistant Director, AFRC

Email: suzy.zeng@ubc.ca | Tel: 1-604-822-3570

Dr. Suzy (Xueqin) Zeng got her Ph.D. in Ecology and Evolution from the University of Bern in Switzerland. She studied Ecology for her master at the Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences and Forestry during her bachelor at Beijing Forestry University. She has worked in the field of forest biodiversity and conservation for 14 years. Before joining the AFRC as the Assistant Director in September 2021, She worked as a Scientific Assistant at the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research-UFZ, in Germany and as a scientific officer (Restoration Ecologist) at the Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden in Hong Kong SAR. She currently supports the Director of AFRC and acts as a central resource and hub for initiatives and programs/services management.

Dr. Anil Shrestha (on leave)

Lecturer and Senior Researcher

Email: anil.shrestha@ubc.ca | Tel: 1-604 827-5661

Dr. Anil Shrestha completed Ph.D. in Wildlife Ecology from Wageningen University & Research, The Netherlands. He brings 10 years of interdisciplinary experience in conservation science from Nepal, Norway, South Africa, China, and Canada. He is currently working as a lecturer and research coordinator. He teaches courses on forestry, conservation sciences, and online sustainable forest management. His research interest spans across conservation science, climate change adaptation of species and ecosystem, carbon management, and developing a new generation of protected areas.

Ms. Joris (Xuan) Jun (on leave)

Transfer Program Manager

Email: joris.jun@ubc.ca | Tel: 1-604-822-0516

Joris (Xuan) Jun holds a BSc in Forest resources management and MSc in Forestry (2018) from UBC. She has been working as the Program Manager in the Asian Strategies team at UBC Faculty of Forestry since 2016. Joris now focuses on 2+2/3+2 transfer programs and works closely with the UBC Forestry Student Services, UBC Admission, and the partner Chinese forestry universities. She actively supports the transfer students by providing online courses, mentorships, workshops, and social events. Back in 2015, Joris worked as a Research Assistant at the AP-FECM (Asia-Pacific Forestry Education Coordination Mechanism) for developing online courses in Sustainable Forest Management. She continued working on the APFNet SFM Phase II online course development and initiated the Phase III development in 2020. She also initiated and designed the Vancouver Summer Camp for supporting forestry education in the Asia Pacific region during the pandemic (2019-2020). Her current interests include student engagement in blended courses, student management in higher education, and the development of an advanced educational system.

Ms. Sijin Chen (leave replacement)

Transfer Program Manager

Email: sijin.chen@ubc.ca | Tel: 604-822-0516

Sijin manages 2+2/3+2 transfer pathways in partnership with top Chinese universities. She supports transfer students from admission to graduation, offering mentorship, transfer credit evaluation, orientation programming, workshops, and ongoing advising. Sijin also collaborates closely with faculty, admissions, and international partners to ensure program success. With experience in student advising, academic coordination, and cross-cultural program management, Sijin is committed to helping students thrive academically and personally. She holds a Master’s degree from UBC and a BSc (Honours) from SFU, and is a certified Project Management Professional.