People

AFRC Team

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.

Dr. Suzy (Xueqin) Zeng 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.

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Dr. Anil Shrestha 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.

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.

Dr. Toktam Sajedi Senior Researcher and Project Manager Email: toktam.sajedi@ubc.ca | Tel: 604-822-8476

Dr. Toktam Sajedi is a senior researcher, lecturer, and project manager with Asia Forest Research Centre at the University of British Columbia (UBC). She holds a Ph.D. in Forest Ecology and biogeochemistry from UBC. Her research interests include Soil-vegetation-water dynamics, ecosystem carbon cycling and sequestration, sustainable forest management, and climate change impact and adaptations. With experience working in academic, consulting, NGO, and business environments, across disciplines and cultures in Canada and internationally, Toktam has a unique combination of science, research, and entrepreneurial skills. She has taught courses at UBC and BCIT, led environmental projects in a wide range of ecosystems, and established businesses.