Chenming Wei
President
Chenming’s journey originates from the captivating coastal city of Rizhao, China, where the beauty of nature kindled his passion for environmental stewardship. He is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in International Forestry at UBC, but his story extends far beyond the confines of academia. In 2020, He took a bold step and founded Chenming Education, a company that initially focused on academic enrichment. Witnessing the growing need for ecological awareness, his endeavors transformed Chenming Education into a platform for public welfare and ecology education. His journey of service took a remarkable turn in 2022 when he assumed the role of Climate Ambassador at the Langley Environmental Partners Society. In collaboration with a dedicated team, he conducted more than 2,500 door-to-door engagements, advocating for alternative transportation and responsible water usage. This experience reinforced his belief that impactful change begins at the grassroots level. The summer of 2023 witnessed his immersion in the Canada B.C. Ministry of Forests as a Junior Resource Technologist. His role within the Land Authorization Team involved land inspection, resource evaluation, and facilitating First Nation consultations. This immersive experience deepened his understanding of the intricate intersections between environmental preservation and governmental policies. He is steadfastly dedicated to nurturing a vibrant community united by a shared passion for our planet where diverse perspectives unite students to propel positive change and committed to bridging regional disparities, addressing environmental challenges.
Yawei Wei
Executive Vice President
Yawei is a second-year Master’s student at the University of British Columbia (UBC) with a preceding MSc in Sustainable Environmental Management. Yawei brings to the table a multi-disciplinary background in agriculture, plant science, environmental science, and sustainability.
As a certified Forest Bathing Guide, her current research is focused on the health benefits of forest therapy. Yawei has showcased her expertise both as a researcher and presenter in various academic settings while also demonstrating exceptional organizational skills in planning academic events.
Passionate about forestry and nature on a broader scale, her goal is to bridge scientific research and community engagement to foster a more sustainable and health-conscious relationship between humanity and the natural world.
Muh Syukron
VP Media
Hello! Let’s introduce you to Muh Syukron or Syu. He is originally from Indonesia, where he developed a deep connection with the beautiful natural landscapes. This connection made him realize how incredible and complex nature can be, with all its challenges and opportunities. Syu is passionate about making positive changes in the world, especially when it comes to the environment and society. Right now, he is in his second year of a PhD program in Forestry at the University of British Columbia. His interest lies in environmental governance, focusing on how technology, resource management, and taking care of the environment all come together, especially in forestry and agriculture through a social lens. Currently, he is diving headfirst into exploring sustainability in the global and Indonesian palm oil industry. Outside academic work, he enjoys exploring food, snapping photos, and checking out new places while traveling.
Yifan Xie
VP Media
My name is Yifan Xie. My journey begins in the picturesque coastal city of Xiamen, China, where the breathtaking beauty of nature ignited my lifelong passion for environmental stewardship. Currently, I am in pursuit of a bachelor’s degree in natural resource conservation at the esteemed UBC.
As I’ve journeyed through life, I’ve come to realize the profound importance of addressing environmental issues in our generation. My academic path has been a transformative one, leading me from China to UBC, where I delved deep into the world of conservation. It was here that I discovered how I, as a student in this field, can make a meaningful impact.
I firmly believe that nature is a mysterious force, one that demands our care and respect. Without our diligent stewardship, it has the potential to effortlessly reshape the world around us. During my leisure time, I find solace in capturing the beauty of the natural world through photography and embarking on invigorating hikes in the great outdoors. These moments spent in nature are when I truly connect with the world around me, and I draw immense joy and inspiration from the tranquility of resting beneath the shade of a tree or conquering the heights of majestic mountains.
My journey is fueled by a deep-seated commitment to preserving our planet’s natural wonders and ensuring a harmonious coexistence between humanity and the environment.
Ruoxuan Wang
VP Logistics
Ruoxuan Wang is a fourth-year undergraduate student majoring in Nature Resources Conservation. His interest in forests originated from the descriptions of towering trees in Chinese and Western books, and since then, he has been searching for the trees and their habitats depicted in his spiritual world. This inner drive led him to explore the connection between man and nature. By studying natural resource conservation and management at FAFU in China and UBC in Canada, he has conducted an in-depth exploration of how human beings handle their relationship with nature. Now, he is working on finding further directions in conservation science.
His greatest love is to wander through the parks, taking time to perceive and reflect on the uniqueness of each park. He is also willing to participate in the actual construction of the park, joining the ecological restoration team of the Pacific Spirit Regional Park Society to help remove invasive species and rebuild native tree species.
He has worked for a recruiting firm as Project Department Field Services and has experience organizing outreach events and other related work. He is eager to use this experience to build bridges between his peers in the forestry faculty, the community and international organizations.
Roberta
VP Administration
Hello everyone! My name is Roberta and I am a fifth year Urban Forestry student. I am originally from Brazil and am really passionate about conservation strategies as well as green connectivity in cities. I am excited to be part of IFSA and to participate in such an amazing initiative connecting forestry students world wide. Looking forward to meeting all of you!
Yuxin Chen
VP Internal
Hi! I’m an undergraduate student at UBC, studying Natural Resources Conservation and Management. I served as an intern Ecology and River Researcher in the Government of China, where I gained valuable insights into river ecosystems. Currently, I’m working as an EcoRanger in Stanley Park, passionately introducing visitors to its diverse species and fascinating ecosystems. I have a deep love for wild species and the breathtaking beauty of nature. My goal is to contribute to the conservation and protection of our precious natural resources. Excited to connect with like-minded individuals who share my enthusiasm for the environment!
Daile (Iris) Zeng
VP External
Currently a first-year MSc of Forestry student at UBC, I began my academic pursuit here, earning an undergraduate degree in Natural Resources Conservation. From early independent travels embracing nature and diverse cultures, I became dedicated to environmental conservation and improving local livelihoods. My research interest is in the sustainable management of natural resources using an interdisciplinary approach. Exploring the effectiveness of planning and management strategies in improving biophysical and socioeconomic conditions at the watershed level. Beyond this, I’m deeply engaged with topics like carbon neutrality, salmon conservation, urban planning, and stakeholder engagement. With expertise in event organizing, communication, and outreach, my interests also extend to artwork and environmental photography, focusing on landscapes and architectural elements. My goal is to unite these artistic pursuits with scientific communication to disseminate critical environmental messages to broader audiences.
Weixuan (Alex) Huang
VP External
Weixuan Huang is an undergraduate student majoring in Conservation Science at UBC, driven by a deep passion for the environment and a commitment to addressing global environmental challenges. He also volunteers for the Federation of Disabled Persons, advocating for human rights. His diverse interests encompass international forestry, climate change, SDGs, and ecological policies. Beyond academics, he enjoys sports like badminton, swimming, and biking, and excels in building relationships and fostering cooperation. In the summer of 2023, he worked as a research assistant in Landscape Ecology, where he took on the role of the primary author for his first journal article and exhibited proficiency in GIS and data analysis. He’s a dedicated, communicative student eager to collaborate with people worldwide.
Sophie MacCallum
VP Relationship
Sophie, a 2nd-year student pursuing a double major in Natural Resource Conservation and the Master of Management Program, is excited to join IFSA. Her passion lies in ESG and sustainability within business. She’s eager to bridge UBC’s forestry student community with international peers and raise awareness of forestry-related topics on campus. Get ready for a fantastic year of collaboration and connection.