Class of 2025: Jiawen Chen, BSc in Food, Nutrition and Health

May 12, 2025

Class of 2025: Jiawen Chen, BSc in Food, Nutrition and Health

Jiawen Chen (she/her/hers)

Program: BSc in Food, Nutrition and Health

How did you hear about LFS at UBC?

I was looking into food and nutrition degrees around the world, and UBC stood out as one of the top universities. That’s when I first heard the name “LFS”! I checked out the faculty’s social media and instantly fell in love with its small, friendly community. I also heard from alumni that everyone loves the supportive environment here. I’m so glad I joined because LFS has truly felt like a second home on a big campus.

Favourite class?

It’s SO HARD to choose—I loved so many courses! Especially with the dual degree, I explored new areas like textiles, costume design, family studies, and sociology. But FNH 342 – Critical Perspectives on Consumer Food Practices really stood out. It was eye-opening to examine food choices through a social lens instead of a scientific one. We looked at real-world examples and asked deeper questions about our relationships with food, culture, and identity. It changed how I think about eating and why we eat the way we do.

Should students get involved in extracurriculars?

100% YES! University is about more than just lectures. Getting involved helps you gain skills, meet people, and discover what you enjoy. I joined Nutrikids, UBC Imagine Day, and the LFS ACE Team. Through these, I built leadership and communication skills, and more importantly, I made friends and meaningful connections. I felt more rooted in the community. These experiences helped me realize I love supporting others, which is something I carry into my future career.

Your next steps?

After my practicum, I plan to apply for teaching jobs in the education field. In the future (maybe after a year or two) I’d love to return to school and learn more about food, nutrition, and health. I also want to slow down and enjoy some time for myself. I’m learning to welcome the unknown and stay open to paths I hadn’t planned for.

Favourite place in Vancouver?

Not necessarily one spot, but I love walking around the city. I often go to parks or along the water to slow down and feel grounded. One of my favourite walks is from campus to Acadia Beach. Being near the ocean and surrounded by trees helps me reset. Whether I’m with a friend or just by myself, those little moments of calm in nature always bring me peace and clarity.

Tagged with: 2025, Food Nutrition and Health, Undergraduate

Tagged with 2025, Food Nutrition and Health, Undergraduate
Categories: Uncategorized

Class of 2025: Vora Kim, BSc in Applied Biology

May 12, 2025

Class of 2025: Vora Kim, BSc in Applied Biology

Vora Kim (she/her/hers)

Program: BSc in Applied Biology

How did you hear about LFS at UBC?

When I was in 10th grade, my sister got accepted into LFS’s FNH program (where she later graduated with a major in Food Sciences); this was when I first heard about LFS at UBC. However, I only learned more about the faculty when deciding what I wanted to pursue after high school. This was when I stumbled on the LFS website, specifically the Sustainable Agriculture and Environment page. I loved how LFS and all its programs focused on real-world applications of sciences to address issues such as sustainable food production and food insecurity. Needless to say, I don’t regret joining LFS for my undergraduate studies.

Favourite class?

APBI 402: Sustainable Soil Management! The course has a great balance between individual work (lectures, self-study, and written reports) and group work (case studies and presentations), making every class engaging and fun. Not to mention, Maja Krzic and Sandra Brown did a phenomenal job of running the course, keeping me motivated to learn.

They were constantly challenging me to think critically (and realistically) about soil management practices through the group case studies and written reports. Regardless of whether I end up in a soil-related career, APBI 402 will always be my favourite class!speaking, communication, and teamwork skills. Along the way, I made new friends, gained leadership experience, and felt more connected to the LFS community.

Should students get involved in extracurriculars?

Yes, I recommend students get involved in extracurriculars. Faculty and community events are great for meeting and hanging out with peers in the community, and a great way to take a break from academics. As for leadership-type involvements such as joining the LFS|US and the LFS ACE Team, you get opportunities to learn and grow your leadership and teamwork experience! For myself, I was involved with the LFS ACE Team for a few years, and learned so much in leadership, team-building, and project management. I also met many amazing students and staff in the faculty!

However, as much as I recommend getting involved, self-care is just as important. If you choose to join extracurriculars, please also remember to take time for yourself!

Your next steps?

I’m pursuing a Master’s of Management for the rest of 2025 (as part of the B+MM program). After completing the MM program, I’ll likely be searching for a full-time career to settle down, but who knows where life will take me!

Favourite place in Vancouver?

Rain-or-Shine or Soft Peaks Ice Cream! I love grabbing some ice cream with my friends to hang out and chat!

Tagged with: 2025, Applied Biology, Undergraduate

Tagged with 2025, Applied Biology, Undergraduate
Categories: Uncategorized

Class of 2025: Joseph Al Rahmani, BSc in Global Resource Systems

May 12, 2025

Class of 2025: Joseph Al Rahmani, BSc in Global Resource Systems

Joseph Al Rahmani (he/him/his)

Program: BSc in Global Resource Systems

How did you hear about LFS at UBC?

My first memory of UBC is when my sister received her acceptance letter when I was just 5 years old; I remember seeing the email on her computer screen as her scream of excitement echoed in the halls of our home. After her admission, my family and I would travel from Jordan to UBC every summer. I experienced many firsts here at UBC: University Village is where I got my first scar from learning how to ride a bike, the old Aquatic Centre is where I jumped off my first diving board, and my first bus ride was on the notorious 99 B-line. UBC has been weaved into the fabric of my existence, and now so is the faculty of Land and Food Systems. I did not know what LFS was, but I had a deep interest in science. I heard that LFS had a more, what many outside of LFS considered a “non-conventional route into the sciences. Later on, discovered that the courses I learned at LFS are probably the most applicable and useful courses one could take at UBC. No matter your program in this faculty, you will come out as a well-rounded individual.

Favourite class?

It’s hard to choose just one – I’ve really appreciated the flexibility of the Global Resource Systems program, which has allowed me to tailor my coursework to my interests. That said, FRE 490 (Impact Evaluation Analytics) with Sean Holowaychuk stands out. It equipped me with some of the most practical and transferable skills I’ve gained at UBC, particularly in Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) and Logical Framework modelling. These tools are foundational for anyone working in development or policy, and the course gave me the confidence to apply them in real-world contexts, from internships to consulting work.

Should students get involved in extracurriculars?

Absolutely! Some of my most meaningful experiences at UBC came from stepping outside the classroom. Serving as a UBC Senator gave me a voice in university governance and taught me how institutional decisions are made – skills that directly relate to my interest in public policy and global affairs. Participating in case competitions, here at UBC and internationally, pushed me to think critically under pressure, collaborate across disciplines, and present ideas that could have a real-world impact. These experiences not only helped me apply what I was learning in class but also shaped my leadership style, expanded my network, and gave me a deeper sense of belonging within the LFS and UBC communities. I truly believe that extracurricular involvement transforms your education from something you passively receive to something you actively shape.

Your next steps?

I’ve been accepted into UBC’s Master of Public Policy and Global Affairs (MPPGA) program, which feels like a natural next step after my time in LFS. My goal is to work at the intersection of foreign policy, development, and governance, with a particular focus on the Middle East. Having grown up between Canada, Jordan, and Iraq, I’ve witnessed firsthand how policy decisions made far from the region can have deep and lasting impacts on local communities. I hope to use my graduate studies to deepen my understanding of global systems, refine my policy analysis skills, and ultimately contribute to more transparent, inclusive, and locally grounded frameworks in international development. Whether it’s through multilateral organizations, government, or civil society, I want to be part of shaping policies that centre lived experience and long-term resilience.

Favourite place in Vancouver?

I love food – especially breakfast – so my favourite place will be a restaurant. Cafe Zen in Kitsilano is my go-to brunch spot. No matter what season it is, it is always a staple Kitsilano brunch spot that I frequent often. Their classic breakfast is straight up, affordable, and delicious.

Tagged with: 2025, Global Resource Systems, Undergraduate

Tagged with 2025, Global Resource Systems, Undergraduate
Categories: Uncategorized

Class of 2025: Claire Ma, BSc in Food, Nutrition and Health

May 12, 2025

Class of 2025: Claire Ma, BSc in Food, Nutrition and Health

Claire Ma (she/her/hers)

Program: BSc in Food, Nutrition and Health

How did you hear about LFS at UBC?

I always knew I wanted to study somewhere warm in Canada, so UBC was my top choice. I first heard about the Faculty of Land and Food Systems through a cooking club event in high school, where I met an alum who majored in Food, Nutrition and Health. It sparked my interest in the food industry, but as I took more courses, I discovered my passion for promoting health equity in global contexts. This led me to focus more on public health research in low- and middle-income countries.

Challenges you encountered?

As an international student, one of the biggest challenges I faced was stepping out of my comfort zone to express myself, share my ideas, and engage with others. To overcome this, I started small by volunteering as an Imagine Day Orientation Leader and joining the LFS ACE Team. These roles helped me build my public speaking, communication, and teamwork skills. Along the way, I made new friends, gained leadership experience, and felt more connected to the LFS community.

Favourite class?

Two of my favourite classes were FNH 455 (Applied International Nutrition) and FRE 304 (International Agricultural Development). Both offered hands-on learning experiences where we collaborated with peers from diverse backgrounds to research real-world issues. We analyzed root causes and barriers to global nutrition and agricultural challenges and developed practical, evidence-based solutions. These courses helped me strengthen my research and teamwork skills while applying classroom knowledge to complex global problems, these experiences have deeply inspired my career path in public health.

Should students get involved in extra-curriculars?

Absolutely! I highly recommend joining extra-curriculars like the LFS ACE Team to build confidence and meet peers. Work Learn jobs are also a great way to gain professional experience. I worked as a Development and Alumni Engagement Project Assistant in LFS in my fourth year, where I helped plan events, create social media content, and support alumni initiatives. The role was dynamic and enriching. I learned valuable skills and connected with inspiring alumni who showed me the many paths an LFS degree can lead to. The supportive team environment made it even more rewarding.

Your next steps?

After graduation, I’ll be pursuing a Master of Public Health at UBC. My interest in this field was sparked by FNH 455, where I learned about health equity and nutrition challenges in low-resource settings. I hope to work in global health, focusing on improving access to healthcare and advancing sustainable, community-based solutions in low- and middle-income countries. I’m excited to continue building on what I’ve learned during my undergrad and contribute to meaningful, equity-driven work in the future.

Favourite place in Vancouver?

Jam Café on West 4th Avenue is my favourite spot in Vancouver. It’s my go-to place to unwind after exams or catch up with friends over brunch. The cozy atmosphere, delicious food, and friendly vibe make it the perfect place to relax and recharge.

Tagged with: 2025, Food and Resource Economics, Undergraduate

Tagged with 2025, Food and Resource Economics, Undergraduate
Categories: Uncategorized

Class of 2025: Donglin Li, BSc in Food and Resource Economics

May 12, 2025

Class of 2025: Donglin Li, BSc in Food and Resource Economics

Donglin Li (he/him/his)

Program: BSc in Food and Resource Economics

How did you hear about LFS at UBC?

I first heard about the Faculty of Land and Food Systems (LFS) at UBC through my high school counselor, who recommended it based on my interest in sustainability and food security. After researching the faculty online and attending a UBC information session, I was drawn to LFS’s interdisciplinary approach and its strong focus on real-world impact, community engagement, and environmental responsibility.

Favourite class?

My favourite class was FRE 374: Land and Resource Economics. I enjoyed how it connected economic theory with real-world environmental issues, such as overfishing, climate change, and forest management. The course challenged me to think critically about sustainability and resource policy. I especially appreciated the applied approach—it helped me understand the complexities of managing natural resources through both economic models and practical policy tools.

Should students get involved in extra-curriculars?

Yes, I highly recommend students get involved in extracurriculars. They’re a great way to build friendships, develop teamwork skills, and explore interests beyond academics. For example, I joined a community football team in my first year and met many of my closest friends through the activity. It helped me stay active, manage stress, and feel more connected to the UBC community.

Your next steps?

The next step for me is pursuing graduate studies in Food and Resource Economics through the MFRE program at UBC. I’m excited to deepen my understanding of economic tools and policy analysis related to agriculture, sustainability, and resource management. This program will help me build the skills and knowledge needed to address global food challenges and contribute to more effective, sustainable food systems.

Favourite place in Vancouver?

My favourite place in Vancouver is the False Creek community. I love how it blends scenic waterfront views with vibrant urban living. Whether it’s walking along the seawall, kayaking in the inlet, or relaxing at nearby cafés, False Creek offers a perfect balance of nature and city life. It’s a peaceful yet lively spot that always helps me recharge and feel connected to the city.

Tagged with: 2025, Food and Resource Economics, Undergraduate

Tagged with 2025, Food and Resource Economics, Undergraduate
Categories: Uncategorized

Raya Hartshorne

May 9, 2025

About

Name	Raya Hartshorne
Pronouns	She / Her
Degree	Bachelor of Science in Food, Nutrition, and Health
Major	Dietetics
Year	3
Hometown	White Rock, Canada

Raya is a third-year undergraduate student in the Food, Nutrition, and Health program. Raised in White Rock, BC, Raya was drawn to nutrition through her love for cooking, wellness, and supporting others in their health journeys. Her high school capstone project, focused on meal planning for mental health, which sparked her interest in dietetics and led her to pursue this passion academically at UBC.

Raya is an active member of the LFS community. She has volunteered with the LFS Outreach team and participated in the Land One program, which helped her build a strong foundation and lasting friendships. Her goal is to become a Registered Dietitian and continue creating content through her page, @rayashealthykitchen. Her biggest advice to new students is to reach out for support early and take advantage of programs like Land One and academic advising, which helped her feel grounded and empowered.

What are three adjectives that describe you?

Kind, Determined, Outgoing

What has been the best part of your university experience so far?

This year I took on something new and joined the LFS Outreach team, where I volunteered at recruitment events and led educational workshops for high school classes. I stumbled across the opportunity in an LFS Newslettuce and am so glad I decided to apply! I have had so much fun getting to connect with future students and sharing my LFS experience with them. Being a part of this team has also expanded my network by introducing me to so many more awesome people in the Faculty.

How did you first become interested in Food, Nutrition, and Health Program?

I was lucky to grow up surrounded by home-cooked, nourishing meals and a positive emphasis on wellness. I used to love going to health food stores with my mom and would read cookbooks to fall asleep! This followed me through my life as I continued to learn how to best take care of myself. While in high school, I took a big interest in foods classes and combined this with my passion for a holistic approach to health, to create a capstone project: a meal plan focusing on supporting mental health. This project opened my eyes to possible career choices and landed me in LFS to start my nutritional academic journey!

What kind of career do you hope to pursue after your degree?

My current vision for myself is to become a Registered Dietitian and get to explore my different niche interests in nutrition through my clients while helping them to achieve health and peace. I want to create a holistic approach and safe space in healthcare that empowers people to feel their best. I also love exploring content creation through my page @rayashealthykitchen to promote nutrition and wellness. I definitely see myself continuing this in my future. I got to explore this further in an academic setting through LFS 400: Audio Storytelling, and the audio skills I learnt have come in handy for my content.

What has been your favourite course and why?

I loved taking FNH 371: Human Nutrition Over the Lifespan with Dr. Liz Novak. We learned about key nutrition focuses at each point in the lifespan, starting at pregnancy and ending at the aging population. One of my favourite topics is pregnancy and lactation, so getting to explore these topics more and seeing how I could support people in these stages was amazing. Studying for this class became fun for me because I was so interested in it, which is the best feeling.

Can you share if you experienced a challenge during your time at UBC?

My first year at UBC was a big transition; there was a lot of change happening at once, and I struggled with my mental health. While my family and professionals helped me through this challenge, the LFS community also played a huge role. I met with an academic advisor at LFS Student Services who helped me adjust my course load and referred me to the Centre for Accessibility, which provided me with accommodations to allow me to truly do my best. I was also in Land One at the time, which had smaller class sizes and a strong support system to fall on. This challenge only made me grow stronger and closer to my community. There are so many people who are here to help you at UBC and within LFS, so my biggest advice is to just reach out!

What strategies would you recommend for adapting to the new university setting?

Applying to the Land One program for my first year shaped my transition and made me feel more settled at UBC. The smaller class sizes allowed me to make life-long friends, make one-on-one connections with professors, and feel supported. We also did several field trips and hands-on activities, which made my first year so fun. I recommend any incoming LFS and Forestry students to consider Land One!

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Mark Paul Rivarez

April 30, 2025

Mark Paul Rivarez

Assistant Professor, Applied Biology

604-827-5274

paul.rivarez@ubc.ca

MCML 233 (Office), MCML 218 (Lab)

@viromehunter

Education

Balik Scientist, Philippine Genome Center–Visayas and University of the Philippines Visayas, funded by the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Health Research and Development; Philippines, 2024

Postdoctoral Research Scholar, Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, North Carolina State University; USA, 2023

Balik Scientist, Caraga State University, funded by the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development; Philippines, 2022

Doctoral (Doctor of Science program), National Institute of Biology and Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School; Slovenia, 2019-2022;

Secondments: (1) Abiopep, S.L. and Center for Edaphology and Applied Biology of Segura (CEBAS)–CSIC; Murcia, Spain and (2) French National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and the Environment (INRAE); Bordeaux, France

Predoctoral (Young Researcher Scholarship program), Institute of Integrative Systems Biology, Spanish National Research Council – University of Valencia; Spain, 2019

Masters (Master of Science program, major in Plant Pathology, minor in Plant Breeding), University of the Philippines and Institute of Plant Breeding; Philippines, 2015-2018

Instructor of Plant Pathology and Agricultural Biotechnology, University of the Philippines; Philippines, 2014-2018

Bachelors (Bachelor of Science program in Agricultural Biotechnology), magna cum laude, University of the Philippines and International Rice Research Institute; Philippines, 2010-2014

Research

At the Phytopathology + Virology (PPV) Laboratory, led by Dr. Mark Paul Rivarez, we study phytopathogens and viruses beginning in the field, where we diagnose plant diseases and collect diverse samples from crops, arthropods, wild plants or weeds, and the environment (soil and/or water). Our findings are further investigated under controlled conditions in greenhouses or growth chambers – to explore microbes’ biological properties and possible ecological and beneficial roles. Subsequent molecular diagnostics and high-throughput sequencing are performed in the ‘wet’ lab, generating vast datasets that are then processed and interpreted using bioinformatics tools, data mining, and artificial intelligence (AI)-based modeling approaches in the ‘dry’ lab.

This integrated approach, from field observations to computational analysis, allows us to explore phytopathogen and virus diversity, predict disease emergence and spread, and develop sustainable strategies to protect plant health.

Our Research Themes:

(Note: asterisk (*) means Greenhouse or Growth Chambers)

1. AgroViroMics Research (Exploration of Agroecosystem Viromes and Microbiomes (discovery and ecological approach))

Research Goal: To uncover diversity and reservoirs of viruses (and other pathogenic or beneficial microbes) in crops, wild or native/indigenous plants, arthropods, and environment within and at the interface of wild and cultivated agroecosystems in association with disease dynamics using high-throughput sequencing (HTS).

Work Mode (estimate): Field (30%), GH/GC* (10%), Wet Lab (30%), Dry Lab (30%)

Techniques: field survey and disease diagnostics, molecular diagnostics, high-throughput sequencing (HTS), bioinformatics

Publication for reference: In-depth study of tomato and weed viromes reveals undiscovered plant virus diversity in an agroecosystem. Microbiome 11:60. https://microbiomejournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s40168-023-01500-6

2. PhyloEcology Research (Predictive studies on virus evolution and epidemiology using Phylogenetics and Ecological approaches)

Research Goal: To proactively track global distribution and spread, host range expansion, and discover new ecological niche of viruses by employing exa-scale datamining of global sequencing databases, and subsequently, examine relationships of host-virus coevolutionary history and their ecology to better predict possible host range expansion, spread, or emergence of detected viruses.

Work Mode (estimate): Field (0%), GH/GC* (0%), Wet Lab (30%), Dry Lab (70%)

Techniques: high-throughput sequencing (HTS), bioinformatics, exa-scale datamining, AI-based modeling

Publication for reference: Diversity and pathobiology of an ilarvirus unexpectedly detected in diverse plants and global sequencing data. Phytopathology® 113:1729-1744. https://apsjournals.apsnet.org/doi/10.1094/PHYTO-12-22-0465-V

3. PhytoGuard Research (Sustainable solutions to guard plant health, e.g. biological control for plant pathogens, plant probiotics and stimulants, etc.)

Research Goal: To characterize the pathobiological properties or potential beneficial ecological roles of viruses and other microbes from agroecosystems to enhance risk assessment and mitigation strategies for pandemic preparedness.

Work Mode (estimate): Field (20%), GH/GC* (40%), Wet Lab (30%), Dry Lab (10%)

Techniques: field survey and disease diagnostics, molecular diagnostics, biological and GH/GC* assays, bioinformatics

Publication for reference: Influence of native endophytic bacteria on the growth and bacterial crown rot tolerance of papaya (Carica papaya). European Journal of Plant Pathology 161. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10658-021-02345-1

Interested in becoming a virus hunter or pathogen hunter? Join Us!

We welcome students and researchers at all levels from high school, undergraduate (Bachelors) to graduate (Masters or PhD), and Postdocs or Visiting Scientists, within and outside UBC or Canada. Our research can be interdisciplinary thus, we likewise welcome students from the computing sciences, chemistry, physics, and engineering.

Please contact Dr. Mark Paul Rivarez at paul.rivarez@ubc.ca for more information on how you could be a part of our vibrant and diverse team, including information on scholarships and funding opportunities.

Selected Publications

For a full list of publications, visit: Google Scholar.

Note: * co-first authors

^# (co-)corresponding author(s)

Rivarez MPS^#, Pecman A, Bačnik K, Carvalho Ferreira OM, Vučurović A, Seljak G, Mehle N, Gutiérrez-Aguirre I, Ravnikar M, Kutnjak D^#. 2023. In-depth study of tomato and weed viromes reveals undiscovered plant virus diversity in an agroecosystem. Microbiome 11:60. [LINK].

Rivarez MPS^#, Faure C, Svanella-D. L, Pecman A, Tušek-Ž. M, Schönegger D, De Jonghe K, Blouin A, Rasmussen DA, Massart S, Ravnikar M, Kutnjak D, Marais A, Candresse T^#. 2023. Diversity and pathobiology of an ilarvirus unexpectedly detected in diverse plants and global sequencing data. Phytopathology® 113:1729-1744. [LINK].

Fontdevila N, Khalili M, Maachi A, Rivarez MPS, Rollin J, Salavert F, Temple C, Fox A, Marais A, Trontin C, Kutnjak D, Petter F, Selmi I, Ravnikar M, Botermans M, Aranda M, Boonham N, Tahzima R, Candresse T, Wetzel T, Hernando T, Massart S. 2023. Managing the deluge of newly discovered plant viruses and viroids: an optimized scientific and regulatory framework for their characterization and risk analysis. Frontiers in Microbiology 14. [LINK]

Ferreira OM^#, Bačnik K, Rivarez MPS, Vučurović A, Mehle N, Ravnikar M, Gutiérrez-Aguirre I, Kutnjak D^#. Virome analysis of irrigation water sources provides extensive insights into the diversity and distribution of plant viruses in agroecosystems. Water Research (accepted for publication). [LINK]

Rivarez MPS, Kogej Z, Jakoš N, Pecman A, Seljak G, Vučurović A, Mehle N, Ravnikar M, Kutnjak D^#. 2022. First report of Ranunculus white mottle ophiovirus in Slovenia in pepper with yellow leaf curling symptom and in tomato. Plant Disease 106. [LINK]

Temple C, Blouin A, De Jonghe K, Foucart Y, Gentit P, Botermans M, Westenberg M, Schoen R, Gentit P, Visage M, Verdin E, Wipf-S. C, Ziebell H, Gaafar YZ, Zia A, Yan XH, Richert-P. KR, Ulrich R, Rivarez MPS, Kutnjak D, Vučurović A, Massart S. 2022. Biological and genetic characterization of Physostegia chlorotic mottle virus in Europe through host range, location, and time. Plant Disease 106. [LINK]

Rivarez MPS, Vućurovič A, Mehle N, Ravnikar M, Kutnjak D^#. 2021. Global advances in tomato virome research: current status and the impact of high-throughput sequencing. Frontiers in Microbiology 12. [LINK]

Rivarez MPS^#, Parac EP, Dimasingkil SF, Magdalita PM. 2021. Influence of native endophytic bacteria on the growth and bacterial crown rot tolerance of papaya (Carica papaya). European Journal of Plant Pathology 161. [LINK]

Butković A, González R, Rivarez MPS, Elena SF. 2021. A genome-wide association study identifies Arabidopsis thaliana genes that contribute to differences in the outcome of infection with two Turnip mosaic potyvirus strains that differ in their evolutionary history and degree of host specialization. Virus Evolution 7. [LINK]

González R, Butković, A, Rivarez MPS, Elena SF. 2020. Natural variation in Arabidopsis thaliana rosette area unveils new genes involved in plant development. Scientific Reports 10. [LINK]

Awards & Honours

Balik Scientist Program Awardee of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Philippines, 2022 and 2024

Marie Sklodowska Curie Actions (MSCA) Doctoral Fellow and Early Career Researcher at the National Institute of Biology, Slovenia, 2019-2022

Becas Jovenes Investigadores (Young Researcher Scholarship) Awardee at the University of Valencia, Spain, 2019

Additional Information

Member, European Virus Bioinformatics Center. Profile: https://evbc.uni-jena.de/members/paul-rivarez/

Tagged with: Applied Biology, Faculty

Tagged with Applied Biology, Faculty
Categories: Profile Faculty

Postdoctoral Position in Grape Genomics

April 28, 2025

Postdoctoral Position in Grape Genomics

Posted on April 28, 2025

A two-year postdoctoral research position is available starting July 1, 2025 in the Faculty of Land and Food Systems at the University of British Columbia under the supervision of Drs. Simone D. Castellarin, and will be affiliated to the Applied Biology program. The Faculty of Land and Food System is located in the vibrant and beautiful city of Vancouver (BC, Canada). The expected salary range is $60,000 – $65,000 CAD.

The postdoctoral fellow will make a vital contribution to the funded project entitled: HEAT-GRAPE: Identification of transcripts and metabolites involved in HEAT-stress responses in GRAPEvine, and their responses to mitigation strategies. The project aims to: i) understand how major grape cultivars grown in British Columbia cope with heat stress and identify the biological mechanisms (pathways, genes, and metabolites) that are involved in heat-stress responses, ii) determine the impact of heat stress on grape productivity and quality in grapevines that are well-irrigated or exposed to water deficit due to limitations on irrigation water, and iii) understand the mode of action of biostimulants so that their application can be tuned specifically to mitigate heat stress.

Specific research activities include i) implementing irrigation and biostimulant treatments in research fields and growth chambers, ii) sampling leaf and grape samples from field and greenhouse experiments, iii) extracting RNA and metabolites from leaf and grape samples, iv) conducting bioinformatic analyses on RNA-Seq datasets, v) analyzing metabolites with mass spectrometers (LC-QTOF, SPME-GC-MS), and vi) disseminating results and knowledge generated to the academic community and sector partners.

Applicants must hold a doctoral degree in Plant Science, Agricultural Sciences, Genomics, Molecular Biology, or a related field. Experience in plant physiology, applied genomics, metabolomics, and/or transcriptomics is preferred. Very strong communication skills (oral and written) are required. Student mentorship is expected.

Application process: Interested candidates should apply by May 15, 2025. Applicants can submit their CV and names of three referees to Dr. Simone D. Castellarin at simone.castellarin@ubc.ca.

UBC hires on the basis of merit and is committed to employment equity. All qualified persons are encouraged to apply. Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Metis, Inuit, and/or Indigenous person. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

Selection Criteria: The selection of the candidate will be based on the following criteria: 1) a PhD in an appropriate field of research, 2) a sound knowledge of and demonstrated experience in plant or crop physiology, stress physiology, horticulture, and/or applied genomics, 3) ability to conduct high quality independent and innovative research with documented experience to carry work through to publication, 4) very strong oral and written communication skills, and 5) ability to work effectively both in an independent role and collaboratively with others in a diverse academic and industry settings.

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Flavour of the Month: Contrasting Flavours

April 28, 2025

Flavour of the Month: Contrasting Flavours

From left to right: Silvana Itzpapalotl Escalante Hidalgo (Practicum Field Coordinator), Tim Carter (Field Manager), and Camile Dumont (CSFS Education Manager)

We asked Tim Carter, Field Manager at UBC Farm, what his favourite flavour was! Read more about Tim’s take on contrasting flavours.

What is your favourite flavour and why?

This feels like an impossible question. It’s a little like asking what my favourite musical note is. So much depends on context and the interplay of different flavours, many of which would be unpleasant on their own. Perhaps it’s not a flavour, but I’ll go with contrast. I love foods and meals that are full of contrast.

How long have you worked for the Faculty of Land and Food Systems and what is your role?

I’ve worked for LFS for a little over twenty years. I oversee field, sales, and site operations at the UBC Farm.

What are your highlights of working on UBC Farm?

Between the people, the place, and the food, there are lots of highlights. I love watching people’s lives be transformed by their experiences here, and I love watching plants grow. I particularly love watching the growth of cover crops at this time of year.

Which research collaboration at the UBC Farm have you enjoyed the most?

My favorite research collaboration is generally whatever project I’m working on at the moment. I get to work on the fun creative part of field research—the initial design, set up, and problem solving—and can then move on and leave the painstaking data collection and analysis to others.

Please share your top tips for students and alumni interested in working on farm, in the agriculture sector and in sustainability?

Get to know and love particular places and people wherever you are. This takes time; don’t be in too big of a rush. Ground your work in this.

What emerging technologies do you see being integrated into the work that you do?

In my line of work, technology transfer generally lags painfully far behind technology development. A large portion of my work involves applying existing technology well (I hope) in the context of the UBC Farm. I tend not to get excited about emerging technologies, but I’m thankful that there are others working in this area.

And finally, where on campus is your go-to place to eat and/or place to relax?

To eat: with colleagues at the farm. To relax: forest edges at the farm.

Tagged with: 2025, Centre for Sustainable Food Systems, Staff, UBC Farm

Tagged with 2025, Centre for Sustainable Food Systems, Staff, UBC Farm
Categories: News

Crafting a Career with Purpose: Pathway from LFS to Environmental Innovation

April 25, 2025

Crafting a Career with Purpose: Pathway from LFS to Environmental Innovation

About

Name	Maggie Lee
Title	Regional Head - Asia Pacific - Impact, Monitoring, and Reporting
Company	WWF – International
Grad year	2005
Program	Bachelor of Science in Food, Nutrition, and Health
Major	Food, Nutrition, and Health

Maggie is an award-winning alum of the Faculty of Land and Food Systems (LFS). She shared her inspiring journey of overcoming challenges, from her time as an LFS student to building her current career. She reflected on how the lessons she learned along the way helped her develop a deeper understanding of how to apply her skills effectively in her professional life.

Maggie also shared valuable advice to both current and prospective LFS students when it comes to navigating one’s career and figuring out if LFS is the right fit for you.

From your experience, what has been the value of having an LFS degree?

LFS showed me how the environment works in cohesion – no one species or component of the environment is separate or independent of other forces and entities. A healthy environment is also paramount to food systems. We have a finite amount of resources in the closed system that is our planet, it is up to those who help mould the food systems to conserve resources and attain sustainability.

What was the most challenging class or project you undertook. What did you learn from this experience?

As someone who was consistently on the honour roll, I will never forget how it felt to be utterly helpless and desperate after failing organic chemistry too many times. It taught me what it means to know one’s weaknesses, work hard on them, and remember that life isn’t about the weaknesses – it’s about how you overcome them. There are resources such as UBC AMS tutoring and the LFS Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS) that students can utilize to get support for challenging courses.

What challenges did you face in launching your career?

My career took many sharp turns. Initially, I worked in fast food restaurants, then I found opportunities to work in a couple of supermarkets, where I went from food and beverage services to processed and fresh food products. After that, I went on to work for the largest food manufacturer and then the largest personal care manufacturer in the world. The challenges I experienced when launching my career were mostly grounded in my lack of understanding of what I wanted to do. Not only did I have difficulty focusing in class due to my attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), I also had poor focus in life after graduation, unlike many of my peers who knew exactly what they wanted to do.

What do you like about your current job and what do you find challenging? How does it relate to your degree?

My job can be challenging, as many environmental conservation organizations have yet to measure and communicate the impact they have, hence we have embarked on a journey to revolutionize how we do monitoring, evaluation, and reporting. The fundamental learning of life sciences, ecology, environmental sciences, empirical research, data collection methodology, and statistics, all of which I’ve learned from being part of the Food, Nutrition, and Health Program (FNH), is critical in my current role.

Now that you have completed your undergrad and, in your career, what advice would you give to your past self or current LFS student?

I think you never take the wrong turns in life, because every step of the way is worthwhile if you learn something from it. I realized that none of my career was wasted when I look back. As irrelevant as burger-flipping and supermarket product-labelling may seem in environmental conservation, I put a majority of the knowledge and skills acquired during those days into very good use in my environmental work.

What advice would you give to a high school student considering your program in LFS?

As our world continues to evolve in an environment with much more volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity (VUCA) compared with any other time in history, being able to produce and distribute food for our world becomes far more challenging than ever. Are you interested in taking on this challenge to solve one of the world’s most pressing and significant problems? This problem not only requires the most brilliant and diverse minds to solve, but also the most empathetic and compassionate souls to unravel the layers of inequity and sociopolitical intricacies that encase the problem. The FNH Program at UBC allows you to attain the skills and knowledge to better understand and be able to solve the most difficult challenges of our times.

Are there any achievements you would want to share with us?

Incubator Seed Funding Award at UNLEASH 2018
Best Paper Award at the International Conference on Sustainable Development 2020
Kinship Conservation Fellow Cohort of 2022
Top 75 finalists of the Top Canadian Immigrant Awards 2023
Indo-Pacific Futures Fellow 2025 cohort
Author of environmental ethical books for children

Find out more about our undergraduate programs in our Future Students page.

Tagged with: 2005, Food Nutrition and Health

Tagged with 2005, Food Nutrition and Health
Categories: Profile Alumni, Profiles