ReachOut: Spring 2023

ReachOut is published twice a year by the Faculty of Land and Food Systems at UBC.

Highlights in this issue

Improving Clinical Practice in Pediatrics: The Importance of Patient-centred Care

Brock Williams, a PhD candidate in Human Nutrition and a Registered Dietitian, has worked in pediatric nutrition for almost a decade. He says that research approaches have changed significantly over the years.

Dean’s Message

Dean Rickey hopes you enjoy this issue of ReachOut magazine, which showcases some remarkable up-and-coming researchers.

Developing Wildlife Welfare Policy Throughout the Province

From developing wildlife welfare policy to furthering Equity, Diversity, and Reconciliation in her field, Alumna Erin A. Ryan’s work is multi-faceted and wide-reaching.

More Hybrid Learning on the Horizon

At the start of COVID, instructors and students were forced to make a quick pivot from in-person learning to 100% online learning. Now, some LFS instructors are taking the lessons they earned during the pandemic to evolve how they engage with students.

Extreme Weather Impacts Wildlife Too

Researchers of the Long-term Biodiversity Monitoring Program at the UBC Farm are using their data to investigate what impact extreme smoke and heat has on the wildlife that call the UBC Farm home.

Leaning into Women in Agriculture

Alannah Jagpal, a fourth-year student in Applied Biology, was sponsored by the Dean’s Office to join the Advancing Women in Agriculture Conference (AWC), held in Calgary on March 12-14. Jagpal shares what she gained through the experience.

Establishing Spaces for Indigenous Land-based Learning

Wilson Mendes’ research looks at how land-based education and Indigenous food system practices are essential for decolonization efforts. This involves engaging with land, food, culture, and community to promote the health and wellness of Indigenous communities, especially in urban areas.

Introducing The Young Alumni Council

The Faculty is piloting its first Young Alumni Council – a team of volunteer alumni members dedicated to sharing their talent and skills with recent UBC graduates through networking, professional development, entrepreneurship, and community engagement opportunities.

Going High Tech in Animal Agriculture

Varinia Cabrera has tested 30 different prototypes of sheep monitors in Uruguay for her master’s thesis at Universidad de la República. As an electrical engineering student, she hopes to reduce lamb mortality with wearable electronics that, in the future, will be able to track the exact time a sheep has given birth.

Milestones and News & Notes

Read about the recipients of the BC Knowledge Development Fund, a new CIHR Canada Research Chair, and how UBC supports regenerative agriculture and agritech.

Comments? Questions?

ReachOut is published by the Faculty of Land and Food Systems at the University of British Columbia

Editor: Karen Lee
Contributors (current issue): Melanie Kuxdorf, Mona Lee, Pia Lim, Shannon Wong
Principal Photography (current issue): Martin Dee
Design & Layout (Print Version): Dee Creative Inc.
Website: Karen Lee, Pia Lim
Advisory Committee (current issue): Edmund Seow, Gail Hammond, Lesley Dampier, Niki Glenning, Zoë Campbell