Proctor, J. (2023). "Extreme rainfall reduces rice yields in China." Nature Food (news & views).
Proctor, J., Rigden, A., Chan, D., Huybers, P. (2022). "More accurate specification of water supply shows its importance for global crop production." Nature Food.
Burney, J., Persad, G., Proctor, J., Bendavid, E., Burke, M., Heft-Neal, S. (2022). "Geographically-resolved social cost of anthropogenic emissions accounting for bothdirect and climate-mediated effects." Science Advances.
Chan, D., Rigden, A., Proctor, J., Chan, P., Huybers, P. (2022) "Differences in Radiative Forcing, Not Sensitivity, Explain Differences in Summertime Land TemperatureVariance Change Between CMIP5 and CMIP6." Earth's Future.
Rolf, E., Proctor, J., Carleton, T., Bolliger, I., Shankar, V., Ishihara, M., Recht, B., Hsiang, S. (2021) "A Generalizable and Accessible Approach to Machine Learningwith Global Satellite Imagery." Nature Communications.
Proctor, J. (2021) "Non-linear effect of atmospheric opacity on global crop yields." Nature Food.
Carleton, T., Cornetet, J., Huybers, P., Meng, K. and Proctor, J. (2021) "Global evidence for ultraviolet radiation decreasing COVID-19 growth rates." Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
Proctor, J., Hsiang, S., Burney, J., Burke, M., and Schlenker, W. (2018). "Estimating global agricultural effects of geoengineering using volcanic eruptions." Nature.
I am an Assistant Professor in Human Dimensions of Biodiversity Conservation at the University of British Columbia, jointly appointed in the Institute for Resources, Environment and Sustainability, and in the Food and Resource Economics Program. Broadly, my research is motivated by the need to assess and address the ecological footprint of humans in natural and agricultural landscapes. I combine approaches, data, and knowledge from economics and ecology primarily, with an emphasis on causal inference, but also draw from quantitative tools like remote sensing and machine learning, and qualitative tools like interviews.
Prior to this, I was a Postdoctoral Fellow in the Institute for Resources, Environment and Sustainability at UBC, in the research group of Dr. Claire Kremen. We explored how small agriculturally-marginal areas within crop fields can contribute to bringing habitat back into an agriculturally intensive region, looking specifically at grain farms in Southern Ontario.
Editing Human Genetics? Gene Engineering Research at Stanford
About
Name
Janella Schwab
Title
Student; PhD Bioengineering
Company
Stanford University
Grad year
2023
Program
Applied Biology
Major
Applied Animal Biology
August 9, 2023 – Janella Schwab’s passion for animals drew her to the Applied Biology program. A member of the Class of 2023, Janella’s next step is attending Stanford University to pursue a PhD in Bioengineering, which was inspired by the research conducted through the LFS course APBI 398, where she learned more about molecular biology and cell engineering. Janella talks about the unconventional route she took in LFS, and how it led her to discover the world of bioengineering.
What made you interested in doing a PhD program in bioengineering?
As I started conducting research as a volunteering job, and then as my co-op placement, I noticed that I thoroughly enjoyed the core activities that graduate students carry out: reading scientific papers, planning experiments, discussing advancements in the field, and presenting literature or results. This made my decision simple: I just wanted to continue doing what I enjoyed the most. A PhD would allow me to do this – researching and demonstrating previously unknown scientific findings. I feel very lucky that what I’m passionate about also is something that furthers my education and opens up multidisciplinary opportunities.
What led me to bioengineering specifically was an interest in synthetic biology, which is the creation of novel organisms through cell and gene engineering. This isn’t the “let’s edit our baby’s eye colour” kind of gene engineering. It’s the type that creates solutions for problems in manufacturing, medicine, and more! This subject was introduced to me through the iGEM competition in high school, and after joining UBC’s team in my second year I noticed it’s what most intensely fascinated me despite taking animal biology classes.
What type of career do you see for yourself in the future? What do you hope to accomplish?
I hope to have a career in the pharmaceutical industry leading scientific teams in R&D toward novel therapeutics. Hopefully, new technologies that I will potentially be working on during my PhD, like cell-based therapies, will be developed enough to push for their use for improved and personalized medicine. Being in LFS made me see the improvement of our community as the most valuable goal, which inspired me to aim for this by improving collective health.
Why did you choose to come to UBC and what drew you to Applied Biology?
In choosing where to go to university from Lima, Peru, I wanted to prioritize both academic quality and life quality. A UBC representative came to my school along with one of our alumni who was a current UBC student, which convinced me that UBC would be a good educational fit, and Vancouver a great place to enjoy the outdoor-related hobbies I was devoted to. I had always loved and cared for animals very deeply, so I joined the Applied Biology program (APBI), majoring in Applied Animal Biology, to learn more about them even though I was unsure what would come of it.
How did your time in LFS prepare you for graduate studies in bioengineering?
Learning in LFS makes you view your interactions with the natural world, as well as the world itself, as a system. This helped me see my research in the same way and want to build solutions for it. The kind of research I do works at the cellular level, where the cells that make up our bodies are a complex system that researchers in my field aim to optimize for the sake of discovery, therapeutics, or environmental developments. Therefore, my branch of bioengineering is like a small-scale land & food system, and learning in LFS has given me the “builder’s itch” to find solutions in this space in a systematic way.
LFS, like bioengineering, unifies multiple disciplines, requiring expertise from environmental sciences, forestry, sociology, zoology, and other fields to create resilient food systems and adequate animal welfare. Learning at this intersection has definitely prepared me to work in a multidisciplinary way.
Finally, the kind and supportive LFS faculty allowed me to pursue research in my field of interest under the framework of my APBI degree, and under the commendable research principles of LFS. After completing the course Research Methods (APBI 398) with Dr. Marina von Keyserlingk and Dr. Dan Weary, I undertook an undergraduate honours thesis and directed studies under the supervision of each of them respectively, but conducting the actual research with professors from the School of Biomedical Engineering. Without them, I wouldn’t be as equipped to independently conduct research the way my PhD will require.
Do you have a few words of advice for LFS students?
Don’t be hesitant to go the unconventional route, whether it be to carry out your passion like it was for me, or to reach a specific goal you’ve dreamed of. Beginning my research journey involved asking if I could do a cell biology-related project for APBI 398, which nobody had done before – but I did it because I figured the worst thing they could say was ‘no’.
Also, in the midst of challenging classes and never-ending to-do lists, don’t forget to enjoy yourself and everything UBC has to offer! Even when it might not feel like it, these are the years you’ll look back on and hope you went on all the adventures that UBC and Vancouver make easy to enjoy.
Advancing Livestock Health in Ghana: Veterinarians Without Borders
About
Name
Marley Blok
Title
Volunteer
Company
Veterinarians Without Borders
Grad year
2023
Program
Bachelor of Science in Applied Biology
July 21, 2023 – Marley Blok is an alumna of the Applied Biology program (BSc 2023) and currently volunteers with Veterinarians Without Borders in their Volunteers Engaged in Gender-Responsive Technical Solutions Program, or VETS for short. Working with local Ghanaian organizations, Blok’s goal is to create sustainable socioeconomic change in rural communities through improving health in animal production systems.
Blok’s work and research highlights the One Health Model, which she describes as, “an approach to sustainably balance and optimize the health of people, animals, and the environment. It is unique as it recognizes that the health of people, the environment, and animals are all interconnected and dependent on each other.”
What made you choose LFS and APBI as a program?
Growing up I was always surrounded by animals, and from that stemmed a passion to pursue veterinary medicine. When I was applying to universities I was looking for a program that involved animal science but focused on real world solutions. LFS provided just that! In my first year I took the core LFS classes, which emphasized the importance of food security in a global context. In my upper years the APBI program at UBC provided me with flexibility to design my degree. This allowed me to partake in experiential learning opportunities such as my practicum with the BC SPCA’s low income pet food bank.
What sort of work did you do at the BC SPCA?
I took a 6 credit practicum with the BC SPCA’s low income pet food bank known as Charlie’s! I assisted with the packaging and distribution of pet supplies, ie. food, collars, leashes etc., to marginalized pet owners in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. I was able to connect with pet owners and helped facilitate access to pet supplies and veterinary resources. It was an extremely rewarding experience and I would highly recommend this practicum to any future or current LFS students!
Banku, a local puppy Blok has adopted
How did you first find out about the VETS program with VWB?
Surprisingly, it all started with a simple Google search! I had a deep interest in working with an organization dedicated to international development. Upon stumbling upon VWB’s website, and this VETS project I instantly recognized it as the perfect opportunity for me to actively participate in something that truly intrigued me.
What inspired you to work with VWB?
During my last year at UBC I began to reflect on my own values and realized I was looking to build upon the base of knowledge in animal welfare and One Health that UBC provided. I was also interested in learning more about international development, and how we can pursue it ethically. VWB’s Volunteers Engaged in Gender Responsive Technical Solutions (VETS) project interested me as it aims to sustainably improve the economic and social well-being of the world’s most marginalized people, particularly women and girls, while allowing me to grow my technical animal skills. I really liked how the program was developed in conjunction with VWB’s local partners, so we could ensure that we are directly addressing the needs of the community. I also wanted to be able to partake in a project that is sustainable, and could be continued after our placement was completed.
What are you working on right now?
Currently I am in the Upper East region of Ghana living in a community called Yua. We are partnered with one of VWB’s on the ground local partners called the Ghana Poultry Network (GAPNET) and are utilizing the One Health Model to foster sustainable development in the animal production system and enhance the social and economic well-being of women farmers. We have just completed a vaccination campaign for sheep and goats, vaccinating against PPR.
Blok (right) tagging a young goat
PPR is also known as Peste des Petite Ruminants. It is a virus spread between direct contact of animals. There is no official treatment for PPR and it often results in death of the animal. Unfortunately, PPR is a leading cause of death in small ruminants (goats and sheep) in Ghana, and causes farmers great economic loss.
Working with the local Community Animal Health Workers, para-veterinarians, and veterinary officers we vaccinated over 5000 animals across 13 communities in Ghana’s Upper East Region. Alongside my peers, I am participating in training sessions for women farmers with a particular focus on emphasizing biosecurity and animal husbandry techniques for poultry and small ruminants, aiming to educate 300 women. Additionally, I am helping conduct a One Health research project that evaluates the impact of Community Animal Health Workers (CAHWs) on disease surveillance in the Northeast region of Ghana, specifically concerning production animals.
What advice would you give to new students about how to create change in communities?
The biggest piece of advice I could give to new students looking to create change in their community is to start with a vision of the change you desire. Find a connection, build trust with your peers and open yourself to learning through the process of change. Change isn’t linear and it happens both ways. It can be hard and take time.
Blok at Paga Crocodile Park
Do you have a favourite food or activity in Ghana right now?
Since being in Ghana I have had the opportunity to try many local foods. My favourite so far has been Red Red with Fried Plantains! In our free time we have had the opportunity to visit many local sites. We went to Mole National Park where we went on safaris and saw elephants, warthogs, antelopes and more! The people in Ghana are the most welcoming people I’ve met. We are living next door to a large family, who have helped us adjust to the rural living, and there are many children around who are always looking to play with us and keep us entertained!
More about Veterinarians Without Borders and their VETS program
As part of Veterinarians Without Borders’/Vétérinaires Sans Frontières’ (VWB/VSF) VETS (Volunteers Engaged in Gender-Responsive Technical Solutions) program, the Young Volunteer Program (YVP) provides university students and recent graduates with strongly supported international volunteer placements. The YVP program is dedicated to improving food security and the livelihoods of smallholder farmers in the global south, while also providing students with opportunities to learn and grow in a cross-cultural setting while contributing to the mission of VWB/VSF.
These placements contribute toward the VETS program objectives and offer additional support to volunteers through ongoing technical training and guidance from experienced supervisors. Placements are typically 8-12 weeks and located in Cambodia, Ghana, Kenya, Laos, Senegal, and Vietnam.
Dr. Yang’s research is unique in that it is highly interdisciplinary – combining food science, analytical chemistry, material science and nanotechnology. As she strives to improve agricultural and food systems, she is focussing her current research under three major themes: novel nanosensors for food safety monitoring; smart nanomaterials to advance precision agriculture; and, sustainable packaging materials to improve food safety and quality.
To be eligible for the Early Career Investigator Award, candidates must have received their PhD within 10 years and made a significant contribution to the advancement of applied sciences. Dr. Yang received her PhD in Food Science from University of Massachusetts, Amherst, in 2018, and joined LFS in February 2022 as an Assistant Professor in the Food, Nutrition and Health program.
Dr. Yang shares the Applied Sciences 2022 Early Career Investigator Award with Dr. Maria Rosa Iaquinta, a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, School of Medicine, at the University of Ferrara in Italy.
MDPI is a publisher of open access scientific journals.
Jennifer is a 2022 recipient of the Freybe Award in Nutrition and Dietetics and is currently completing her first year as part of UBC’s Master of Nutrition and Dietetics’ first ever cohort.
How did you feel when you received this award?
I was elated and truly honoured to learn that I was selected as one of the recipients of this award, and I am deeply appreciative of the generosity and support of the donor.
How has this award made a difference to your education and life?
In being awarded with the Freybe Award in Nutrition and Dietetics, it has lightened my financial burden and allowed me to focus on my academic and career goals. The donor’s generosity is inspiring, and I hope to one day be able to help other students achieve their goals as I have been helped to achieve mine.
Why did you choose the Master in Dietetics program in LFS?
In the years after graduating from my undergraduate studies, I developed fibromyalgia – a chronic disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain and tenderness throughout the body – which fundamentally transformed my academic priorities. In the pursuit of a remedy when there seemed to be none, I gained an affinity for the topics of nutrition and health, and subsequently decided to pursue studies within these disciplines. Thankfully the stars aligned in my favour, and I was accepted into UBC’s first cohort for the Master of Nutrition and Dietetics Program. The idea that my body was letting me down allowed me to gain new perspectives in nutrition and its role in preventing and treating illness, and I feel incredibly purposeful and grateful to be able to contribute to the development of knowledge and informed practice of nutrition and dietetics.
What has been the best part of your university experience and your student life in LFS and so far?
While my journey at UBC is ongoing, the experiences that I have gained and the relationships that I have cultivated to date have sustained my interests in food, nutrition, and health, as well as my desire to succeed in my graduate studies and eventual profession in the field of nutrition and dietetics.
Following graduation, I intend to empower and strengthen the role of nutrition and dietetics in healthcare, to contribute to the growing knowledge of the relationship between food and mental health, and to cultivate the growth and success of marginalized populations in higher education.
How are you involved outside of your academics at UBC?
This year, I volunteered with the AMS Food Bank. Amid a time of high inflation and rising costs of living, university students are turning to food banks at an unprecedented and concerning rate, and volunteering with the AMS Food Bank has been an impactful way to help address the very real and immediate needs that many UBC students have for emergency food supplies. It is not unknown that healthy eating improves mental health and improves academic performance, and the increasing prevalence of food insecurity is a threat to students’ health and success. As more and more students are needing support to feed themselves, I feel called to offer my services in any way possible to assist in addressing the growing issues of food and health insecurity among my UBC peers.
Where is your favourite place to eat/get a drink or snack?
The avocado toast at Loafe is so fresh and delicious – I often have it between classes with an almond milk chai latte!
And finally, what is your favourite place on campus to relax or study?
One of my favourite places on campus is the MacMillan Bloedel Atrium, in the Forest Sciences Centre. The natural light that comes through the skylight is beautiful, and there are big tables and couches on which to study (and take naps)! The greenery and woodwork on the walls remind me of the University of Northern British Columbia where I completed my undergraduate degree in psychology, so this building gives me an immense and wonderful sense of nostalgia.
Identifying Plant Stress and Insect Damage in Greenhouses
About
Name
Daniel Bateson
Title
Agronomy Lead
Company
Ecoation
Grad year
2019
Program
BSc Applied Biology
Major
Applied Plant and Soil Science
What were the highlights of university life at LFS and UBC?
July 20, 2023- University life felt like one big highlight to me, but I was very fortunate to end up in LFS. The major highlights for me were the smaller class sizes, the passionate professors, and getting to do my labs and experiments at the UBC Farm. Beyond LFS, I spent a lot of my time working with UBC REC, performing improv, and working with Roots on the Roof.
How did your time in LFS impact you in your career since graduating?
LFS is why I am where I am! I work in horticulture now and probably the greatest skill I gained in LFS was a systems thinking framework. Being able to see the interconnection of biological systems and giving me a broad base of knowledge helps me make more balanced decisions day-to-day. In a more professional sense LFS was very helpful for me, a TA helped me get my first field job, my mentor was a reference for my first greenhouse position, and the education I gained has brought me success and opportunities since I graduated.
What are you currently working on?
Right now, I am working in greenhouse technology — helping train vision systems to identify signs of plant stress and insect damage, as well as catalogue the plant digitally. I get to work with engineers and data scientists. Also, I help growers interpret and understand their disease and pest pressure, and how to manage it in greenhouses.
What motivated you to volunteer in the LFS Mentorship Program?
I was a part of the program when I was a student, so perhaps there was some form of duty calling me back, but I think it’s important for students to be exposed to what’s going on in the industry beyond academia, and see how they can apply what they’re learning. Agriculture and horticulture can be closed off if you didn’t grow up in it, so finding opportunities to integrate new and passionate people into the mix is important.
Are there other ways that you feel you benefit by volunteering?
Volunteering always feels good. Other than being able to give back it’s always refreshing and inspiring to see what students envision in the future.
What is one message you would like to share with students about how they can prepare for the world of work?
Work on your soft skills. Your employer will train you on the day to day things you need to know, but they will not train you to be curious, to lead, or be assertive. Those are the skills that will make you an asset anywhere, so practice them!
What is something that you are proud of that you have accomplished in your career?
I’m proud of many things, but in my first season working as a manager of Integrated Pest Management in a pepper greenhouse I was able to reduce our pesticide usage, improve pest control, and save money. It felt good to know that new ideas, and fresh energy can change things for the better.
And finally, what advice would give to encourage alumni to become mentors?
Firstly, if you ever felt lost or confused in your career path, then this is a great way to pay it forward and to help spare someone else as much anxiety. Secondly, if you want to influence, shape or inspire your future co-workers, colleagues, and employees then look no further. And lastly, it’s a lot of fun. Go have some great conversations, share some stories, and help out!
Photo–UBC Archives Media Services (1989, January 1). Margaret Arcus, Family and Nutritional Sciences
It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Dr. Margaret Arcus, Professor Emerita of the School of Family and Nutritional Sciences, on June 27, 2023. Margaret was born on April 30, 1935 in Auburn, Nebraska, U.S., and completed her PhD in Home Economics Education from Iowa State University.
Margaret was founder of the Family Studies program at UBC. She was the Director of the School of Family and Nutritional Sciences when it was part of the Faculty of Land and Food Systems, and taught Family Studies and Home Economics from 1968 until her retirement in 1999. Margaret was a highly esteemed academic and a true professional in how she treated colleagues, students and staff. Always with a smile and friendly demeanour, she performed her duties as an administrator and educator very well, receiving numerous teaching awards from UBC and from the National Council on Family Relations.
She was active in provincial, national, and international home economics and family studies organizations including the Canadian Home Economics Association (CHEA), the National Council on Family Relations (NCFR), and the International Federation for Home Economics (IFHE). In 2000, NCFR established the Margaret E. Arcus Outstanding Family Life Educator Award in her honour.
While a student at Iowa State University, Margaret met Peter Laurence Arcus of Hamilton, New Zealand, and they were married on June 26, 1966. Throughout their married life, they were best friends and true partners who shared a love of family, of music and theatre, and of travel to many corners of the world.
Our research focuses on the physical chemistry of food macromolecules, particularly on structuring colloidal systems using polysaccharides. The emphasis is on polysaccharides' isolation, characterisation and interfacial arrangement to stabilise dispersions.
The first focus area revolves around characterising the functional properties of polysaccharides. We have shown that tailoring their fine structure can control and predict polysaccharide functional properties — specifically, their interfacial arrangement and rheological properties. Another focus area concentrates on understanding food-body interactions and formulating colloidal systems responsive to the human digestive system. For example, findings from our research present an opportunity to formulate emulsions that are resistant to digestion in the low pH environment of the stomach but can potentially destabilise in the small intestine, where the pH is significantly higher, to deliver bioactives (e.g., nutrients or drugs) at the desired gastrointestinal uptake location.
Our multidisciplinary research is carried out using an array of techniques and instruments. These include rheology (bulk and interfacial), interfacial characterisation methods (ζ-potential, interfacial loading, interfacial tension), droplet size distribution analysis, microscopy, calorimetry and numerous wet chemistry techniques relevant to carbohydrate and protein characterisation.
Potential graduate and undergraduate students interested in joining our group are encouraged to contact me at vkontogi@mail.ubc.ca.
Caroline’s love of biology, biochemistry, and food combine perfectly as she pursues her Food, Nutrition and Health degree. Not only does she love the content that she learns, but she loves the community she has found here at UBC and within the Faculty of Land and Food Systems. Moving so far away from home was scary, but she has found her place here and wouldn’t change it for the world!
Caroline can't wait to meet prospective students in her role as an LFS Student Ambassador - find out how to connect with Caroline and her outreach team here.
What are three adjectives that describe you?
Adventure-seeking, Cheerful, Spirited
Why did you choose to attend UBC?
When seeking out universities, I knew I wanted to go far from home and I knew I wanted to study food and nutrition. I set my sights towards universities on the west coast with programs in nutrition. UBC has an excellent Food, Nutrition, and Health program with many opportunities and potential career paths. I was lucky enough to be able to tour UBC during my senior year and loved the look and feel of the campus—It made me feel at home!
What are some of your favourite places to go or activities to do in Vancouver?
My favourite place in the city, by far, is Spanish Banks Beach at sunset. From this spot, you can see the sun setting over the mountains and islands in the west, while the lights of the city come alive to the east and north. As a bonus, the sand slopes into the water really gradually so you can walk hundreds of meters into the ocean and still touch your feet to the ground.
What does a typical week look like for you during school?
A typical week for me starts with my Monday morning classes, and a trip to the library. This helps me set up for the week and get ahead on assignments to save my time later. This pattern continues as the days pass: class in the morning, library in the afternoon. I make an effort to see friends in the evenings once or twice a week to give myself a break and hang out with my roommates on evenings at home. On Friday and Saturday, I head to work which gives me a brain break from schoolwork. On weekends my friends and I usually head downtown or to watch sunset at the beach. Then, Sundays are my day off, so I grocery shop and do chores at home to reset for the week to come.
What has been your favourite course and why?
I have loved a lot of classes throughout my degree. Here are some highlights:
FNH 350: Fundamentals of Nutrition—This class focuses on macronutrients (i.e. Fat, Carbohydrates, and Protein). It included learning about their digestion, absorption, and metabolism, as well has health recommendations, and common misconceptions. It was fascinating, well organized, and super relevant to my areas of interest.
FNH 355: International Nutrition—This class is made up of case studies focusing on nutrition issues and crises in regions all over the world. Not always the happiest content, but extremely eye-opening about nutrition problems and interventions on an international stage.
How are you involved outside of your academics at UBC?
Outside of school I have hobbies to fill up my time (and give myself a break from schoolwork). I participate in intramural Ultimate Frisbee during the semester which is a great way to blow off some steam and have a laugh with your teammates. My roommates and I usually pick a show to watch together on quiet evenings throughout the semester. I also go on walks through Pacific Spirit Park most days; I love the big trees and all the dogs. I also volunteer, care for my house plants, go looking for street cats to pet, and try different coffee shops!
Interested in studying in the Faculty of Land and Food Systems? Learn more here!
