BA (Honors) Sociology/Economics University of British Columbia 1982

In my undergraduate years, I built a degree from whatever academically intrigued me (the candy store approach to education!) The most meaningful class was the "Philosophy of Science". I had plans to do a second degree in Environmental Law, and therefore my classes ranged from Art History to Statistics; Dendrology to English Literature.


MSc Forest Management University of British Columbia, 1984

Being accepted to forestry graduate school with a Bachelor of Arts, even with all the forestry electives, was not easy. However, it was excellent experience in terms of working to change admission requirements for forestry. It was the beginning of interdisciplinary degrees, which are now not only accepted, but also encouraged.

The most important lesson learned over the years in forestry graduate school was how to effectively integrate disciplines. My graduate thesis explored the silviculture labour force in British Columbia, blending economics, sociology, forest policy and silviculture.


CIDA Scholarship (John Bene Award)

This award allowed me to work anywhere in the world, with whomever I choose. My choice was to "sit at the desk of" Marilyn Hoskins, head of the Community Forestry Unit at the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations in Rome, Italy. I choose Ms. Hoskins because I had admired her approach to community forestry. I worked as an apprentice in Rome for one year, traveling to Africa and India. Then for 4 years I was on contract with the Community Forestry Unit, as well as other FAO departments.

Annual Professional Development

Each year I engage in one "professional development" activity. This has involved short courses in business management, financial planning, and learning about different computer programmes. When I realized that much of my work entailed writing, I took a short course at Simon Frazer University.

Graduate Student

In 2008 I returned to university to do a PhD. In one year I have completed 3 classes and have an A+ standing. My thesis topic (in draft) is “The effects of Globalization on the Development Assistance Agenda”. Within this topic, my focus will be on community forestry.

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