Vancouver, Canada
Fujian Agricultural & Forestry University
Ecology / Natural Resources Conservation / Remote Sensing
Yangqian graduated from the 2+2/3+2 Transfer Program in 2020 and returned to UBC to complete his MSc in the Integrated Remote Sensing Studio (IRSS) at the Faculty of Forestry & Environmental Stewardship.
“I had so many great memories during my undergraduate career.”
Before transferring to UBC in his third year, Yangqian spent his first two years studying Ecology in China, where he already worked as a research assistant in several labs despite being an underclassman. In 2017, he transferred to UBC to pursue a major in Natural Resources Conservation. He later participated in an exchange at the University of Cambridge in the summer of 2019.
“My Go Global experience opened up a fantastic range of opportunities and friendships for me.”
At Cambridge, Yangqian worked as a research assistant studying vegetation photosynthesis using satellite imagery—an experience that later proved foundational to his graduate studies. He returned to UBC in the fall of 2019 to complete his final year of undergraduate studies. Having previously taken a remote sensing course with Professor Nicholas Coops, he joined the Integrated Remote Sensing Studio (IRSS) as a Work Learn student when the opportunity arose.
“My Work Learn experience at IRSS inspired me to learn more about remote sensing and its applications. I therefore decided to pursue an MSc with Dr. Nicholas Coops.”
By the end of his undergraduate degree, Yangqian had developed a strong interest in remote sensing and its applications in environmental management. Looking back, he noted that although he only engaged in Work Learn opportunities toward the end of his studies, they had a significant impact on the direction of his career development.
“If you had the opportunity to do Go Global, Work Learn, or other programs you are passionate about, grab it.”
From China to Canada to the UK, Yangqian’s journey encouraged him to step outside his comfort zone and take advantage of new opportunities. Even during the disruptions of the pandemic, he found ways to adapt and stay grounded. Working from home, he and his roommates often cooked together, experimenting with dumplings and hotpot while continuing his research remotely.
“I guess the positive side of working from home was that it gave me more time to practice cooking. My roommates and I ordered groceries online and tried making dumplings and hotpot together.”
Yangqian’s experience showed how international exposure, research opportunities, and a willingness to explore new fields could come together to shape a clear academic direction in remote sensing and forestry.
Edited by Tiffany Ma
