Juan Fercovic – MFRE’14
PhD Student, Integrated Studies in Land and Food Systems (ISLFS), UBC, Faculty of Land and Food Systems.
Beyond MFRE is a series of interviews regarding MFRE alumni and their life after the program. From PhD candidates to project managers in international companies, MFRE alumni share their stories across sectors and industries.
This week we put a spotlight on Juan Fercovic, an MFRE alumni undertaking PhD studies in the UBC Integrated Studies in Land and Food Systems (ISLFS) program. Learn more about Juan’s research and his path towards graduate studies.
Tell us a little about yourself, your background, and what inspired your interest in environmental economics?
I am originally from Chile. I have a background in Agricultural Engineering and prior to MFRE, I completed my masters in Agricultural Economics. During MFRE, I had the chance to meet Dr. Sumeet Gulati who inspired me to pursue my research topic here at the Faculty of Land and Food Systems.
What is your research topic about? Why is it significant?
My research focuses on household energy consumption and carbon taxes. It’s a hot topic, especially in Canada, due to the issues surrounding climate change and carbon policy. There is currently no consensus on how carbon taxes and government policies can affect household decision-making (e.g. in terms of investment and consumption). My research aims to understand some of these issues better.
What excites you about this PhD program at the Land and Food Systems Faculty and the subject area you are studying?
The connections you create on this PhD route never fail to surprise me. Whether it’s talking to your supervisors or other research fellows, these interactions are always meaningful. The UBC Environmental Economics Reading Group seminars are particularly insightful, as they help me understand how to set standards for my own research goals. In addition to learning from other researchers, this seminar series also gives me the chance to practise my own presentation skills.
What are your plans after completing your PhD?
I would like to become a faculty member, in addition to continuing with my research. I love working with and gaining inspiration from students.
What are some skills/experiences that helped you prepare for your PhD?
My MFRE journey has taught me how to manage a challenging workload and other soft skills which are useful for my studies now. Also, having the chance to build a strong rapport with Dr. Gulati and be continuously inspired by him, has helped me prepare for my PhD studies immensely.
Do you have any advice to new students considering applying to MFRE or current students, who are interested in doing a PhD?
Step outside of your comfort zone when it comes to learning. Make an effort to get in touch with faculty members whose research interests align with yours.
Photo credits: Alana Thorburn-Watt