Students

Hello! My name is Safiya Adamu, and I’m from Nigeria. I hold a bachelor’s degree in Economics from Ahmadu Bello University and have worked as a Research and Data analyst at the Securities and Exchange Commission Nigeria.

I am deeply passionate about development and fascinated by the power of data analytics to uncover insights that drive effective policy decisions. Joining the MFRE program is a dream come true, as it brings together my interests in Economics, data analytics and policy analysis. I’m particularly drawn to MFRE’s interdisciplinary and hands-on approach, which promotes a deep, practical understanding of how to address real-world economic challenges.

My goal is to contribute meaningfully to sustainable agricultural development and food security in Nigeria through data-driven and inclusive policy solutions that improves the livelihood of people.

After graduating from UBC with a Bachelor of Commerce, I worked in various public and private sector roles in business development, sales, and market research in BC’s food and beverage sector. Beginning my career at one of Canada’s largest foodservice chains, I chased my passion for sustainable proteins to join multiple seafood and seaweed start-up businesses before joining the BC Ministry of Agriculture in 2021.

I recently completed the Certificate in Economics: Theory and Applications at Toronto Metropolitan University and am keen to solidify my passion for economics and sustainability into verifiable subject matter expertise, and build an enhanced analytical skillset to guide a successful future career, upon completion of MFRE.

Hi, I’m Abdirahman from Somalia. I earned a bachelor’s degree in economics with first-class honors from Somali National University. I worked as an assistant lecturer and examination officer, where I supported undergraduate teaching and academic coordination. My academic interests lie in development economics, food security, and sustainable resource management. I conducted research on the determinants of economic growth and trade balance in Somalia using econometric tools, which sparked my desire to explore applied economics in a global context.

I’m pursuing the MFRE program to gain practical skills in data analysis, policy design, and agribusiness, and to better understand how to develop effective, evidence-based solutions to global food insecurity and resource management challenges. After MFRE, I hope to work with international organizations and governments to promote sustainable development and resilient food systems worldwide.

Hello! My name is Chibueze, an international student from Imo State, Nigeria. I am delighted to be part of the UBC community as an MFRE student. I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural and Applied Economics from Rivers State University. Currently, I am working as an assistant agribusiness manager at Sidafeco farms where I support the day to day operations of crops & livestock production with a focus on sustainability, efficiency and profitability.

I hope to access advanced education in agricultural policy, food security, resource efficiency and environmental sustainability thus helping me to contribute solutions to the looming consumption imbalances and resource utility.

I’m joining MFRE to gain the knowledge and skills to influence policies on poverty reduction via small scale farming, rural development & research in Nigeria. I desire to work with the FAO with the aim of evaluating its strategic positioning to access program in Nigeria with a focus on food production, distribution and environmental sustainability.

Hi, I am Layan Damrah. I graduated from the University of British Columbia with a Bachelor of Commerce, where I specialized in Operations and Logistics Management, and minored in Economics.

Throughout my undergraduate journey, I developed the skills to identify inefficiencies in global supply chains while applying theories from resource and environmental economics. I studied the elements of resource management, the role of operations in mitigating the effects of climate change, and the strategies we can derive from diverse agricultural systems that implement innovation to address global food insecurity.

Building on my academic and experiential learning, I’m thrilled to join MFRE to strengthen my skills in data analysis and evidence-based policy-making to address poverty and food insecurity.

Hi all! My name is Adam Dawson and I am originally from San Francisco, California. I spent my undergraduate years studying Math and Economics at Whitman College, where I was particularly interested in understanding people’s lived experiences through qualitative data analysis in order to create models that better account for human vulnerabilities, collective resilience, and cultural barriers. Most recently, I have been working as a brewer here in Vancouver, developing a deeper connection to our agricultural and food production systems and seeing firsthand the ways in which they are rapidly changing due to climate.

During the MFRE, I look forward to honing my data analytics skills, exploring current issues facing our agri-food systems, and strengthening my understanding of sustainability through an economic lens. After the program, I hope to work with an organization to research and implement resilient agricultural production and distribution systems that reflect the changing needs of our communities and ecosystems.

Hi! I am Eunice Nana Ama Darko from Ghana. I hold a bachelor’s degree in economics from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, where my honors thesis focused on the impact of Agricultural Trade on Food Production in Ghana. This study highlighted the critical role agriculture plays in Ghana’s GDP and the need for evidence-based policies to ensure food security. I currently work as a Research Assistant at the Institute of Economic Research and Public Policy and a volunteer for Operation Serve Global.

The MFRE program aligns perfectly with my career aspirations. I am drawn to its comprehensive curriculum, which covers global food systems, agricultural production, and food supply chains, as well as its emphasis on advanced econometric and mathematical modeling techniques. My research interests lie at the intersection of Environmental Economics, Policy Analysis, and Quantitative/Data Analysis. The graduating project component of the MFRE program excites me, as it provides a unique chance to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world problems in collaboration with industry partners. This hands-on experience will equip me with the skills to analyze complex economic issues and develop policy-relevant solutions, ultimately contributing to informed decision-making in food and resource economics.

After completing the MFRE program, I plan to pursue a career in environmental or agricultural policy, contributing to the development of sustainable food systems that benefit Ghana and beyond.

Hello! My name is Reese. I have interned at a company engaged in food traceability systems. I have been deeply involved in tracking all aspects of the food and medicinesupply chain, and have worked with Canadian companies such as Optel Group to understand the application of blockchain and the Internet of Things in food safety.

Through practice, I realized that food safety is closely related to resource allocation and policy making, which has stimulated my interest in further research. By joining the UBC MFRE program, I hope to systematically master economic analysis and policy tools, and in the future, I will devote myself to food supply chain management, government policy analysis or innovation and entrepreneurship to promote global food safety and sustainable resource development.

Hi everyone! My name is ZiXun Fang, and you can also call me Steven. I recently graduated from Sauder at the University of British Columbia with a major in Finance and a minor in Data Science. My undergraduate journey equipped me with strong foundations in financial principles, business analysis, and coding. I completed a three-month internship in the asset management division of a securities firm in Shanghai. I gained hands-on experience with treasury and local government bond trading, including OTC trading and bond arbitrage area I hadn’t explored during university.

I am excited to join the MFRE to deepen my understanding of economics and data analysis (Econ was my first option before I pursued Finance). I’m passionate about derivatives trading and enjoy exploring how global policies influence commodity markets. After MFRE, I hope to pursue a career as a data analyst focused on supporting organizations with sustainability and strategic decision-making through data-driven insights.

Hello! I’m Yuying. I graduated from Dalhousie University in Agricultural Economics.

Through a summer crop insurance project in rural China, I interviewed farmers devastated by droughts but lacked tools to empirically validate effective policies. This gap drives my pursuit of MFRE’s data analytics training.

I will master Python-based risk modeling and econometric evaluation to measure policy efficacy, transforming insights into actionable solutions. Ultimately, I aim to design data-driven insurance frameworks that secure stable harvests for vulnerable farming communities, turning their sweat into guaranteed yields.

Hi, my name is Yihan Ge. I graduated from the University of Toronto with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and Human Resources. Through coursework in data analysis and resource economics, I developed a strong interest in the profound impact that food systems and resource management have on people’s lives.

During my internship at Accenture, I contributed to the company’s strategic planning on green carbon emissions, which further deepened my commitment to sustainable development. I believe that food and resource systems will play a critical role in shaping our future. I hope to support governments and organizations in creating effective strategies.

I’m so honored to join the MFRE program and look forward to meeting and learning from all of you.

Hello, I’m Yuyan Hou an undergraduate in applied economics from Queen’s University. I have developed a strong quantitative foundation through courses in economics, statistics and market research. My passion for food and resource economics was inspired by research on environmental transformation and reinforced by international volunteer teaching in Sri Lanka, where I have been able to teach a variety of food and resource economics courses, there I saw firsthand the impact of resource scarcity and environmental stress on communities. This experience has reinforced my commitment to connecting sustainability and business practices.

Through the MFRE program, I want to gain advanced skills in Quantitative analysis, economic modelling and data-driven decision-making — particularly through its interdisciplinary focus on economics, food systems and sustainability. My goal is to become a sustainable retail strategy consultant, helping companies optimize green supply chains, resource management, and sustainable sourcing to balance profitability and environmental responsibility.

I hold a B.A. in Mathematics with a minor in Economics from UBC, where I developed strong quantitative skills and a passion for applying data to real-world problems.

My work experience spans banking, customer service, and university recreation. These experiences have enhanced my abilities in data analysis, leadership, and project management. Motivated by a desire to bridge economic theory with practical resource management, and passionate about the food industry.

I am excited to join the MFRE program to further explore sustainable development and food economics. Post-MFRE, I aspire to work in consulting or in data analysis, contributing data-driven insights to address global challenges in food security and economic development.

My name is Donglin Li. I was born and raised in China and moved to Vancouver to pursue my undergraduate studies in Food and Resource Economics at the University of British Columbia. During my degree, I developed a strong interest in the intersection of economic development, food systems, and policy analysis. I gained hands-on experience through various roles, including working as a business development assistant in Hong Kong and as a market analysis assistant in the meat industry, where I used tools like R Studio, Excel, and Tableau to support strategic decision-making. I also worked with a local nonprofit, where I produced digital content and analyzed social media strategies. These experiences deepened my interest in agribusiness management and policy research.

I joined the MFRE program to strengthen my analytical skills, especially in data-driven decision-making. After MFRE, I hope to work in the consulting or public sector, advancing both economic efficiency and sustainable development in the global food economy.

I am Fenghao (Kevin) Li, a graduated student in the Economics major at the University of British Columbia. I have a strong academic interest in environmental policy, resource economics, and sustainable development. Through courses such as Environmental Economics, Principles of Forest Science, and Climate Emergency, I have developed a deep curiosity about how economic tools can address environmental challenges. My participation in UBC’s Go Global program at Fudan University further broadened my international perspective on economic policy. Beyond the classroom, I’ve applied this knowledge while interning in the wood processing industry, where I observed firsthand how environmental regulations, market downturns, and financing constraints affect sustainable practices. These experiences have motivated me to pursue the MFRE program to strengthen my skills in applied econometrics, data analysis, and policy evaluation. I am particularly excited about the program’s capstone project and professional development opportunities, which will prepare me for a career at the intersection of economics, resource management, and sustainability.

Hello everyone, my name is YiYang Li, a graduate of the University of Alberta with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics. During my studies, I developed a strong foundation in analytical thinking and economic theory. After graduating, I took a gap year to work in my family’s business, where I gained practical experience in operational management, problem-solving, and and other aspects of entrepreneurship. This hands-on experience sparked my interest in how economic principles can drive sustainable resource management and policy as an interest that motivates my pursuit of the MFRE program. I am passionate about bridging academic theory with real-world applications to create solutions that balance economic viability with ecological responsibility. Following the MFRE program, I hope to contribute to organizations that foster collaboration between governments, businesses, and communities to drive equitable policies and tackle global environmental issues.

My name is Yunke Li. I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of British Columbia. During my undergraduate studies, I gained valuable industry experience through internships at Caida Securities and Vitanutri Labs Canada. My work involved policy analysis, market research, and strategy development, with a particular focus on the functional foods sector. These experiences really sparked my passion for applying economic theory to practical issues like sustainable food systems and innovation.

I’m excited to join the MFRE program because I want to build a stronger foundation in data analytics, policy design, and agri-food market economics. Looking ahead, I hope to pursue a career in economic consulting or policy advisory, where I can help organizations make informed, data-driven decisions that support long-term, sustainable growth.

Hello, my name is Charis. I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Economics and International Relations from UBC, where I cultivated a strong interest in the economic aspects of food systems and resource management. My professional experience includes working at BMO as a customer service representative, where I gained valuable insights into financial operations and client engagement. This experience sparked a deeper interest in how economic tools can be applied to real-world challenges.

My motivation for joining the Master of Food and Resource Economics (MFRE) program stems from a desire to combine my analytical skills with practical knowledge in food economics, sustainability, and resource policy. I am particularly drawn to the program’s applied focus and its integration of economics with agribusiness. After completing the MFRE program, I aim to pursue a career in economic consulting or policy advisory, helping governments or organizations develop data-driven solutions to support sustainable agriculture and food systems.

Over the past 10 years, I’ve worked in operations across diverse fields – from establishing microfinance cooperatives in Nicaragua to supporting AI-powered farming innovations in India. I’m also deeply involved in my local community, where I support education initiatives to reduce food waste and create more sustainable food systems.

Through the MFRE program, I hope to build on my global business management experience and hone advanced analytical skills and industry knowledge. My goal is to become a program director at an international climate organization, driving solutions for rural and agricultural communities. I also look forward to applying what I learn to further my volunteer work on food sustainability in my local community.

With a background in International Development and Economics from McGill University, I have cultivated a strong interest in the intersection of environmental sustainability, food systems, and economic policy. Professional experiences at Impak Analytics and La Tablée des Chefs have given me hands-on exposure to ESG analysis and food recovery coordination, deepening my understanding of both corporate sustainability practices and grassroots responses to food insecurity. These roles have underscored the importance of addressing systemic challenges in the agri-food sector while always keeping food accessibility and affordability at the forefront.

Motivated to drive lasting change, I am pursuing the MFRE program at UBC to strengthen my skills in applied economics, quantitative analysis, and policy evaluation. My key interests lie in food security, sustainable resource use, and the pricing of environmental externalities. Outside of academics, I enjoy hiking, biking, and sailing, and I’m excited to make the most of Vancouver and its surroundings.

My name is Tionge Mukwala, a community development leader from Malawi. I hold a bachelor’s in economics and have a background in business development support and community development in the agriculture sector. I am passionate about women and youth development in my community and creating equitable opportunities for underserved and underrepresented farmer communities. I am the co-founder of Circle Of Umoji, a women’s and youth organization addressing gender disparities and promoting climate-smart farming practices to enhance resilience and build thriving livelihoods.

I was drawn to the MFRE program to enhance my knowledge in policy, agribusiness, and economics in the hope of continuing to contribute and implement tailored strategies in sustainable agriculture. My goal is to transition into political leadership roles where I can influence and challenge the Malawian political sphere to transform the agriculture sector.

Hello I’m Zihua. I have a Bachelor’s degree in agribusiness from the University of Manitoba, with a strong foundation in agricultural economics, econometrics, and sustainability. During my undergraduate studies, I completed internships in the agri-food and biopharmaceutical fields, gaining practical experience in market research and data analysis communication.

I joined the MFRE program to strengthen my analytical and professional skills further and explore policy and economic solutions to global food and environmental challenges. My main areas of interest include sustainable agriculture, the economics of climate change, and food supply chains. After completing the MFRE program, I aspire to take on a policy advisory or consulting role to bridge the gap between scientific research and real-world applications in the agri-food or environmental sectors.

I completed my undergraduate degree in Economics and Public Policy at the University of Ottawa, where I developed a strong interest in microeconomics and its applications to real-world issues.

I’ve always been drawn to agriculture and natural resources, shaped in part by time spent around farming growing up and by summers planting trees in northern British Columbia. The opportunity to study the agriculture and natural resource industries through a microeconomics lens made the MFRE program at UBC an attractive choice. I’m eager to deepen my understanding and develop quantitative tools to help address problems in these vital sectors.

I hold a BA in International Relations in International Economics and Development from the University of British Columbia. I have experience in equity capital markets, corporate partnerships, and organizational governance, providing me with valuable knowledge of global financial systems and macroeconomic trends. Previously, I was a member of Team Canada for track cycling (World Cup silver medalist, 6-time National Champion, 2-time Canadian Record setter). My professional athletic career fostered discipline, resilience, and teamwork skills that directly translate into my professional work. My interests concern the intersection of renewable and low-carbon energy “particularly nuclear energy” and asset management, exploring how to develop the necessary infrastructure to deliver uninterrupted nuclear energy at residential and industrial scales, while positioning sustainable energy infrastructure as an investible opportunity for institutional and retail portfolios alike.

Through the MFRE program, I seek to bolster my analytical and quantitative skills while furthering my knowledge of sustainable resource management. Following the program, I plan to pursue a career in asset management, with a focus on infrastructure, renewable power, and the green energy transition.

Hello! My name is Julian, and I was born and raised in Victoria on Vancouver Island. I hold an Economics degree from the University of Victoria. After graduation, I began working at Statistics Canada. Currently, in my role, I work on the monthly wholesale team delivering data and insights to Canadians. On the team, I oversee the food, beverage, and tobacco wholesale industry, which has allowed me to gain a deeper perspective on the needs and trends of the food sector in Canada.

I am excited to join the MFRE program to understand the underlying business side of the food and resource sector in Canada, learning from both esteemed faculty and industry leaders. I believe that the Master of Food and Resource Economics will provide me the opportunity to shape a more sustainable food and food and resource economy.

I graduated from UBC with a Bachelor of Science in Applied Animal Biology and have spent the past few years as a researcher with the Animal Welfare Program, focusing on dairy cattle welfare. Through this work, I’ve seen how data and compassion can work together to create meaningful change in agriculture.

I joined MFRE to bridge a critical gap I’ve noticed in my field: while the science behind farm animal welfare is strong, we often lack the economic expertise to turn that science into effective change. I believe that a better understanding of the non-rational ways people make decisions could open new doors for advancing farm animal welfare. Outside of academia, I’ve led initiatives across student leadership, athletics, and community service, all grounded in the goal of making systems more just and compassionate.

I graduated from the University of British Columbia with a degree in Economics and Statistics. During my internship at Zhongtai Securities, I conducted industry research and gained experience in analyzing data to support strategic decisions.

I joined the MFRE program to apply behavioral science and data analysis to real-world issues in food, land, and resource economics. I am particularly interested in understanding consumer behavior in agri-food markets, as well as the role of data-driven insights in improving market efficiency and policy design. The program’s focus on applied economics aligns closely with my interests in sustainability, resource allocation, and evidence-based decision-making. After completing the MFRE program, I hope to pursue a career in market research, policy analysis, or product strategy at organizations that aim to promote sustainable food systems and resource use.

I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Industrial Relations and Human Resources from the University of Toronto, St. George campus. During my undergraduate studies, I interned at Ping An Bank and Ping An Fund in China. At Ping An Fund, I conducted macroeconomic research to monitor economic trends, while at Ping An Bank, I worked in private banking, analyzing investment markets and recommending financial products to clients. These experiences sparked my interest in how economic analysis informs real world decision-making.

My growing curiosity about the intersection of economics, food security, and resource management inspired me to join the Master of Food and Resource Economics (MFRE) program. I am particularly interested in game theory and econometrics and how these tools can support sustainable and strategic policy design. After MFRE, I aim to pursue a career in economic consulting or policy analysis, contributing to data-driven solutions in the agri-food or resource sectors.

My name is Nike Tan, and I recently completed a bachelor’s degree in Nutrition and Food Science with a minor in Food Marketing at the University of Alberta. During my undergraduate studies, I developed a strong interest in food and resource economics, which I explored through coursework and group projects. I also broadened my experience by interning at Canada Malting Co. Limited and volunteering as a research assistant focusing on sarcopenia in infants with liver disease.

I am excited to join the MFRE program for its interdisciplinary and applied economic analysis to solve real-world challenges at the intersection of food, health, and economics. After completing the program, I hope to pursue a career in product or strategy management within the food industry, focusing on sustainability, innovation, and improving access to nutritious food.

Hi I’m Tatiana! I’m a lower-mainland native and I did my undergraduate in Environmental Sciences at the University of Alberta. I majored in Economics and Policy, which I saw as a great pathway to sustainable changes.

Working with Parks Canada for a summer I showcased Banff National Park’s beauty while ensuring safe engagement with wildlife and I hope to continue working with the Government of Canada in the future. Since my undergrad I’ve been working at a shipyard learning hands-on skills and practical safety measures.

My love of the environment and dietician mother led me to the MFRE program, combining my interests of environmental economics and food. Through the MFRE program I hope to focus more on agri-food system policies and have the skills to model data to best inform decisions.

Hello! My name is Wanjiru Margaret Wanjiku, a Kenyan by birth. I studied a Bachelor of Economics at Kenyatta University for my undergraduate degree and have worked in the banking sector for the past couple of years.

Through my time in retail banking, I realized that the industry mostly focused on the few who had the financial resources to save and grow, while the majority of the population continued to struggle with basic needs such as affording a proper meal or accessing education.

I am pursuing the MFRE program to gain practical skills and knowledge in policy and agricultural systems. My goal is to contribute to policy reforms in Kenya’s agricultural sector, specifically addressing food insecurity and resource inequality.

Hello, my name is Fiona Yang. I am originally from China. I recently completed my Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics at the University of British Columbia (UBC).

During my undergraduate studies, I developed a strong interest in the areas of food systems and policy analysis. I look forward to improving my skills in data interpretation and gaining real-world experience through the Master of Food and Resource Economics program. I am especially interested in market analysis, agricultural economics, and the economic impacts of environmental policy.

After completing the MFRE program, I hope to pursue a career as an analyst in policy consulting or data-driven research.

I’m Allison, and I’m so excited to join the MFRE family! I graduated from UBC with an undergraduate degree in Economics, where I had an unforgettable academic experience. During my undergraduate studies, I discovered that I had a strong interest in sustainable development. This passion led me to join the Master of Food and Resource Economics (MFRE) program.

I hope to be able to use the economic knowledge I learned to analyze and design policies that promote sustainable development. After graduating from the MFRE program, I hope to engage in a career that can contribute to the promotion of sustainable development. My goal is to become a policy analyst or consultant to help governments or international organizations give my professional advice based on the perspective of circular economy and environmental protection.

Hey everyone! My name is Rex. I graduated from UBC with a BA degree in Economics.

During my undergraduate studies, I focused on resource economics, econometrics, and policy analysis. My academic projects explored sustainable fisheries management and the economic impacts of environmental policies. My internship experiences honed my skills in data analytics and economic modeling.

I feel that the MFRE program is an ideal next step for me to sharpen my abilities in quantitative methods and sustainable resource economics. I’m looking forward to learning meaningful skills and exchanging inspiring ideas from the MFRE program and like-minded cohorts!