2024/2025 PRSSS Executive
Click here to learn more about the executive positions.
President - Jeremiah DuBovis
Originally from the Sonoran Desert, Jeremiah DuBovis developed an interest in soil science after taking an introductory course at the University of British Columbia. From there, he received his Bachelor of Science in Global Resource Systems from UBC in 2021; his program included an emphasis on soil ecology and the Global South. He is currently studying to receive his master’s degree from the University of Northern British Columbia. His research focuses on mine tailing remediation under the supervision of Dr. Michael Preston. Aside from soil science, Jeremiah takes a keen interest in rock climbing, music, and fermenting vegetables (all things good for your gut).
Past President - Franco Lopez Campomanes
Secretary - Fiona Farag
Fiona Farag is a fourth-year forestry student studying natural resources conservation. She is passionate about agriculture and wearing overalls. Summer work at a peach orchard inspired Fiona to learn more about soil, a very important natural resource that her program does not dive into. She continued to learn more last summer while working as a research assistant at a soil lab on UBC campus. Fiona is an outdoor enthusiast, in her spare time, she loves to climb, dance, and swim at the beach. She is excited to bring her passion and stoke to the PRSSS team as the new UBC undergraduate representative.
Treasurer - April Stainsby
April is excited to join the PRSSS and serve as the treasurer. She recently returned to the coast after working and studying in the prairies and the north where she worked on farms and agricultural research projects. Through her work she aims to contribute to projects that increase the ability of agricultural landscapes to support healthy ecosystems and biodiversity.
Events Coordinator - Jack Edgar
Jack’s passion for soil and agriculture stemmed from concerns about water resources conservation which eventually lead him to Earth’s sponge, the soil. For three years, he was busy getting his hands dirty working on a variety of farms, with an emphasis on market gardening. During the Masters of Land and Water Systems program he has investigated novel uses of biochar in animal agriculture through a thorough literature review and white paper. He has been able to continue exploring scientific curiosities working with the Soil Res3 team, lead by Dr. JT Cornelis of UBC. He finds optimism in the future from regenerative agriculture as a way to rebuild soil and communities. Outside the lab, farm or garden you may find him on his bike or exploring the beautiful landscapes of BC.
Events Coordinator - Sasha Pollet
Originally from Belgium, Sasha Pollet is currently pursuing her second year of PhD studies in Soil Science at the University of British Columbia. Her fascination with soil began during an introductory course in soil science while completing her bachelor's degree in Bioengineering at Liege University in Belgium. She then earned her Master's degree in Environmental Science and Technology in 2021. Sasha's PhD focuses on unraveling complex soil-root-plant interactions, particularly investigating the role of roots in nutrient acquisition and carbon storage within the soil. Beyond soils and academia, Sasha enjoys wondering in nature, rock climbing and salsa dancing.
Merchandise Coordinator - Nikki Lax
Nikki found her love for soil a decade ago when she built her first educational farm project - even after hand-digging an acre of raised beds! This led to her pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Applied Plant and Soil Science at UBC, supplemented with many hours at UBC Farm and the Sprouts Student Food Co-operative. Since then, she has worked on and managed several organic vegetable farms, facilitated agricultural educational programming, and helped bolster community, engagement, and learning in her local food systems. She currently co-manages a 10 acre organic mixed vegetable farm in Pemberton, BC. Off the farm, you'll find Nikki cooking, rock climbing, or riding her bike to the lake.
Membership Coordinator - Kelly Wang
Kelly is currently a M.Sc. student in the Plant Science Program at UBC. She completed a B.Sc. undergraduate degree at UBC in Environmental Sciences. Kelly developed an interest in soil science from taking an introductory course at UBC! She has a background in integrated pest management, pesticide efficacy trials and the development of sustainable insecticide and herbicide products for agroecosystems.
Social Media Coordinator - Allison Walters
Allison recently graduated from UBC with a BSc in Sustainable Agriculture & Environment. Her work experience includes Integrated Pest Management at ES CropConsult and organic farming at Farmship Growers Co-op. She is now apprenticing at A Rocha Farm and doing reporting and advertising with Burnaby Media Group. In her free time, she enjoys yoga, dance, and running.
Social Media Coordinator - Kylee Smith
Kylee is currently completing her UBC Undergrad in Global Resources Systems with specializations in Agricultural Sciences and the European perspective. She is a proud Ojibway woman from Ontario, but loves Vancouver for the beautiful scenery! Kylee has a background in Indigenous Rights and Homeland Initiatives, soil contamination, pollination strategies for farmers, yeh deindustrialization of agriculture, and forest ecology. When she has free time, she loves hiking and watching horror movies!
Newsletter Coordinator - Sarah Pickering
Sarah is a UBC, Master of Land and Water Systems student with a passion for building sustainable food systems that take into consideration environment, community, and health. She has a BSc in Earth Sciences from the University of Victoria and over 3 years of practical experience in food security and sustainability projects, including working on an organic veggie farm in Pemberton, BC. She recognizes that nurturing healthy soils is critical to fostering rich ecosystems and happy communities. When not on the farm or in the classroom, Sarah can be found riding her bike, skiing, and exploring the backcountry of the Coast Mountains.
Awards Chair - Teresa Porter
Teresa recently completed her M.Sc. in Soil Science under the supervision of Dr. Maja Krzic at UBC. Her research focused on the effects of grassland set-asides on soil physical quality in the Fraser River delta region. She holds a B.Sc. in Global Resource Systems from UBC and is working towards her Professional Agrologist designation. Teresa has worked on small-scale organic vegetable farms around the province, and now co-owns and operates an urban flower farm in Vancouver, Suelo & Faa. She loves soil, growing things, and reading.
UNBC Undergraduate - Erica Kreitz (she/her)
I am an undergraduate student in forest ecology at UNBC, with a minor degree in soils and the environment. I became passionate about soil sciences after learning that soil is not only the foundation, but key a component, of a healthy ecosystem. I feel very fortunate to be part of a great community of likeminded students with a passion for soils here at UNBC! My current research is focused on soil ecology, specifically ericoid mycorrhizal fungi and their significance in Ericaceous plant species establishment and success when used for restoration projects.
UNBC Graduate - Emily Dennis (she/her)
Emily is currently doing a Masters of science at the University of Northern British Columbia in a soil related project. She is currently working on a long term soil productivity project and specifically looking at different forest health impacts of soil compaction and organic matter removal. Originally from Langley, Emily holds an undergraduate degree in biology from the University of the Fraser Valley. In her spare time, she loves swimming, kayaking, road trips, and writing.
Okanagan - Hannah Friesen (she/her)
Hannah’s interest in soil started with hot compost and has evolved to a deep appreciation for the soil system. She received her Bachelor of Science in Global Resource Systems from UBC in 2021. After graduating, Hannah worked as a soil analyst for an agricultural tech company in Vancouver. Hannah is a currently a MSc student with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and UBC-O, where she is conducting on-farm research to evaluate carbon stocks in woody perennial agroecosystems. In her free time, Hannah can be found biking, hiking or playing settlers of catan.
UBC Graduate - Karyna Howell (she/her)
Karyna Howell is a Master’s student and Fulbright scholar at the University of British Columbia studying how drought affects root exudation and the flow of nutrients from soil to plant. After graduating in 2021 with a B.S. in Biochemistry, Karyna fell in love with soil when she went to farm with Alaska Pacific University on their organic vegetable farm. Her work on the farm demonstrated that understanding the complex interactions between soils, ecosystems, food systems, and local communities is integral to making sustainable changes which inspired her to come to UBC. Besides soil, Karyna loves the outdoors and enjoys skiing, climbing, or lounging in the sun.
UBC Undergraduate - Cameron Donnelly (she/her)
Cameron is a rising fourth-year student in the Sustainable Agriculture & Environment program. She works as a research assistant in the Sustainable Agricultural Landscapes Lab, which has taught her tons about soil science, agroecology, and climate change. She has always loved digging holes and playing outside, so loving soil science just makes sense! In her free time, Cameron enjoys admiring cool insects, leading backpacking trips, teaching ski lessons, and cooking for friends and family
Lesley Dampier
I accidentally found my passion for soil while an undergraduate student at UBC. I took an Introduction to Soil Science course because it fit my schedule... little did I know that would shift the trajectory of my degree and career! The soil was the integrator that I needed to make sense of biology, chemistry and physics. After a period of time working in environmental consulting with an emphasis on residuals management, I completed an MSc in soil science exploring soils of the Yukon. I loved learning the story that each soil profile was telling me - what a reward after all that digging! I now work in research management at UBC and am pursuing my passion for education through a Masters in Education. I hope to bring my experience in strategic planning and my passion for soil education to the team!
Justin Straker
Justin is a soil scientist and a forest ecologist, a Professional Agrologist, and an MSc graduate from UBC’s Department of Soil Science in 1998. He has worked as a consultant in the field of mine reclamation for the last twenty-five years, mostly in western and northern Canada. Justin’s focus is on collaboration with Indigenous communities on mine reclamation, and on soil-plant-water cycles on reclaimed sites.
Lewis Fausak
Lewis is currently the Applied Biology Education and Research Technician at UBC. He completed his post-secondary education at the University of Alberta (B.Sc.) and the University of British Columbia (M.Sc. in Soil Science). His research has included studying greenhouse gas emissions in cropping systems, soil quality (aggregate stability, carbon pools, soil fractals, moisture characteristics, nutrient availability), irrigation water demand, heavy metal contamination, and mafic tailings. In his current position, he gets to help excite students about soil science, participate in research, and learn from a great group of mentors. He is also the creator of @adventuresinsoils, where he creates fun soil science themed art, and has also contributed to soil science textbook illustrations.
Eveline Wolterson
Eveline was raised in rural Horseshoe Bay and earned her training in physical chemistry, geomorphology and soil science at UBC. She has worked as a cocktail waitress, in an oil refinery, as a laboratory tech, in applied research, and for the last 30-odd years as an environmental consultant in agriculture, forestry, transportation, mining, land use planning, and water resources. Eveline is a Professional Agrologist and an Environmental Professional certified in the disciplines of agriculture, waste management, and site assessment and reclamation. She is retired from full-time consulting, but continues to dabble in environmental policy, planning and advocacy for local communities, sustainable agricultural systems, and stump ranching in the north Okanagan Valley.