Christopher Ellis

What did you study during your year in Canada?

I was fortunate to study the Master of Forestry (Sustainable Forest Management). I focused on taking courses that would help me acquire the accreditation of Registered Professional Forester in Canada, including but not limited to silviculture, forest inventories and applied field research. 

During the spring and summer semesters, I was dedicated to my research project on long-term thinning trials at the Des Crossley Demonstration Forest, which involved extensive field data collection ranging from measuring tree diameters and heights to assessing regeneration and photosynthetically active radiation. The project gave me the rare chance to contribute to a seventy-year experiment and connect theory with practice in a meaningful way.

Outside of academics, I enjoyed exploring Alberta’s landscapes. Trips to the Rocky Mountains, hikes with fellow students, and even simple social gatherings made the year unforgettable. 

What has been the best during your study period in Canada?

The opportunity to combine advanced coursework with real-world fieldwork has been invaluable. Being outdoors in Alberta’s forests, working on research plots, and connecting with Canadian forestry professionals has been the highlight of my experience.

Overall, the TRANSFOR-M program gave me far more than just academic training. It provided friendships, international networks, and a new perspective on forestry. For future students, I would strongly recommend embracing both the challenges and opportunities, as this will likely be one of the most formative experiences of your academic career.

What has been most challenging?

Adapting to new academic and administrative systems was initially a challenge, but the support during the program was amazing, so I didn’t run into any issues.

Living in Edmonton was relatively affordable compared to other Canadian cities, but I recommend arranging accommodation early. It is also worth mentioning that university residence housing is a lot more expensive than some of the private rentals available on the market.

What would you say to students thinking about applying for TRANSFOR-M?

This program is a once in a lifetime opportunity. It allows you to explore a very different approach to the field of forestry, which is interesting and exciting for anybody who shares a passion for forestry. My year in Canada as part of TRANSFOR-M was both academically rewarding and personally transformative.