From small town Alberta, Jewel Yurkewich has found her passion in the ecology and management of forests in the northern hemisphere. With insights into the social value of forests she will present the research she completed to receive her MSc European Forestry degree. Her investigation into the notorious Red Stain of Castanae sativa (sweet chestnut), referred to by local foresters as Roig, will take you into the Montseny and Montnegre-Corredor Natural Parks located in northeastern Spain. Molecular techniques were used to detect and identify the wood inhabiting fungi and potential pathogens associated with the red stain. The results provide a deeper understanding of the fungal community inhabiting sweet chestnut. As the science unfolds so will her story of community involvement, personal investment and international collaboration. Encouraging her audience to reach out, challenge themselves and acknowledge the potential of each and every moment she hopes to inspire her colleagues and fellow students. The recipe for success is unique for every person but there are some core ingredients that make all the difference on the pathway to professionalism.

The Natural Resources & Environmental Studies Institute (NRESi) at UNBC hosts a weekly lecture series at the Prince George campus. Anyone from the university or wider community with interest in the topic area is welcome to attend. Presentations are also made available to remote participants through Livestream or Blackboard Elluminate. More information will be posted about the presentation as it becomes available.

Past NRESi colloquia and special lectures can be viewed on our video archive, available here.