2023/2024 PRSSS Executive
Click here to learn more about the executive positions.
President
Franco Lopez Campomanes (he/him)
Past President
Jordan Kesey (she/her)
Jordy Kersey received her B.Sc. in Environmental Science and Biology at Iowa State University, USA. Throughout her undergrad, she worked in a soil chemistry lab which allowed her to discover her love for research and all things soil nitrogen related. After taking a year off, Jordy completed her M.Sc. in soil science at Oregon State University. Her master’s thesis focused on soil health in managed forest systems. Currently, Jordy is working on her PhD with Dr. Sean Smukler. Her project will be focused on soil health dynamics and climate change resiliency in agricultural fields of the Alaksen National Wildlife Area.
Vice-President/President-Elect
Jeremiah DuBovis (he/him)
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).
Events Coordinator
Jack Edgar (he/him)
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.
Membership Coordinator
Kelly Wang (she/her)
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
Nicola Jurinovic (she/her)
After growing up in the Lower Mainland, Nicola received her B.Sc. AgEnvSc. from McGill University, concentrating in ecological agriculture and agrology. Her love of soil was sparked in 11th grade when she discovered soil science in a research-writing class. Since then, she has worked in soil science labs at McGill and Agriculture Canada, developing her soil knowledge base and skillset in lab techniques. She currently works at Miraterra Technologies, where she is contributing to the development of a soil sensor that will remotely quantify soil carbon and nutrients in agricultural fields at a fraction of the intensity as traditional grid sampling. When she isn’t going for walks or cooking dinner with friends, Nicola likes to make short-form science communication videos about soil science and climate change.
Newsletter Coordinator
Katie Miles (she/her)
I’ve spent 10 years working on and managing organic fruit and vegetable farms around Turtle Island, from New Mexico to the Okanagan. I believe we made a deal with the seeds, as humans, to take care of each other – so of course, we must take care of the soil as well! When we do this, the rewards are endless and often delicious. My favorite moment of every summer is the first ground cherry harvest.
Undergraduate Representative – UNBC
Jamie Quinn (she/her)
Jamie is a second-degree undergraduate student at UNBC. Originally from Ontario, she moved to Prince George to leave healthcare and pursue her passion for biology in the Wildlife and Fisheries program. She discovered an interest in soils during her first semester at UNBC, declared a minor, and hasn’t looked back! Jamie is interested in the direct and indirect interactions between soils and wildlife, from natural mineral licks and geophagy to nutritional ecology. In her spare time, Jamie enjoys hiking, board games, and cooking.
Undergraduate Representative – KPU
Talia Parfeniuk (she/her)
Talia is a student in Sustainable Agriculture at Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU). She got her first degree in Anthropology, where she learned about food sovereignty. This inspired her to work on organic farms after graduation, ultimately leading her to take a soil science class at KPU. It was one of her favorite classes so far, and she always looking to learn more!
Strategic Planner
Lesley Dampier (she/her)
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!
Awards Chair
Teresa Porter (she/her)
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.
Director
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.
Director
Eveline Wolterson, M.Sc. Soil Science, P.Ag., EP (Emeritus)
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.
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