UBC Master of Land and Water Systems

We are excited to share an open call on behalf of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UBC.

Organizations in Kenya, Ghana, and Nigeria are invited to partner with UBC to host talented Mastercard Foundation Scholars for internship placements between June and November 2026.

This initiative aims to connect highly motivated, values-driven students with meaningful, hands-on experiences in areas such as:
• Forestry
• Agriculture
• Data Science & AI

Partner organizations will benefit from engaging with emerging leaders committed to sustainability, innovation, and community impact.

📅 Internship duration: 1–3 months
📍 Preferred format: In-person (remote may be considered)

If your organization is interested in participating, please complete the Partner Intake Form by April 2, 2026.

Employer and Industry Partnership Brochure | Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of British Columbia We are excited to launch a Call for Partners to organizations in Kenya, Nigeria, and Ghana interested in hosting Mastercard Foundation Scholars in Summer/Fall 2026. We are seeking partners working on sustainable and innovative solutions related to Forestry, Land and Food Systems, and Data Science. O...

Congratulations to the MLWS Class of 2025, who walked across the stage last week! We’re proud of how much this wonderful group has grown over the past year and excited to see all they’ll accomplish in the future. 🤩 🎓

Our new MLWS 2025–26 cohort is here!
Excited to start the year with this amazing group of students from all around the world.
Wishing everyone a great start to the journey ahead!

Congratulations to Sarah Pickering

We are proud to announce that Sarah Pickering, a Master of Land and Water Systems (MLWS) student, has received the 2025 LFS Professional Programs Award.

This award honours outstanding graduate students in UBC’s professional programs who show strong leadership in their cohort and the potential to advance knowledge and solutions in their field.

Sarah’s dedication to sustainable land and resource management, collaborative spirit, and support for her peers reflect the values of the MLWS program and the Faculty of Land and Food Systems.

Please join us in congratulating Sarah on this well-deserved recognition!

Celebrating Our Amazing Students

Yesterday, our MLWS students showcased their major projects, each addressing a significant land and water issue.

We are proud of their dedication and professionalism.
A heartfelt thank you to all the students for your commitment and hard work - you make the MLWS community shine!

Here are some moments from their presentations.

We loved having MLWS alumnus Tishtaar Titina (Class of 2018) back on campus!

This week, we were pleased to host Tishtaar Titina—a proud MLWS alumnus and now Independent Consultant —for an engaging seminar.
Drawing from his experience working with provincial and municipal regulators, Tishtaar shared how he applies his MLWS training to navigate the complex regulatory environment surrounding land management decisions. He offered valuable insights into post-graduation career navigation and highlighted real-world project work with our current cohort of students.

📍 Interested in joining the MLWS Program at UBC? Learn more here: https://mlws.landfood.ubc.ca/

Spring is here, but BC’s snowpack levels are below average, signaling a dry summer ahead. It’s time to review and strengthen water conservation strategies across all sectors.

Learn more in BC’s Snow Conditions Bulletin: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/environment/air-land-water/water/drought-flooding-dikes-dams/river-forecast-centre/snow-survey-water-supply-bulletin/snow-conditions-commentary

🌟 Alumni Spotlight: Adarshana Thapa 🌟

Last week, we had the privilege of hosting Adarshana Thapa, an inspiring alumna of UBC’s MLWS program and current PhD candidate in Environmental Science at the University of Toronto. Her talk, “From MLWS to PhD: Navigating Agroecological Research at the University of Toronto”, was a fascinating dive into her professional journey and research pursuits.

Adarshana shared her experiences post-MLWS, from managing grants for community-driven watershed projects to coordinating impactful waste management initiatives. Now, her doctoral research focuses on the agroecological transitions in Central India, examining their impacts on soil quality and farmer well-being—a critical topic in today’s environmental landscape.

Beyond her professional and academic achievements, Adarshana is passionate about sustainability, community engagement, and outdoor adventures. We’re proud of the transformative work by our alumni and are inspired by Adarshana’s dedication to making a meaningful impact.

🌍 Now Accepting Applications! 🌿
Are you passionate about creating sustainable landscapes, managing water resources, or tackling environmental challenges? Apply to the UBC Master of Land and Water Systems (MLWS) program and join a community committed to environmental leadership and practical solutions.

📝 Application Deadline: 10 January 2025
🌟 Program Highlights:
Hands-on learning opportunities
Connections with industry leaders

Ready to make an impact? To learn more about the MLWS program and start your application today! https://www.grad.ubc.ca/prospective-students/graduate-degree-programs/master-of-land-water-systems

🌍 New Research from UBC MLWS and Soil Science! 🌱

Our researchers have investigated fascinating parallels between soil health and human health, emphasizing the importance of sustainable land management for a healthier planet and population.

🔗 Read more here: https://www.news-medical.net/news/20241013/Researchers-draw-parallels-between-soil-and-human-health-to-promote-sustainable-land-management.aspx

Researchers draw parallels between soil and human health to promote sustainable land management Research redefines soil health by comparing it to human health and identifying key indicators for diagnosing and treating degraded soils. It urges policymakers to adopt sustainable practices to reverse soil degradation and secure future ecosystem services.

On October 15th, we took part in an insightful campus tour, to explore integrated stormwater management practices right here at UBC. We visited several locations, each showcasing a different aspect of stormwater management.
This field trip gave us a first-hand look at how green rainwater infrastructure and grey infrastructure work together to manage stormwater across different scales on campus. It was a valuable opportunity to observe practical designs and understand the challenges of implementing Integrated Stormwater Management Plans (ISMPs).

Big thanks to our guide from UBC Campus and Community Planning and guides from UBC Aquatic Centre and all the students who participated! Stay tuned for more exciting experiences from the MLWS program. 💧🌿