Meet IFSA Delegates

Agustin Rosello

LC Brno, Chile

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Isabelle Claire Dela Paz

Jair Granados Chacón

ASFA LC, Costa Rica

Introduction: B.Sc. Forest Engineer and M.Sc. student in Forest Science at the Instituto Tecnológico de Costa Rica, specializing in wood energy and forest byproducts through pyrolysis, with experience in research projects, GIS, data science and forest management.

Background: B.Sc. Forest Engineer and M.Sc. student in Forest Science at the Instituto Tecnológico de Costa Rica, specializing in wood energy and forest byproducts through pyrolysis, with experience in research projects, GIS, data science and forest management.

Erlita Savitri

LC Copenhagen, Indonesia

Introduction: Currently I am a final master student of Sustainable Forest and Nature MAnagement in SLU, Sweden. I love being outdoor, hiking, and planting plants.

Background: I am interested in forest governance, climate finance and indigenous people. I am excited to participate in this congress and I also take part of IFSA-IUFRO Mentorship Program.

Andzelika Popestfanov

LC Belgrade, Serbia

Introduction: My position in the IFSA circle is IUFRO Commissioner. During my education, we made evaluations about the importance of IUFRO and other organizations, and I wanted to advance my own future and professional orientation in this field. Joining the IUFRO World Congress is an amazing opportunity for my own career and for the exchange of forest-related scientific knowledge and cooperation among forest scientists in the future.

Background: I am 23 years old and I am on my Bachelor studies of Landscape Architecture and Horticulture at the faculty of Forestry, University of Belgrade, since 2019. I have been an active member of IFSA since I started my studies and in 2021/2022 I became a President of my LC. During that time I have participated in different activities on local and international levels that have brought me to the idea of applying for an official position.

Ngozi Edum

LC Freiburg, Nigeria

Introduction: Ngozi is a Climate and Forestry Researcher and Policy Analyst. She has gathered years of experience working in Non-profits and has a strong background in social advocacy, livelihood, and conservation initiatives. She has a bachelor’s degree in Forestry and Environmental Management from Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, where she finished with a First-Class Honors. Ngozi is pursuing a research-based master’s in European Forestry through the Erasmus Mundus Joint master’s degree at the University of Eastern Finland. & Albert Ludwig University of Freiburg, Germany. She firmly advocates inclusive and participation of forest-dependent and indigenous communities in forest management and policy formulation.

Background: Bachelors degree in Forestry and Environmental management and a Joint masters degree in European Forestry.

Annie Biju

LC FRI, India

Introduction: Miss Annie Biju has been active in IFSA since 2019 and has held the role of President of IFSA LC FRI during the term 2020 – 2021 and currently holds the position of Coordinator for Joint IUFRO – IFSA Task Force on Forest Education (2021 – 2024). She had been an IFSA Delegate on various occasions such as UNEA 5.0, World Forestry Congress 2022, All IUFRO Conference.

Background: Miss Annie Biju, India is registered as a Doctoral Researcher at Forest Research Institute (Deemed to be) University under the guidance of Dr. Ajay Thakur, Scientist – G and Co-guidance of Dr. N.V. Mathish, Scientist – G and Dr. Shambhavi Yadav, Scientist – C. Her research subject is “CRISPR/Cas-9 based Functional Evaluation of Gene(s) for Resistance against Fusarium Wilt in Dalbergia sissoo” in Forest Biotechnology Discipline.

Casey Iwamoto

Helena Nováčková

LC Brno, Czech Republic

Introduction: I am from a small town surrounded by forests and close to mountains, that is why I love nature and why I went to study forestry. I really fell in love with studying this programme. Since 2021 I have been LC President of LC Brno. I began with a small LC only with two members. And it grew into a big LC where almost all members are active. I am a motivated and productive person. I love organizing stuff, it could be either work or hobbies. For example I organised an international competition – Forestry versatility or I love organizing trips and itinerary. I need to work with a plan.

Background: I am studying a Forestry programme at Mendel university in Brno. I am at my Bachelors study and I will be hopefully finishing before the IUFRO Congress. After that I will continue my Master studies in Prague.

Bora Karatash

LC Brno, Turkey

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Volodymyr Kravets

LC Göttingen, Ukraine

Introduction: Hey everyone! I am Volodymyr from Ukraine! I am excited to join one of the biggest forestry scientists’ meetings, and contribute to the IFSA delegation with my experience!

Background: Bachelor – Forestry – Education and Research Institute of Forestry and Landscape-Park Management, National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine. Masters – Sustainable forest and nature management (SUFONAMA) – first-year – University of Copenhagen, Denmark, second-year – Goettingen University, Germany

Alexander Watson

LC Göettingen, United Kingdom

Introduction: My name is Alexander Watson. I am a MSc Tropical and International forestry student in Goettingen Germany, I have strong passion for topics such as agroforestry, natural regeneration and bioremediation, as well as communications, policy and negotiations. I am currently the head of Communications Commission for the International Forestry Students Association and believe that networking and bridge building is the key to success in scientific and political spheres, therefore joining the IUFRO World Congress as an IFSA delegate is an incredibly amazing opportunity for me.

Background: BSc Environmental Science degree from the Open University, UK and MSc Environment and Development graduate from Leeds, UK. Currently studying MSc Tropical and International forestry in Goettingen, Germany.

Alexa Beaucamp

Sandesh K C

LC Göttingen, Nepal

Introduction: My name is Sandesh from Nepal. I am currently pursuing a Joint master’s in Sustainable Forest and Nature Management at the University of Copenhagen and the University of Gottingen. Last year, I did an enriching internship at IUFRO headquarters in Vienna for two months as an IFSA member. As a young enthusiast passionate about bridging forest conservation and societal development through scientific research and policy-making, I eagerly anticipate the upcoming IUFRO World Congress 2024, expecting it to be a remarkable chapter in my journey.

Background: I did my Bachelor’s in Forestry at the Faculty of Forestry, Agriculture and Forestry University, Nepal. I am currently doing an Erasmus Mundus Masters Programme – Sustainable Forest and Nature Management (SUFONAMA) with my first year of studies at the University of Copenhagen, Denmark and second year of studies at the University of Göttingen, Germany.

Chenming Wei

University of British Columbia Local Committee, China

Introduction: Chenming is a Master of International Forestry student now at University of British Columbia. He earned a BSc in Natural Resources Conservation from UBC and a BSc in Ecology from Fujian Agricultural and Forestry University. His professional experience includes roles such as Junior Resource Technologist at the Canada BC Ministry of Forests, and Climate Ambassador at the Langley Environmental Partners Society. He is the current President of the UBC Local Committee for the International Forestry Students’ Association, and is driven by a profound understanding that forestry issues transcend national borders. He is dedicated to using his expertise to promote international collaboration, bridging gaps, and fostering cooperation in the global goal of achieving sustainable forest management.

Florian Wilms

LC Göttingen, Germany

Introduction: I am Florian, a 24-year-old master student from Germany, studying the Forest Ecosystem Science master’s programme at the University of Göttingen. I have been involved in IFSA as the vice president of the Göttingen LC for one and a half years now. My main research interests are forest growth and yield as well as data analysis and other modelling tasks.

Background: Voluntary year at Bavarian Forest National Park, Grafenau, Germany. B.Sc. International Forest Ecosystem Management at Eberswalde University for Sustainable Development, Eberswalde, Germany. Internship at Forest Research Institute, Vasilika, GreeceCurrently studying M.Sc. Forest Ecosystem Sciences – Ecosystem Analysis and Modelling at Georg-August-Universität Göttingen, Germany

Shinta Kusuma Dewi

LC IPB, Indonesia

Introduction: A 20 year old undergraduate student at IPB University, Indonesia. She serves as a Head of Social Media of International Forestry Students’ Association (IFSA). The reason why she is interested in attending IUFRO World Congress is to learn about the research happening around the world related to forest sciences and build a connection around the world.

Background: A 3rd year undergraduate students studying Silviculture, Faculty of Forestry and Environment, IPB University

Lea Arbogast

LC Freiburg, Germany

Introduction: As I was always interested in learning/connecting across country borders I joined IFSA pretty soon after starting my Bachelors three years ago. Last year I was my LCs treasurer and this year I am the president and hope to keep the work going! I was lucky to join the IUFRO delegation spontaneously this year and I’m looking forward to broaden my horizons and getting to know a lot of people during this week!

Background:

I studied education for primary school and changed to forest sciences at the University of Freiburg three years ago with a focus on international land use changes. Because of my previous studies I also put a focus on Education for Sustainable Development and Forest Pedagogics. I’m currently finishing my bachelors thesis about youth participation in environmental politics.

Kamana Poudel

LC IFSA-OSU, Nepal

Introduction: My PhD dissertation explores Private and Public Forestland Policies and the Economy of the Rural Forest-Based Communities in the United State.

Background: PhD Candidate at College of Forestry, Oregon State University with focus on forest policy analysis and economics.

Alina Lehikoinen

LC IPB, Finland

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Resg

LC IPB, Indonesia

Introduction: A 20 year old undergraduate student at IPB University, Indonesia. She serves as a Head of Social Media of International Forestry Students' Association (IFSA). The reason why she is interested in attending IUFRO World Congress is to learn about the research happening around the world related to forest sciences and build a connection around the world.

Background: A 3rd year undergraduate students studying Silviculture, Faculty of Forestry and Environment, IPB University

Gabriele Satta

AUSF Nuoro, Italy

Introduction: I was on the board of the LC for 2 years. I attended the NERM 2022 in Finland and was in the Organizing Committee of the SERM 2022 in Sardinia. I graduated in Forestry Sciences in 2022.

Background: I'm a PhD student at the University of Sassari, in Sardinia (Italy). My research project is focused on Monitoring Mediterranean forest health through remote sensing and species modeling.

Simone Massaro

LC Göttingen, Italy

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Alessandra Peruzzo

AUSF Viterbo, Italy

Introduction: I'm the AUSF Viterbo delegate for IFSA for the year 2023-2024; last year I was vice president of the association and I was the student representative for my degree course for two consecutive years (Forest and Environmental Sciences) at the DIBAF department. I'm my university's delegate for the Sustainable University Network (RUS).

Background: I graduated in forestry science with a thesis on forestry in the peri-urban areas of Rome. I'm studying a master's degree in forestry science, a year's Erasmus in Germany, an internship in urban green management, and a master's thesis on wood technology. I'm currently working for the province of Rome in urban forestry.

Julika Winterstein

LC Copenhagen, Germany

Introduction: I´m an open and motivated person, passionate about the environment, sustainability and music. I love to live in new countries and meet people from all around the world. Currently I am finishing my master thesis on a social-ecological restoration project in Malaysia.

Background: I have a BSc. in Geography and Anthropology and am currently studying my MSc. in Forest and Nature Management at the University of Copenhagen.

Isa Van Lidth De Jeude

LC Wageningen, Netherlands

Introduction: I’m interested in nature conservation and planting trees to mitigate climate change. In my theses and internship I’ve focused on restoration, revitalization and (beech) tree ecology. Through Erasmus programs at Helsinki University (Finland), SLU Umeå (Sweden) and WSL Zurich (Switzerland), I’ve learned to broaden my perspective and my knowledge on European forests. I love exploring the nature around Europe though hiking, camping and interrailing.

Background: B.Sc. and M.Sc. at Wageningen University and Research, Netherlands. Specialization : Ecology

Salvatore Ruiu

AUSF Nuoro, Italy

Introduction: Currently IFSA commissioner for the Language Sub-Commission, I am the president of AUSF Italy (the confederation of the 12 LCs all over Italy); last year I was Southern European Regional Representative; head of the OC for SERM 2022 and attended EURAF 2022 in Sardinia as Volunteer.

Background: Currently master's degree student in the course called Civil protection, in the Forestry University of Nuoro, that belongs to the Agriculture Department of the University of Sassari.

Lawra

AUSF Nuoro, Italy

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Nele Romer

LC Eberswalde, Germany

Introduction: I am an motivated and creative person who is involved in IFSAs activities on local to global scale since 5 years as Local Committee President and Treasurer to UNEP and Gender commissioner, as well as co-organizer of the 76th International Forest Students Symposium. I am a passionate climber and feel the best out in the forest.

Background: Having studied International Forest Ecosystem Management in Eberswalde University of Sustainable Development, i am thriving right now to finish my masters in Biodiversity, Ecology and Evolution at the Free University of Berlin. My research is focused on identifying dynamics and conservation opportunities of biodiversity in (forest) ecosystems from an intersectional ecofeminists perspective. I already gained some work experience as Coordinator and author of the Digital Forest Lab Haselberg and as a freelance GIS consultant.