Lab Members

Graduate Students 

Benjamin Hartvigsen
PhD Student (EOAS), co-supervised with Roland Stull

Ben is a PhD student in the Department of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences, specializing in atmospheric science. He earned his BA in Applied Mathematics at Harvard University in 2024, with a focus on data science applications and a minor in Environmental Science and Public Policy. At Harvard, he worked in the Linz Lab, studying the physical drivers of extreme temperature and air pollution events. He also participated in the Mickey Leland Energy Fellowship program, where he applied machine learning methods to problems in clean energy. In the EMBRS Lab, his research explores how fires affect communities and seeks to develop forecasting frameworks to reduce their impacts. Outside of academics, Ben is an avid runner, hiker, and traveler, with a strong interest in film and live music.

Marina Tornorsam
MSc Student (Geography), co-supervised with Naomi Schwartz

Marina is a MSc student in the department of Geography focusing on the intersection of fire, livelihoods and community health using interdisciplinary approaches including remote sensing. She earned an MSc in Environmental Biology at Mahidol University and completed her BSc in Environmental Studies at the University of California Santa Barbara with an emphasis in ecology. Most recently, her work has centered on community-based natural resource management, fire dynamics and ecosystem services across Southeast Asia, where she collaborated with local, regional and global partners to strengthen participatory approaches towards climate adaptation and mitigation.

She has experience as a co-designer and facilitator for technical and non-technical training workshops on a variety of topics from gender equality and social inclusion to community-based fire management, and she has led initiatives in research, community-led monitoring, restoration and environmental education. These experiences have deepened her passion and commitment to bridging scientific knowledge with traditional knowledge towards practical, community-led solutions.

Undergraduate Students 

Wanying Zheng
Undergraduate Research Assistant, Work Learn
Winter Term 2025-26

Wanying is a fifth-year student at UBC, majoring in Statistics with a thematic concentration in Computer Science. She is passionate about applying quantitative methods to environmental and ecological challenges through data-driven approaches. In the EMBRS Lab, she is currently updating databases for GOFER: GOES-Observed Fire Event Representation, supporting wildfire research and monitoring. Outside of academics, Wanying enjoys running and outdoor activities, exploring connections between different fields, and relaxing with reading or following her favorite shows.

Rachmania Ulwani
Undergraduate Research Assistant, Directed Studies
Winter Term 2025-26

Rachmania is a fourth-year student at UBC, majoring in Geographical Sciences with a minor in GIS and Geographical Computation. She is interested in climate–health connections and using spatial analysis to inform resilient urban planning and design. In the EMBRS Lab, she’s exploring wildfire smoke and heat exposure across British Columbia. Outside of academics, she loves cooking, running, and hiking. She also enjoys movies, music, and reading fiction.

Miki Kimura
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Summer 2025

Miki is a fourth-year student at UBC, majoring in Environmental Science with a minor in GIS. She hopes to take a data-driven approach to understanding and addressing environmental challenges. In the EMBRS Lab, she is currently investigating the spotting phenomenon of wildfires in California. Outside of academics, Miki enjoys exploring nature and different cultures, playing board games with friends, and staying active through sports and going to the gym.

Dayshaun Lee
Undergraduate Research Assistant, EnSURE & Science Co-op
Summer 2025

Dayshaun is a fourth-year student at UBC, majoring in Computer Science. He wishes to analyze trends in historical wildfires to aid in climate research and promote awareness. In the EMBRS Lab, he is currently creating a database and visualization app of large wildfire and smoke events in North America. Dayshaun spends his free time enjoying hobbies such as cooking, video games, and walks in the city/parks.

Kento Otobe
Undergraduate Research Assistant, AURA
Summer 2025

Kento is a third-year student at UBC, majoring in Urban Studies with a minor in GIS and Geographical Computation. In the EMBRS Lab, he is currently using remote sensing data and agency reports to understand the effectiveness of prescribed fire and fuel treatments. Other than his studies, Kento's passion is in dragon boating, playing video games like Minecraft and Mahjong with friends on the weekend.

If you'd like to join our lab, please see the  "Opportunities" page for open positions.