2025 Green Dream Interns share firsthand experiences
This summer, five exceptional students from across Canada were selected for the Forest Products Association of Canada’s (FPAC) 2025 Green Dream Internship Program, an initiative that continues to spotlight the next generation of forestry professionals.
Now in its twelfth year, the Green Dream Internship offers students a unique opportunity to explore the forest sector from the inside out. Over six weeks, interns shared their experiences through creative storytelling—capturing everyday moments in forest operations, conducting interviews, and reflecting on their career journeys. Each intern received a $1,000 scholarship to support their studies.
“As these students return to their studies and continue building their expertise, they now carry with them an even deeper understanding of the sector’s challenges, innovations, and opportunities,” said Derek Nighbor, FPAC’s President and CEO. “Their voices and vision will be vital as we work to ensure Canada’s forests and forest sector are strong and resilient for generations to come,” Nighbor added.
Explore Their Stories:
Each intern’s journey is documented through blog posts, videos, and photos available on FPAC’s website and LinkedIn channels. These stories show us a unique look into the forest sector through the eyes of its future leaders.
Andy Chen, West Fraser, Slave Lake, AB
Andy is a third-year Wood Products Processing student at the University of British Columbia, originally from Victoria, B.C. Passionate about sustainability and innovation in Canada’s forest sector, Andy spent the summer as a Quality Control and Process Analyst at West Fraser’s veneer facility in Slave Lake, Alberta. He is leading a project to optimize the mill’s log conditioning process by analyzing temperature, veneer quality, and energy use—aiming to enhance product quality while reducing environmental impact. With a strong academic foundation in wood science, Andy thrives on applying technical knowledge to real-world challenges, which he shared in these articles:
• What does the inside of a mill look like?
• Career pathways and development at West Fraser
Logan Englot, Weyerhaeuser, Hudson Bay, SK
Logan, a third-year student at the University of Saskatchewan, is pursuing a degree in Renewable Resource Management with a minor in Toxicology and a Certificate in Sustainability. Originally from Melfort, Saskatchewan, Logan spent the summer as a Forestry Intern with Weyerhaeuser Timberlands in Hudson Bay, where she is gaining hands-on experience in sustainable forestry and wood product production. Passionate about the environment from a young age, Logan is committed to advancing sustainability and innovation in the forestry sector, as seen in how she captured her experiences:
• What the forest industry has to offer
Cynthia Laflamme, Domtar, Dolbeau-Mistassini, QC
Cynthia is a forestry engineering student at Université Laval, currently enrolled in the cooperative bachelor's program in forest operations. After a previous career path, her growing connection to nature—through trail running, hiking, and fishing—led her to discover the calming power of the forest and inspired a meaningful career change. With forestry deeply rooted in her family, she embraced this new direction with enthusiasm. Passionate about student life, she now serves as Vice President of Communications for the Forestry and Environment Student Association and as Communications Coordinator for Forest Science Week. Though the journey has been challenging, she takes great pride in her accomplishments and the path she’s chosen. This summer, she shared these perspectives:
• De Donjons et Dragons à la gestion forestière
• Operations forestieres Domtar
Marina Penner, Mercer International, Peace River, AB
Marina grew up in the boreal forest of northwestern Alberta’s Peace Region—an environment that sparked her passion for forestry. Currently completing her degree in Environmental Studies and Geography at Saint Mary’s University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Marina brings a unique, cross-country perspective to her work. Her academic and professional experiences have deepened her understanding of Canada’s diverse forest ecosystems, legislation, and geography. Passionate about northern communities and sustainable forestry, Marina hopes to pursue further education with a focus on forest management. Read Marie’s journey:
• Finding your place as a woman in forestry
Elizabeth Phillips, Tolko Industries, Meadow Lake, SK
Elizabeth, a student at the University of New Brunswick’s Fredericton campus, spent her summer gaining hands-on experience in sustainable forestry with Tolko Industries in Meadow Lake, Saskatchewan. Currently pursuing a degree in Environmental Management and Forestry, Liz is working in Tolko’s woodlands division, contributing to operations involving oriented strand board (OSB). Originally from Prince Edward Island, Liz has a lifelong passion for the outdoors and ecosystem stewardship, shaped by her experiences exploring forests across Canada, and evident in her summer stories:
• The paws that run Tolko’s Meadow Lake division
FPAC provides a voice for Canada’s wood, pulp, and paper producers nationally and internationally in government, trade, and environmental affairs. As an industry with annual revenues exceeding $87.2B, Canada’s forest products sector is one of the country’s largest employers—providing 200,000 direct jobs and operating in hundreds of communities across the country. Our members are committed to collaborating with Indigenous leaders, government bodies, and other key stakeholders to develop a cross-Canada action plan aimed at advancing forest health, while supporting workers, communities and our environment for the long term.
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