This June, Natasha Thompson, Operations Coordinator for the Mother Tree Project & Program, represented UBC’s Faculty of Forestry & Environmental Stewardship at the University of Warsaw’s International Staff Training Week in Poland. Selected through a competitive application process, Natasha was the only Canadian participant in the fully funded Erasmus+ professional development program, joining university professionals from around the world.
The week-long program brought together higher education professionals to explore staff well-being, professional growth, intercultural collaboration and inclusive leadership. The experience provided valuable opportunities to exchange ideas, build international networks and bring new perspectives back to the operational excellence that supports Mother Tree’s expanding research, partnerships and public engagement.
Natasha brings more than a decade of experience supporting complex faculty operations, people and partnerships. She now plays an integral role in coordinating the expanding operational portfolio behind the Mother Tree Project & Program’s research, collaborations and public engagement. Her experience in Warsaw strengthened her international network and provided fresh perspectives she will bring back to support Mother Tree’s growing global collaborations.
“Behind every successful research program is a strong team. Learning from colleagues at universities around the world gave me new ideas about supporting people, building relationships and creating the kind of operational environment that helps important work thrive,” Natasha said.