Prince George, B.C. – When Guowei Li decided to pursue a doctoral degree at UNBC, he was motivated by a curiosity for new ideas, a global outlook and a willingness to challenge past limitations.

Drawn to the University’s Natural Resources and Environmental Studies (NRES) program by conversations with future supervisor Dr. Jueyi Sui – a professor in UNBC’s School of Engineering – and Sui’s work in cold region hydraulics, it was the interdisciplinary nature of the NRES program that ultimately convinced Guowei to apply.

“I’ve always loved the interplay of diverse perspectives,” he explains. “At NRES, I found a community where science, society and the environment come together—where complex environmental questions can be explored with intellectual freedom and scientific integrity.” 

A self-described “professional student,” Guowei had always excelled in his academic studies, but felt something was missing – that changed when he began working on real-world water infrastructure projects.

“I began to see how engineering could serve as a bridge between natural systems and human resilience,” he says. “That’s when science transformed into service for me and I’ve never looked at it the same way since.”

Guowei arrived at UNBC’s Prince George campus with this clarity of purpose, and it has defined his journey well beyond scholarly achievement to purpose-driven research, community leadership and a deepening connection to northern B.C.

Maintaining a 4.33 grade point average (A+) throughout his PhD, Guowei’s doctoral research has advanced global understanding of river ice hydraulics. His dissertation led to three peer-reviewed journal publications exploring eco-hydraulics under ice-covered conditions – all relevant to climate-resilient infrastructure in northern communities. To date, he has co-authored multiple peer-reviewed journal articles, presented at national and international conferences and contributed to both academic and public outreach.

“UNBC has offered me that rare combination of small-class connection, high-impact research and space to grow, not just as a scholar, but as a human being,” says the Class of 2025 Valedictorian, who embraced opportunities to support and lead within the University community.

As a teaching assistant for seven courses in Engineering and the Department of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Guowei guided students in mastering complex concepts, earning the Graduate Teaching Excellence Award. His compassion and professionalism as an exam invigilator at the Academic Resource Centre helped ensure equitable learning experiences for students with accommodations. Guowei also served as Chair of CUPE 2278, representing graduate teaching assistants in key university councils and advocating for equitable conditions.

Outside the lab and classroom, Guowei initiated discussions with UNBC Sustainability and BC Transit on bringing the ProPass program to campus to encourage ridership. He volunteered with Sustainability’s G-Force team, the Prince George Public Interest Research Group, the Northern B.C. Graduate Students Society and is involved in working to establish a Natural Resources Alumni Society to foster graduate connections.

In the broader community of Prince George, Guowei has been inspired to give back through meaningful service, volunteering with the Salvation Army and mentoring youth at Westwood Church. 

“These opportunities allowed me to support individuals in vulnerable circumstances and foster resilience,” he explains. “The experiences have deepened my appreciation for the region’s strong community spirit and motivated me to contribute to its continued growth.”

Guowei will cross the stage at UNBC’s Convocation on May 30, along with graduates from the fall, winter and spring conferrals. He values the community and network he’s built here so much that earlier this spring he accepted a postdoctoral research fellowship and will remain at UNBC.

In collaboration with the Takla First Nation and the B.C. Ministry of Forests, Guowei is currently working to assess the climate vulnerability of the Leo-Driftwood Forest Service Roads – vital transportation links to Takla Landing – as the continuation of his PhD thesis. The project supports environmental resilience in B.C.’s north, offering potential safeguards to critical transportation links in rural and Indigenous communities.

“Over my time at UNBC, I’ve come to see how powerful it is to make global connections that don’t just cross borders but build bridges between ways of thinking. Canada has changed me profoundly – this place and the people here have shaped me into who I am becoming.”

As he prepares to deliver the valedictory address during Ceremony 2 of Convocation, Guowei says his message is simple, “We are lifelong learners – we don’t need permission to be remarkable or dream big. Even when we don’t get exactly what we want, we keep striving because dreaming big is not naïve – it’s necessary.”