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When Massimiliano Nicola Lippa decided to leave the bustling streets of Toronto and step into the unknown at the University of New Brunswick (UNB), he did not just sign up for a degree; he embraced a transformative journey. Now a PhD student at the University of Padova in Italy, Massimiliano credits his time at UNB for shaping the person and professional he has become.

A leap of faith and a world-class program

During the pandemic, while working in hospitality and contemplating his future, Massimiliano stumbled upon the TRANSFOR-M (Trans-Atlantic Forestry Master) double degree program. It was exactly what he was looking for: a challenge that combined academic rigour with international exposure. Through this program, he completed a Master of Environmental Management (MEM) at UNB and an M.Sc. in Forest Science at the University of Padova.

Lessons beyond the lecture halls

For Massimiliano, UNB was more than lectures and textbooks, it was a place to grow. “The most rewarding part was the connections I made,” he reflects. Professors like Charles Bourque and Janet Blackadar left a lasting impression, not just for their teaching excellence, but for their mentorship and real-world insight.

His favorite memories? Sharing stories and wisdom with Prof. Blackadar at the Grad House and getting hands-on experience in the field, measuring streamflow at the UNB woodlot and identifying aquatic organisms in the lab.

From the classroom to real impact

The MEM program was not just theoretical, it prepared Massimiliano to thrive in complex, real-world environments. After completing the ENVS6007 course, he worked on webinars that translated climate research into clear, actionable insights for communities in the Wolastoq basin. These communication skills, he says, are now crucial in his PhD work, which involves collaborating with water utility companies, farmers, and policymakers to optimize irrigation during droughts.

Living the UNB experience

“Fredericton was a wonderful little city,” Massimiliano recalls fondly. Saturday brunches at Roosters Café and strolls through green spaces offered the perfect balance to academic life. While the pandemic limited his participation in clubs, he still found the city to be a welcoming and enriching environment.

Words of wisdom for future students

To anyone considering UNB’s environmental or forestry programs, Massimiliano offers this advice:

“Do not let the thought of moving away from home be a barrier. UNB is a fantastic school with outstanding faculty and students. It might be a smaller school, but it punches above its weight.”

He encourages future students to be curious, attend classes, ask questions, and value the oral histories and lived experiences that textbooks often miss.

Looking back, moving forward

For Massimiliano, UNB symbolizes personal courage and academic transformation. It is where he took a leap into the unknown and found a path that now stretches across continents. Would he recommend the program?

“Absolutely. It equips you with the hard and soft skills you need to succeed. If you're looking for a graduate program that goes beyond the classroom, this is it.”

Ready to shape a sustainable future?

Whether your interests lie in climate policy, conservation, or environmental education, UNB’s MEM program offers the tools, community, and experience to help you lead meaningful change. Join a new generation of environmental leaders, just like Massimiliano.

Learn more about the MEM program.