Jonathan has been dedicated to natural resources management since he was a child. Hard working and forward-thinking, he went above and beyond to finish high school and develop a strong foundation for his academic career. To fund his post-secondary education, he worked in the informal timber sector of Ghana – an experience that sparked his strong passion for stopping illegal timber trade in Ghana. Jonathan continued to successfully master two highly complex duties: striving for outstanding outcomes within his undergraduate studies while working to support himself and dependent family members. His efforts paid off and he excelled academically. In 2012 he earned his BSc in Natural Resource Management from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in Ghana. His outstanding undergraduate thesis was awarded with the Tropenbos International Scholarship. Jonathan is constantly working on increasing his knowledge and the professional skills that will enable him to effectively contribute to natural resources management and policy formulation with a strong focus on forestry in his home country. His experience working as a researcher and project officer for Tropenbos International, his work as an assistant technical officer at the forestry commission branch office in Accra, and his experience working for mining companies in Ghana in combination with graduate studies and his passion for the forest form the perfect basis for his long-term success. Currently, Jonathan is enrolled in a Master of Sustainable Forest Management at UBC and jointly owns a data analysis consult (JONABI data analysis) with his friend back in Ghana.