Cecil has been studying, teaching, and advising on urban forestry for close to 30 years. His work has taken him across the globe, and he has worked with local and national governments in over 20 countries. At UBC Cecil is Program Director of the Master of Urban Forestry Leadership and professor of urban forestry (on leave). He is also editor-in-chief of the journal Arboriculture and Urban Forestry.

Urban trees and nature, and the many ways in which we relate to these, are his passion. But Cecil also loves travelling, reading, following professional sports, and the incidental karaoke session.