Graduate Student Profiles
Barbara Bailey
Hometown: Westbank, BC
Undergraduate Degree/School/Location:
BEd - Honours English Major, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, B.C.
Graduate Program at UBC Okanagan:
MA Interdisciplinary Graduate Studies – Indigenous Studies with a focus on Indigenous literature written in English in Canada
Tell us about one or two highlights of your education at UBC Okanagan so far:
I have enjoyed my winter classes, my summer session seminars, and the numerous readings I have done during this program. My perspective of Indigenous literature in Canada has definitely been broadened. Also, I am currently working as TA in English 114, Aboriginal Approaches to Strategies for University Writing a course that I helped develop last spring.
What drew you to the specific topics or subjects you have chosen for your graduate studies? :
I love literature, and I am familiar with the work of some brilliant aboriginal writers in Canada. I am a member of a First Nations community, and I have also taught a First Nations English upgrading course at Okanagan College using the writings of Tomson Highway, Richard Wagamese, Thomas King, and others. I find that the more I read of Indigenous literature, the more engrossed I become. My thesis topic has been modified several times now as I read more and discover more about ways of interpreting the complexities of Indigenous literature.
What are your plans following graduate studies? :
I plan on teaching again at Okanagan College. Perhaps I may write a play or a novel, too.
Susan Brandoli
Hometown: Vernon, BC (Via Regina and Toronto)
Undergraduate Degree/School/Location:
BA in History, University of Regina
BFA in Visual Arts, University of Regina
Graduate Program at UBC Okanagan:
MFA Interdisciplinary Graduate Studies in Visual Arts (Mixed Media) and Critical Theory/Gender Studies
Tell us about one or two highlights of your education at UBC Okanagan so far:
Returning to post secondary education after 20 years of working in the public art gallery field as an administrative director and curator has been an extremely challenging but rewarding experience. I particularly appreciate the ability to focus on issues of concern within an interdisciplinary environment while continuing to challenge the way in which I make art. I have been presented with extraordinary opportunities for the exhibition of my works in progress, as well as opportunities for engaging in lively presentations and dialogues. I have also very much appreciated the new opportunities for upgrading my technical knowledge of contemporary ways of producing artwork, such as through the use of video and computer media and installation.
What drew you to the specific topics or subjects you have chosen for your graduate studies? :
At a time when feminist interventions in art are being institutionalized in major galleries across North America, I had noticed the reluctance of young women, artist and non-artists, to recognize or acknowledge their feminist roots, and their reluctance to call themselves feminist, a result, no doubt, of the continuing backlash against feminism that continues today. The more problematic phenomena of artists, educators, curators and mainstream critics, both male and female, who use feminist tropes in their work yet often ignore or deny any association with feminist theory, has piqued my interest and fuelled my studies to investigate the reasons underlying this lack of acknowledgement, and to search for other, perhaps alternate means of addressing continuing problems of inequality and representation specifically within the field of the visual arts, whether in gender, race, or class and also within the wider community.
What are your plans following graduate studies? :
I am interested in continuing to teach at a post secondary level; however family obligations may limit my geographical options for employment. I intend to continue to produce and exhibit my artwork, and wish to continue to contribute to the critical dialogue. At present, I am seriously considering applying to continue my studies at the PhD level.
Carin Covin
Hometown: Victoria, BC
Undergraduate Degree/School/Location:
Okanagan University College 2003, Kelowna, BC
Graduate Program at UBC Okanagan:
MFA Interdisciplinary Graduate Studies
Tell us about one or two highlights of your education at UBC Okanagan so far:
The highlight of my semester is my CRWR 382-001 class; I have this opportunity to “workshop” with an amazing group of talented writers, facilitated by Professor Sharon Thesen.
What drew you to the specific topics or subjects you have chosen for your graduate studies? :
My graduate thesis involves research into the nature of identity through an exploration of the diary as a form of narrative and involves experimentation with linguistic models including issues of gender, psychology, aging and socio-economic placement.
What are your plans following graduate studies? :
I wish to continue, as a visual artist, to contribute to the Canadian discourse of arts and culture.
Academic Achievements:
- In a group exhibition by the artitst/curator Julie Oakes. Title of the exhibition is "Aligning with Beauty" and will be shown in the Varley Gallery in Markham, Ontario November 23, 2008 to January 11, 2009
- Essay titled "Sintered Ideas" was included in the catalogue published by the Vernon Public Art Gallery. The publication accompanied the Falkland artist Leonhard Epp's exhibition titled "Gotta Have It". This exhiibition is running at the Vernon Public Art Gallery September 11 to October 30, 2008.
- Park of a group exhibition,in the Headbones Drawers Summer Tour, which was shown at the Ashpa Naira Gallery during the month of July 2008.
Lindsay Diehl
Hometown: Richmond, BC
Undergraduate Degree/School/Location:
BA with a double major in English Literature and History/UBC/Vancouver
Graduate Program at UBC Okanagan:
MFA in Creative Writing
What factors contributed to your decision to pursue your graduate studies at UBC Okanagan:
Sharon Thesen! I worked with Sharon almost ten years ago at Capilano College, and I really wanted to work with her again. Also, I was excited by the opportunity to work in other departments such as Performance and English Literature.
What drew you to the specific topics or subjects you have chosen for your graduate studies? :
I love books: reading them, exploring them, talking about them, and ultimately, writing them.
What are your plans following graduate studies? :
Oh, I’ll probably become famous or something.
Kelly Doyle
Hometown: Grates Cove, Newfoundland
Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in English Language and Literature, Master of Arts in English Language and Literature. Memorial University of Newfoundland
Graduate Program at UBC Okanagan:
Interdisciplinary Graduate Studies PhD, with a focus on film, television and popular culture, and critical theory.
Tell us about one or two highlights of your education at UBC Okanagan so far:
I love teaching, so working as a Teaching Assistant has been a pleasure; especially since it does not demand as much time and energy as teaching a full course! This position has also allowed me to meet and work with some fantastic colleagues. Some of the advantages of attending a smaller campus include the more personal nature of smaller graduate classes, and the support and encouragement offered by UBCO professors. I have also enjoyed my involvement with the Interdisciplinary Graduate Students Association, as well as assisting with the organization of the annual conference.
What drew you to the specific topics or subjects you have chosen for your graduate studies? :
What first drew to me to complete a PhD had less to do with my research interests and more to do with teaching: having worked as a sessional instructor of English at Memorial University of Newfoundland for two years, I discovered that I had a love of, and natural affinity for, teaching at the post-secondary level. I realized that the only way I could continue to do so with a sense of security was to pursue a PhD. More specifically, I have been fascinated by Gothic and horror literature and film since I was a child, and have always been curious to explore not only what is compelling about the things that scare people, but why particular subgenres of horror have gained or regained popularity in the contemporary popular imagination. My background in theory and my interest in what comprises human identity (and conversely, what defines alterity) has led me to examine the human as monster in my research, and what the implications of this representation might be. Moreover, I am interested in the social commentary provided by horror films and popular television on current and collective societal fears and anxieties. As an undergrad I completed a Minor in Psychology, which also fuelled my interest in the human psyche, perception, and the role of fear in and on the human mind.
What drew you to the specific topics or subjects you have chosen for your graduate studies? :
What first drew to me to complete a PhD had less to do with my research interests and more to do with teaching: having worked as a sessional instructor of English at Memorial University of Newfoundland for two years, I discovered that I had a love of, and natural affinity for, teaching at the post-secondary level. I realized that the only way I could continue to do so with a sense of security was to pursue a PhD. More specifically, I have been fascinated by Gothic and horror literature and film since I was a child, and have always been curious to explore not only what is compelling about the things that scare people, but why particular subgenres of horror have gained or regained popularity in the contemporary popular imagination. My background in theory and my interest in what comprises human identity (and conversely, what defines alterity) has led me to examine the human as monster in my research, and what the implications of this representation might be. Moreover, I am interested in the social commentary provided by horror films and popular television on current and collective societal fears and anxieties. As an undergrad I completed a Minor in Psychology, which also fuelled my interest in the human psyche, perception, and the role of fear in and on the human mind.
What are your plans following graduate studies? :
Ultimately my goal is to continue researching and teaching with a focus on horror and gothic film, television, and literature. These areas are beginning to gain relevance and interest as topics of academic analysis, and it is my intent to build upon the current research and to contribute to the discourse surrounding horror as a burgeoning and exciting area of investigation. I hope to teach at a university overseas upon completion of my PhD, develop a course focused on horror film, and flesh out several book ideas.
Jannik Eikenaar
Hometown: Winfield, BC
Undergraduate Degree/School/Location:
BA (Philosophy), McGill University, Montreal
Graduate Program at UBC Okanagan:
MA (English)
What factors contributed to your decision to pursue your graduate studies at UBC Okanagan:
I’m interested in critical theory and contemporary English fiction. The Faculty of Creative and Critical Studies (FCCS) at UBC Okanagan has strengths in both of those areas, which was certainly a factor in deciding to study here.
What drew you to the specific topics or subjects you have chosen for your graduate studies? :
I like to think that literature, and, more specifically fiction, matters in our lives. I’m interested in exploring whether fiction really matters and, if so, how and why.
What are your plans following graduate studies? :
I am considering pursuing studies at the PhD level, also in the areas of critical theory and contemporary fiction.
Julie Fowler
Hometown: Wells, BC
Undergraduate Degree/School/Location:
BFA in Art History, Concordia University, Montreal
Graduate Program at UBC Okanagan:
MFA Interdisciplinary Graduate Studies
Tell us about one or two highlights of your education at UBC Okanagan so far:
I really appreciate the ability to create an individualized program at UBC Okanagan and the opportunity to work one-on-one with my professors.
What drew you to the specific topics or subjects you have chosen for your graduate studies? :
In my masters program I am investigating methods in storytelling using both traditional and new media. I believe in the power of the story to communicate and understand ideas, therefore I hope that through the process of this degree I will become a more effective and engaging storyteller in order to communicate critical ideas about the world around me.
What are your plans following graduate studies? :
Upon completion of my degree I plan to move back to Wells, BC and continue my work as Artistic Director of the Island Mountain Arts Society, expanding programming and creating creative community. I also plan to continue my investigations into the art of storytelling.
Barry Fuller
Hometown: Toronto, ON
Undergraduate Degree/School/Location:
History Major, English Minor, University of British Columbia | Okanagan,Kelowna, BC
Graduate Program at UBC Okanagan:
MA Interdisciplinary Graduate Studies
Tell us about one or two highlights of your education at UBC Okanagan so far:
I feel honored and lucky to have been able to study under such wonderful professors during my time at UBC Okanagan. However, the highlight of my experience at UBC O has definitely been meeting my wife Stacey and being able to graduate together before getting married this past June.
What drew you to the specific topics or subjects you have chosen for your graduate studies? :
I have always been interested in the Second World War and the Holocaust. My grandparents served in the war; and my father has always been interested in history, which has led to many enjoyable discussions at the dinner table.
What are your plans following graduate studies? :
My wife and I will travel and teach overseas. My ultimate goal is to pursue a PhD and acquire a professorship.
Heidi Garnett
Hometown: Kelowna, BC
Undergraduate Degree/School/Location:
B.Ed., University of Lethbridge, Alberta
M.Ed., Western Washington State University
Graduate Program at UBC Okanagan:
MFA in Creative Writing
What factors contributed to your decision to pursue your graduate studies at UBC Okanagan:
When I retired from teaching five years ago, I began to audit a writing class here and there on campus to see if there was a writer, particularly a poet, inside me. This has led to a book of poetry published by Thistledown Press in 2006, placing in Arc poem of the year and the Great Blue Heron Contest and having work accepted by quite a number of literary magazines. I have loved working in the company of other writers. I have loved learning the craft of writing and continue to be passionately engaged in exploring language. It seems the time is right to commit totally to this second vocation and become a full time student again. UBC Okanagan offers me the unique and flexible opportunity to do that, to explore language and play with it.
What drew you to the specific topics or subjects you have chosen for your graduate studies? :
I'm curious about what language can do, what others have done with it and what else might be possible. But, aside from all that, there is this pressing need to communicate, this desire to express myself, to write. I hope this field of study will be the hinge that swings my mind open wider.
What are your plans following graduate studies? :
I don't know. I'm trusting in the process and will see where it wants to go.
Academic Achivements:
- Work has been chosen to be included in Rocksalt: An Anthology of Contemporary of B.C. Poetry, edited by Mona Fertig & Harold Rhenisch - October 2008
Joanne Gervais
Hometown: Kelowna, BC
Undergraduate Degree/School/Location:
BFA – University of British Columbia | Okanagan,Kelowna, BC
Graduate Program at UBC Okanagan:
MFA Interdisciplinary Graduate Studies – Faculty of Creative and Critical Studies, Visual Art, New Media
Tell us about one or two highlights of your education at UBC Okanagan so far:
I have been very fortunate to be part of a large historical research project that has taught me much about an aspect of Canadian history and culture that intersects with my own family history and has helped in form my thesis. My work in this regard has given me the opportunity to partake in engaging activities and conferences while honing my video skills. Having been awarded a Pacific Century Scholarship has also been very motivating.
What drew you to the specific topics or subjects you have chosen for your graduate studies? :
Both my artistic practice and my commercial work in video has dealt with how the past is manifest and manipulated through photographic and digital imagery.
What are your plans following graduate studies? :
I plan to continueworking as an artist, teacher and researcher.
Academic Achievements:
- Recipient of thePacific Century Graduate Scholarship. The B.C. government committed $10 million over four years to finance 1,000 Pacific Century scholarships for master's, doctoral and post-doctoral students at B.C.'s four research-intensive universities - SFU, UBC, UVic and UNBC. Recipients of this merit-based award will be called Pacific Century Scholars.
Amy Grant
Hometown: Westbank, BC
Undergraduate Degree/School/Location:
BA, UBC Okanagan, Kelowna, BC
"English and Psychology
Graduate Program at UBC Okanagan:
MA Interdisciplinary Graduate Studies
Tell us about one or two highlights of your education at UBC Okanagan so far:
I enjoy the intellectual and creative challenges of being a TA and teaching weekly English tutorials. I am also so grateful for the constant support, encouragement, and friendship within the graduate student community here at UBCO.
What drew you to the specific topics or subjects you have chosen for your graduate studies? :
For a long time I have had a fascination with dreaming, the processes of human coping and healing, and the ongoing effort to know oneself. The experience of working through a family tragedy, coupled with the constant encouragement and insightful comments from a professor (now my supervisor, Dr. Michael Treschow) led me to take "the big step" into grad school.
What are your plans following graduate studies? :
As long as I can continue working and learning, I am content.
Olena Guseva
Hometown: I grew up in Terrace, B.C.; but my heart is in Odesa, Ukraine.
Undergraduate Degree/School/Location:
BA, UBC Okanagan, Kelowna, BC
Graduate Program at UBC Okanagan:
MA – Interdisciplinary Graduate Studies; Studies in Cultures and Text.
What factors contributed to your decision to pursue your graduate studies at UBC Okanagan:
UBC O is very fortunate in having such outstanding staff. All of the professors (at least within the FCCS) are caring and very knowledgeable.
What drew you to the specific topics or subjects you have chosen for your graduate studies? :
I am studying Eastern European immigrant narratives within Canada. When I was in my undergrad, I took a class with Dr. Lisa Grekul whose passion and knowledge inspired me to pursue this topic.
What are your plans following graduate studies? :
Somehow pay off my student loan?
Academic Achievements:
- Presented a paper titled, "Mail-Order Brides: A History Through Letters", at the Question the Answers: Explorations of Genre and Textualitygraduate student conference held at the University of New Brunswick, September 26-27, 2008in Fredericton.
Melissa Larkin-Sloos
Hometown: Powell River, BC
Undergraduate Degree/School/Location:
BA History of Art, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC
Graduate Program at UBC Okanagan:
MA Interdisciplinary Graduate Studies, Cultures and Texts
Tell us about one or two highlights of your education at UBC Okanagan so far:
Meeting other students in the Interdisciplinary program whose interests are all unique.
What factors contributed to your decision to pursue your graduate studies at UBC Okanagan:
Doing a graduate degree was an entirely selfish endeavor, something I wanted to do for me
What drew you to the specific topics or subjects you have chosen for your graduate studies? :
My topics are all things that personally interest me: manga, film/anime, feminism, and art history.
What are your plans following graduate studies? :
I want to find things in the "working world" that make me happy and keep my interest, and pursue those.
Sara Lige
Hometown: Westbank, BC
Undergraduate Degree/School/Location:
BFA Okanagan University College 2000, Kelowna, BC
Graduate Program at UBC Okanagan:
MA Interdisciplinary Graduate Studies – Focus is “Visual Arts and Adults with Developmental Disabilities in the Community”
Tell us about one or two highlights of your education at UBC Okanagan so far:
Small classes and availability of faculty; freedom to develop a program with specific and personal area of interest.
What drew you to the specific topics or subjects you have chosen for your graduate studies? :
Since graduating with my BFA, I have maintained a studio practice and exhibited by work in public and commercial galleries. In 2003, I founded a non-profit - "Cool Arts" – that offers Fine Arts opportunities to adults with developmental disabilities in the Central Okanagan. I realized that arts service and programs for my adult son, who has a disability, were almost non-existent in our community; this was the catalyst for my interest in disability arts.
I have discovered that Disability Arts is a very new area of study and a topic of great interest around the world.
What are your plans following graduate studies? :
At this point, what I hope will happen is that I will be able to offer my expertise to community groups and various levels of government in regards to setting policy, budgets and programs for people with disabilities.
I will leave you with something to think about; I discovered this acronym yesterday - "TAG" – Temporarily Able Bodied…. hmmm
Leigh MacFarlane
Hometown: Winfield, BC
Undergraduate Degree/School/Location:
BA English Major/Minor in Sociology, University of British Columbia | Okanagan, Kelowna, BC
Graduate Program at UBC Okanagan:
MFA Interdisciplinary Graduate Studies – Creative Writing
Tell us about one or two highlights of your education at UBC Okanagan so far:
Highlights of my undergraduate degree include sleeplessness from beginning to end, starting with an initial return to University with a baby of four months keeping me up nights and ending with multiple massive papers on extremely fascinating topics ranging from necrophilia to infanticide to ghosts to George Elliot.
What drew you to the specific topics or subjects you have chosen for your graduate studies? :
For my graduate thesis, I am extremely excited to be working on a novel loosely based on actual events occurring over a one hundred year history at a now defunct Standard bred race track in Ladner, British Columbia. My interest in this race track can be traced to the 80's, when I had horses boarded there. This track originated as an agricultural fair, like Armstrong's IPE minus the amusement rides, and saw many colourful characters and incidents over its one hundred year history, including the fatal car accident that saw a car plow into the race going crowd, killing one and injuring fifteen.
What are your plans following graduate studies? :
After graduating from UBCOkanagan's MFA program, I intend to publish this masterpiece and retire off the proceeds. Either that or I will move to Aruba and teach creative writing at a college. Anybody know the name of a college in Aruba?
Valerie J. Millar
Hometown: Salmon Arm, BC
Undergraduate Degree/School/Location:
BA, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK
BEd, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK
MA, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK
Graduate Program at UBC Okanagan:
PhD Interdisciplinary Graduate Studies
Tell us about one or two highlights of your education at UBC Okanagan so far:
Diverse intellectual interests in graduate student body which lead to a rich learning environment. Expert faculty who challenge students to think critically and to question assumptions.
What drew you to the specific topics or subjects you have chosen for your graduate studies? :
Chance to do interdisciplinary study, yet to focus on illness and disability life-writing narratives.
What are your plans following graduate studies? :
To continue research and writing, to continue teaching, and, perhaps, to get up the courage to write that “creative fact” piece of life-writing that’s been floating around in my head for years.
Joani Mortenson
Hometown: Moonstone, Ontario
Undergraduate Degree/School/Location:
BA, CYC University of Victoria (Major – Aboriginal Children and Families)
MSW, University of British Columbia (Thesis: Lesbian Co-Parent’s Experience of Role Negotiation)
Graduate Program at UBC Okanagan:
PhD Interdisciplinary Graduate Studies; Faculty of Critical and Creative Studies & Social Work
Tell us about one or two highlights of your education at UBC Okanagan so far:
I am absolutely delighted with my education at UBC Okanagan. In a few short months, I’ve been introduced to new disciplines, exciting and challenging theoretical perspectives and enlightened ways of being in this world. I really enjoy the variety of courses offered and in particular I am enchanted by French Literature with Dr. Marianne Legault. I am consistently impressed with the knowledge and eloquence of my peers; which contributes greatly to a rich educational experience. I have benefited greatly from being a Teaching Assistant in English, as well as the incredible experience of working part-time in the school of Social Work as the Assistant Field Education Coordinator.
What drew you to the specific topics or subjects you have chosen for your graduate studies? :
I was drawn to UBCOkanaganby the faculty; specifically the opportunity to study with Dr. Jodey Castricano and Dr. Rachelle Hole (my co-supervisors). I am so fortunate to draw upon Jodey’s expertise in the Humanities and Queer Theory in combination with Rachelle’s Social Science expertise in Qualitative Research to create a truly interdisciplinary course of study that will build upon my MSW research with Lesbian parents and their experience in Canada. I’m very excited to bring creative elements to my program; including performance, photography and film.
What are your plans following graduate studies? :
My intention is to never leave university; and thus hope to continue teaching, writing, conferencing and become more involved with research. My dreams include International Post-Doctoral Teaching Fellowships at Dublin, Cambridge and/or Glasgow. I would like to work for a University that reflects my values of diversity, multi-culturalism and social justice, and also supports my desire to be both creative and politically active.
Academic Achievements:
- Mortenson, J. (2009). Dialectics of reproduction. In A. O'Reilly (Ed.) Encyclopedia of Mothering. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
- Mortenson, J. (2009). Earth mothers. In A. O'Reilly (Ed.) Encyclopedia of Mothering. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
- Mortenson, J. (2009). Ellen Lewin. In A. O'Reilly (Ed.) Encyclopedia of Mothering. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
- Mortenson, J. (2009). Maternal eroticism. In A. O'Reilly (Ed.) Encyclopedia of Mothering. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
- Mortenson, J. (2009). Mother Teresa of Calcutta. In A. O'Reilly (Ed.) Encyclopedia of Mothering. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
- Mortenson, J. (2009). Starhawk. In A. O'Reilly (Ed.) Encyclopedia of Mothering. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
- Mortenson, J. (2008). The gift of the Kia7a's: Splats' in First Nations' language nest program. The Journal of Early Childhood Educators of British Columbia, 23: 2, 14-16.
- Won a $500 Graduate Travel Award to present conference paper:
"Performing Lesbian (M)Othering in 5 Acts of (Re)Presentation": Conference Paper for the Association for Research on Mothering at York University. Toronto, ON: October 2008.
Sheryl Newton
Hometown: Kelowna, BC
Undergraduate Degree/School/Location:
BA English, University of British Columbia | Okanagan
Graduate Program at UBC Okanagan:
MA English
What factors contributed to your decision to pursue your graduate studies at UBC Okanagan:
I loved the atmosphere at UBC O! The professors I had during my BA were amazing. I admit that I was so comfortable in the Arts building that I had my little study corner in the professors’ hall. That sounds so ominous, but really it was a sanctuary for me. Unfortunately now, that area has been taken over by another BA student :)
What drew you to the specific topics or subjects you have chosen for your graduate studies? :
My specific interest is in Indigenous storytelling and how its trying to maintain the art of storytelling within a written form.
What are your plans following graduate studies?:
I would like to teach somewhere in the Okanagan and continue writing.
Karen Olson
Hometown: Peguis First Nation, Manitoba
Undergraduate Degree/School/Location:
BFA Creative Writing at University of Victoria, Victoria, B.C.
Graduate Program at UBC Okanagan:
MFA Interdisciplinary Graduate Studies – Creative Writing
Tell us about one or two highlights of your education at UBC Okanagan so far:
The small campus allows for more intimate connection to university; visiting professors, guest lecturers, authors add to learning atmosphere and provide greater understanding and appreciation of world-views.
What drew you to the specific topics or subjects you have chosen for your graduate studies? :
The study on the effects of displacement of the St. Peter’s Indian Band is a subject that has interested me on a personal level for many years and to bring it to an academic setting was a major movement toward discovering answers and recovering lost knowledge for my community, my nation, Manitoba, Canada and the world.
What are your plans following graduate studies? :
To continue to teach creative writing and to write several books (adult fiction/non-fiction; children’s fiction/non-fiction) based on this area of study
Sarah Owen
Hometown: Kelowna, BC
Undergraduate Degree/School/Location:
BA in English, University of British Columbia | Okanagan,Kelowna, BC
Graduate Program at UBC Okanagan:
MA Interdisciplinary Graduate Studies
Tell us about one or two highlights of your education at UBC Okanagan so far:
In the first year of my MA I participated in a Graduate Student Colloquium which was an excellent learning experience and provided practice for presenting papers at future conferences. Also, I have enjoyed my various positions as both a Teaching Assistant and Research Assistant. I find the experience I gained from these positions both rewarding and valuable to my academic career. In addition, the process of research and writing papers for the completion of my MA have expanded my knowledge and increased my interest in my various topics of study.
What drew you to the specific topics or subjects you have chosen for your graduate studies? :
I am interested in studying the use of Gothic conventions in contemporary postcolonial literature written by women writers for purposes of theorizing how these works employ Gothic themes to critique and at times subvert patriarchy, heteronormativity, racism and discrimination. Many women writers have utilized Gothic conventions including the supernatural, the uncanny, the monstrous and grotesque, magic-realism, death, fear, insanity, ghosts, doubles, terror (psychological as well as physical), mystery, madness (especially mad women) to these ends. I am also interested in exploring the affinity between the Gothic genre and an analysis of trauma, particularly in the representation of historical/personal trauma as it appears in women writers’ use of Gothic, as a genre well suited to explorations of violence against those seen as ‘Other’ in Western culture.
What are your plans following graduate studies? :
After completing my MA I plan to continue on in graduate studies and get my PhD in English.
Natasha Rebry
Hometown: Delhi, ON
Undergraduate Degree/School/Location:
Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, ON
Honours Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts
Graduate Program at UBC Okanagan:
PhD Interdisciplinary Graduate Studies
Tell us about one or two highlights of your education at UBC Okanagan so far:
The highlight of my education at UBCO so far has been the graduate student community that keeps growing and getting stronger.
As part of the Students' Union and the Graduate Student Society, I have had the privilege of meeting grads from all areas of studies.
What drew you to the specific topics or subjects you have chosen for your graduate studies? :
I grew up loving horror movies and novels, so it was a natural progression for me to move on to the study of Gothic texts when I started university. My love of the Gothic has never stopped growing and I feel very lucky to be able to spend my time studying what I love.
What are your plans following graduate studies? :
Once I have finished my dissertation I hope to find a job teaching English or Cultural Studies at the post-secondary level.
Heather Rolufs
Hometown: Prince George, BC
Undergraduate Degree/School/Location:
BA University of Northern British Columbia | Prince George, BC
Graduate Program at UBC Okanagan:
PhD Interdisciplinary Graduate Studies
What drew you to the specific topics or subjects you have chosen for your graduate studies? :
Through my research and the writing of my Masters thesis, my curiosity surrounding the Gothic motif of the double continued to grow. I have always found stories or programs that deal with conflicting and dual identities interesting so I started writing on the various ways the double has been applied in specific television programs. I realized I wanted to a more in-depth study on how this literary motif has evolved to become a visual tool used to depict not only issues surrounding identity but also cultural concerns as well.
What are your plans following graduate studies? :
I would like to teach a college/university level cultural studies course and/or find a way to utilize my degree(s) in order to work for the SPCA in a larger capacity.
Mari Tanaka
Hometown:
Fukuoka, Japan / Richmond, BC
Undergraduate Degree/School/Location:
BA University of British Columbia | Okanagan, Kelowna, BC
Graduate Program at UBC Okanagan:
MA Interdisciplinary Graduate Studies - Japanese Pop Culture / Television Studies
Tell us about one or two highlights of your education at UBC Okanagan so far:
They let me present papers about manga (Japanese comic books) and Sci-fi television here - even during my undergraduate work, my professors encouraged me to pursue the kind of subjects that matter to me, and I think that kind of personal interest and care is rare at an institution.
What drew you to the specific topics or subjects you have chosen for your graduate studies? :
Dr. Alwyn Spies and Dr. Daniel Keyes have been my guideposts. The subjects that interest me are the things I personally enjoy consuming and talking about.
What are your plans following graduate studies? :
Sleeping! I also plan on writing my father's autobiography.
Lana Tang
Hometown: Vernon, BC
Undergraduate Degree/School/Location:
BA University of British Columbia | Okanagan, Kelowna, BC
Graduate Program at UBC Okanagan:
MA Interdisciplinary Graduate Studies
Tell us about one or two highlights of your education at UBC Okanagan so far:
Because the graduate program at UBC Okanagan is new, I am able to build my program to my liking. I have the opportunity to study digital games, video and computer games, and conduct interesting research. I would also like to thank my grad supervisor, Dr. Alwyn Spies, and my grad committee, Dr. Naomi McPherson and Dr. David Jefferess, for providing me with wonderful support, resources, and encouragement with my research.
What drew you to the specific topics or subjects you have chosen for your graduate studies? :
Video games have always been an interest of mine. Because of Ludology and Game Studies, I am able to study a medium which I enjoy.
What are your plans following graduate studies? :
In the future, I plan to conduct gaming research in Japan
Stephanie Tolman
Hometown: Castlegar, BC
Undergraduate Degree/School/Location:
BA in French - University of British Columbia | Okanagan, Kelowna, BC
Graduate Program at UBC Okanagan:
MA Interdisciplinary Graduate Studies - French
Tell us about one or two highlights of your education at UBC Okanagan so far:
During my time at UBC Okanagan, I have had the pleasure of studying with talented professors who, because of the small class sizes, have been able to work wtih me one on one and foster my interest in a variety of subjects.
What drew you to the specific topics or subjects you have chosen for your graduate studies? :
I have always loved French and studying the tragedies of Jean Racine gives me the opportunity to expand my knowledge on both French literature and French culture, while allowing me to improve my language skills.
What are your plans following graduate studies? :
I hope to find a job that I love and enjoy going to every day.
Last reviewed 
11/16/2011 4:31:03 PM
FCCS Graduate Students
- Barbara Bailey
- Susan Brandoli
- Carin Covin
- Lindsay Diehl
- Kelly Doyle
- Jannik Eikenaar
- Julie Fowler
- Barry Fuller
- Heidi Garnett
- Joanne Gervais
- Amy Grant
- Olena Guseva
- Melissa Larkin
- Sara Lige
- Leigh MacFarlane
- Valerie Millar
- Joani Mortenson
- Sheryl Newton
- Karen Olson
- Sarah Owen
- Natasha Rebry
- Heather Rolufs
- Mari Tanaka
- Lana Tang
- Stephanie Tolman
