Faculty Impact

May 2025 News | Faculty Projects, Interviews and Publications

by

May News at the College of Arts

Check out what our faculty at the College of Arts have been up this month!

From exciting projects to new publications, read more about their work and connect with us to learn more about the College of Arts.

🤳 Follow us on Instagram

💼 Follow us on LinkedIn

📥 Subscribe to our Arts Newsletter

College of Arts

School of Culture, Media and Society (SCMS)

  • Dr. Michael Corman, Associate Professor of Sociology, attended the Conference on Postsecondary Learning and Teaching in Calgary. The theme was Reassessing Assessment in Postsecondary Education, and his experience raised lots of reflections as phenomenological look at students’ experiences of “ungrading”.
  • Dr. Corman also presented at the 2025 UBC Seminar on Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Decolonization in the Life Sciences. His presentation, Blues Run the Game: Moving Beyond the Tyranny of the Bio-Psycho-Medico, drew from his long-standing research into paramedicine and healthcare systems. He argued for a more sociologically-informed approach that attends to systemic and social determinants of health in education and practice.
  • Dr. Michael Corman, Associate Professor, Sociology, published the article: Corman, M., Phillips, P., and McCann, L. (Forthcoming). The Future of Paramedic Education: Problematizing the Translucent Curriculum in Paramedicine. Paramedicine (‘The Future of Paramedicine’ – Special Issue).

Criminology and Criminal Justice

History

  • Dr. Barbara Messamore, Professor, published the book Times of Transformation: The 1921 Canadian General Election with UBC Press as part of the Turning Point Elections series.
  • Dr. Alessandro Tarsia, Assistant Professor, presented the paper The Colonial Tobacco Invasion and Terraforming of Semá:th Xó:tsa (Sumas Lake) at the BC Studies Conference hosted by UBC on May 2, 2025.
  • Dr. Chris Hyland, Limited Term Appointment Instructor, presented the paper Truth and Reconciliation at Alexander College at the Canadian Historians of Education Association conference in Ottawa in October 2024.

Political Science

  • Dr. Hamish Telford, Associate Professor, was interviewed by CNN regarding the Canadian Liberal Party’s search for a new leader to succeed Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

CHASI 

Curiosity and courage: Sue Hampton’s formula for embracing the unknown

by
Susan Hampton's picture

Curiosity and courage: Sue Hampton’s formula for embracing the unknown

Susan Hampton's pictureFeaturing: Susan Hampton (Sue), Assistant Professor of Arts and Integrated Studies

From Seoul to Surrey, classrooms to international development, Susan (Sue) Hampton’s career has never followed a straight line. And that’s exactly what she teaches her students: that success often comes from embracing the unexpected.

Now an Assistant Professor in the College of Arts at the University of the Fraser Valley (UFV), Sue brings her global experiences, her deep commitment to adult education, and her passion for critical pedagogy into every lecture, conversation, and curriculum she designs. With roots in psychology and a career journey that spans continents and disciplines, Sue knows firsthand that life doesn’t always come with a clear blueprint — and that’s something to celebrate.

In this conversation, we hear from Sue about her unconventional path, the values that drive her work, and the advice she hopes her students carry long after their time at UFV.

 

College of Arts: Could you start by sharing a bit about your journey as an educator?

Sue: My journey was definitely non-traditional. I started at UVic as a Psychology major and honestly had no clear career path in mind. After graduating, I moved overseas to teach English in South Korea and Taiwan. I had planned to stay for just a year — and ended up staying seven! I loved teaching far more than I expected.

Back in Canada, I dabbled in international development, and my work at the Coady International Institute is where I really became intrigued by adult education and critical pedagogy. That led me to pursue a Master’s in Educational Leadership at UVic, and since then, I’ve worked in all kinds of educational roles: curriculum development for K-12 sustainability resources, supporting graduate students at SFU, and as an educational developer at UBC. Each step taught me something new — and now I’m thrilled to be back in the classroom working with undergraduates at UFV.

CoA: What inspired you to specialize in your field?

Sue: While at SFU, I was helping graduate students prepare for life beyond their PhDs. Many were feeling anxious about leaving academia, unsure of what their next steps could be. That really opened my eyes to how deeply people struggle with career uncertainty — especially in academic environments.

My doctoral research focused on the career development journeys of PhD students who pursue non-academic careers. Through that, I became immersed in the theories and practices of career education. Now, I use those tools to help all students feel more confident in their evolving career paths.

CoA: What do you hope your students take away from your classes?

Sue: I want them to walk away feeling empowered. I teach Professional Practices courses where we explore not only career development theories like Planned Happenstance, but also the idea that it’s okay — and even beneficial — to not have a perfectly mapped out plan.

I hope they become more confident in their skills and open to trying new things. It’s all about curiosity, taking small risks, and trusting that opportunities will come when you engage with the world around you.

CoA: Reflecting on your career so far, what has been the most rewarding aspect of being an educator?

Sue: Seeing students transform their mindsets. Many come in thinking they need a perfectly mapped-out plan. When I help them realize that careers unfold over time — and that it’s okay not to have all the answers — I see real relief and confidence begin to form.

That transformation, where anxiety gives way to self-assurance and possibility, is the most rewarding part of what I do.

CoA: If you could leave a lasting message or piece of advice for your students and community, what would it be?

Sue: You are not static, and neither is the world. Everything evolves. Let go of the need to control every detail, and remain open to the unexpected. Keep moving forward, even if the path is unclear. Often, the best opportunities show up when you least expect them — and when you’re ready to say “yes.”

 

Sue’s story is a powerful reminder that a meaningful career doesn’t require a perfect plan — just a willingness to stay curious, take chances, and follow where your passions lead. In a world that often demands certainty, Sue champions the courage to embrace change.

Whether she’s guiding students through career theory or encouraging them to try something new, Sue brings wisdom, warmth, and an unwavering belief in the power of possibility.

From bricks to pixels: get to know Marcel Casarini’s game-changing journey

by
Marcel Casarini

From bricks to pixels: get to know Marcel Casarini’s game-changing journey

Marcel Casarini

Featuring: Marcel Casarini – Assistant Professor of Media Arts

From Sao Paulo (Brazil) to Vancouver, Marcel Casarini has always been a designer at heart. First, he shaped buildings and urban landscapes as an architect. Now, he crafts immersive worlds and guides the next generation of game designers to do the same.

Marcel’s path wasn’t the straightest route to game development. With a master’s degree in Architecture and Level Design for Games, Marcel seamlessly merged his architectural knowledge with his passion for play. His curiosity for how people interact with spaces translated beautifully into game environments, and before long, he was co-founding game studios, winning awards, and even penning his own book on the art of level design.

As an Assistant Professor in the School of Creative Arts at the University of the Fraser Valley (UFV), Marcel continues to shape worlds: both digital and human. In the classroom, he inspires his students to think critically, explore fearlessly, and never stop learning. With each new semester, he watches game enthusiasts being ready to leave their mark on the industry.

In this conversation, Marcel shares insights from his journey, his philosophy as an educator, and the advice he hopes will resonate long after the last class ends.

 

College of Arts: Could you share a bit about your journey as an educator?

Marcel: Since my university days, I’ve always been involved in teaching in some way — whether as a Teaching Assistant or through research groups. But my formal teaching career truly began after I completed my Master’s degree. I started as a full-time professor in a Game Development program back in 2014, still in Brazil, which is where I’m originally from.

Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to teach across different areas: Architecture, Games, and Media Arts. It’s been a wonderful, varied experience. In 2018, I moved to Vancouver with my wife, and soon after, I began teaching at LaSalle College. I even had the chance to serve as the Program Director for Game Design, Game Programming, and Audio programs there, which was incredibly rewarding.

Since 2023, I’ve been teaching at UFV in the Media Arts program, focusing on courses that really excite me: Unreal Engine, Digital Imaging, and Virtual Reality development. I love working directly with students, watching them grow, and seeing their creativity come to life.

 

CoA: What first inspired you to specialize in game development and design?

Marcel: That’s a great question! Honestly, my love for games goes way back. My very first gaming memory is with the Atari 2600, around 1990. From that moment, I was hooked — fascinated by the way games could transport you to other worlds.

However, when it came time to choose a career path, the gaming industry in Brazil wasn’t really established yet. So, I chose Architecture and Urban Planning. It seemed like the closest way to design and build experiences, just in a different form.

A few years into working as an architect on construction sites, I felt this pull toward games that never went away. I decided to take a leap of faith. I pursued a postgraduate program and a Master’s degree focused on merging my architectural knowledge with game design. From then on, there was no looking back. I’ve been working with games ever since — and I truly love it!

 

CoA: What do you hope your students take away from your classes?

Marcel: More than anything, I hope they develop critical thinking, curiosity, and a strong methodology for lifelong learning.

The game development field is constantly evolving. New software, hardware, and tools are emerging all the time. If you’re not curious and adaptable, you risk falling behind. So I try to instill in my students not just the technical skills they need today, but the mindset to keep growing, adapting, and enjoying the learning process throughout their careers.

It’s not just about mastering one engine or technique — it’s about understanding how to learn effectively and stay curious about what’s coming next.

 

CoA: Reflecting on your career so far, what has been the most rewarding aspect of being an educator?

Marcel: There’s honestly nothing like seeing the evolution of my students.

At the start of a course, many students come in as game enthusiasts — they love to play, but they haven’t yet seen behind the curtain of game development. By the end of the semester, I watch them transform into budding developers. Their conversations change; they start talking about mechanics, narratives, player experience, and design philosophies. They see games through a whole new lens.

Every semester feels like a new adventure. Watching that growth — from curiosity to capability — is the most rewarding part of my job.

 

CoA: If you could leave a lasting message or piece of advice for your students and community, what would it be?

Marcel: Learning is a lifelong commitment — and it should absolutely be fun!

As humans, we naturally play to understand our world, our environment, and our social contexts. Learning shouldn’t feel like a chore; it should feel like exploration. Stay curious, stay playful, and never stop seeking out new knowledge. Whether it’s through games or life itself, embrace the joy of discovery.

 

Marcel Casarini’s journey is a powerful reminder that our paths are rarely linear — but with passion, curiosity, and an openness to change, we can build bridges between our interests and our careers. Whether in architecture, game design, or the classroom, Marcel continues to shape the spaces where creativity thrives. And for his students, the adventure is just beginning.

April 2025 News | Faculty Projects and Publications

by

April News at the College of Arts

Check out what our faculty at the College of Arts have been up this April 2025!

From exciting projects to new publications, read more about their work and connect with us to learn more about the College of Arts.

🤳 Follow us on Instagram

💼 Follow us on LinkedIn

📥 Subscribe to our Arts Newsletter

College of Arts

On April 15, 2025, UFV’s Associate Dean of Social Sciences, Dr. Wade Deisman, was interviewed by CBC News to discuss the federal parties’ platforms on crime and public safety. This followed an announcement from Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre regarding his intent to use the notwithstanding clause to allow consecutive life sentences for individuals convicted of multiple murders. Opponents argue that this promise undermines Canada’s Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

Psychology

Andrea Albonico, Assistant Professor, co-authored the article Face and word superiority effects: Parallel effects of visual expertise with Marko (Chi-Wei) Tien and Jason J. S. Barton.

English

Adrea Johnson, Sessional Instructor, co-authored the book Negotiating Feminism and Faith in the Lives and Works of Late Medieval and Early Modern Women with Holly Faith Nelson.

Criminology & Criminal Justice

  • Dr. Jon Heidt, Associate Professor, served as guest editor for a special issue on cannabis policy. Wheeldon, J., & Heidt, J. (2025). Introduction to the special issue on cannabis legalization: Cannabis policy at the twilight of prohibition. Sociological Inquiry, 95(2), 231–234.
  • Dr. Irwin Cohen, Associate Professor, delivered the keynote address “Bridging the Gap: Academia, Policing, and the Pursuit of Safer Communities” at the International Association of Law Enforcement Intelligence Analysts annual training event.
  • Amneet Sran, a Criminal Justice student, presented her research on gender and police attitudes toward intimate partner violence at the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences Annual Meeting in Denver, Colorado. She was supported by Dr. Amanda McCormick, Associate Professor, and Dr. Kevin Burk, Assistant Professor.
  • At the same event, Dr. Amanda McCormick and Dr. Irwin Cohen, along with B. Stickle, B. Vahldiek, and A. Stickle, presented a paper titled Police Perceptions of Risk in Intimate Partner Violence, and Dr. Carlos Ponce, Associate Professor, presented The Silencing of Criminology: Online Attacks on Crime Researchers Under Autocratic Rule in El Salvador.

Designing with heart and purpose: meet Marcia Higuchi

by
Marcia-Higuchi professor

Designing with heart and purpose: meet Marcia Higuchi

Marcia-Higuchi professorFeaturing: Marcia Higuchi – Assistant Professor, Graphic and Digital Design

In the dynamic world of design, where visuals speak louder than words and ideas come to life through form and function, Marcia Higuchi has spent over 15 years shaping stories across brands, campaigns, and experiences. From bustling design studios and agencies to the thoughtful spaces of higher education, Marcia’s journey is one of curiosity, passion, and a deep belief in the power of collaboration.

Originally from Brazil, Marcia believes that design is a powerful tool for reflection, for raising consciousness, and for creating change. Her passion is not only in the pixels and palettes, but in helping her students discover their own voices, identities, and creative power.

As an Assistant Professor in Graphic and Digital Design at the University of the Fraser Valley, Marcia continues to inspire emerging designers to see beyond the screen — to design with intention, to invite collaboration, and to understand the impact their work can have in the world. Get to know Marcia:

College of Arts: Could you start by sharing a bit about your journey as an educator?

Marcia:  Absolutely! My path into education really began during my Master of Design program at ECU. My research there focused on critical pedagogy and relational learning, which sparked my curiosity about educational practices and how we engage with knowledge.

During those years, I was fortunate to take on several teaching roles — first as a Teaching Assistant, then as a Teaching Fellow, and eventually as a sessional faculty member in the Communication Design department. These experiences deepened my passion for teaching and for learning alongside my students.

I started at UFV in August 2024, and it has been such a wonderful journey so far. I’m really enjoying getting to know our local community, learning from our students, and being inspired every day by my generous and talented colleagues.

 

CoA: What inspired you to specialize in your field of design?

Marcia: There’s a moment that stands out very clearly for me. I was auditing a postgraduate class at the University of São Paulo when I first read Paulo Freire’s Pedagogy of the Oppressed. His words resonated deeply and sparked a lasting curiosity about how his philosophies could inform my own collaborative practices in design.

Alongside Freire, I also draw inspiration from bell hooks, whose work expands our understanding of pedagogy and liberation, and Ailton Krenak, a Brazilian Indigenous philosopher. His perspectives bring non-anthropocentric lenses into my thinking, reminding me that design should not just serve humans, but consider our broader ecological relationships as well.

Together, these thinkers have deeply influenced how I approach both design and education — as spaces of dialogue, awareness, and transformative action.

 

CoA: What do you hope your students take away from your classes?

Marcia: One of the most important concepts I hope to share is something Freire described as “conscientização”, or the development of a critical consciousness.

I want my students to recognize their identities, their positions in the world, and the dynamics of oppression and privilege that shape our realities. By becoming more aware of their capacities and possibilities, they can act upon their situations with intention and responsibility.

I also hope they learn from one another. Peer learning is so valuable — it helps broaden perspectives and fosters a deeper understanding of design’s potential to engage with real-world issues.

 

CoA: Reflecting on your career so far, what has been the most rewarding aspect of being an educator?

Marcia: Without a doubt, it’s seeing my students come to understand their role as designers and future makers.

There’s this beautiful moment when they realize that design isn’t just about creating something visually appealing — it’s a tool for communication, for education, for celebration, and for sparking meaningful conversations about complex issues.

When they take pride in their work and see its potential impact, it’s incredibly rewarding. Watching them grow into thoughtful, conscious designers is the best part of what I do.

 

CoA: If you could leave a lasting message or piece of advice for your students and community, what would it be?

Marcia: Bring your whole self into your work, and always remain open to collaboration.

Collaboration creates opportunities to see things differently, to challenge your assumptions, and to grow in unexpected ways. It invites diversity of thought and enriches the creative process. Design is not a solitary pursuit — it thrives in community, in dialogue, and in shared experiences.

So be brave, be curious, and don’t hesitate to invite others into your creative journey.

 

Marcia Higuchi’s story is a vivid reminder that design is much more than visuals — it’s about values, voices, and vision. Through her dedication to education and her thoughtful approach to design, she empowers her students to see their work as a catalyst for change. With every lesson and every collaborative project, Marcia is helping to shape not only the next generation of designers, but also thoughtful citizens of the world.

March 2025 News | Faculty Projects and Publications | UFV College of Arts

by

March News at the College of Arts

Check out what our faculty at the College of Arts have been up this March 2025!

From exciting projects to new publications, read more about their work and connect with us to learn more about the College of Arts.

🤳 Follow us on Instagram

💼 Follow us on LinkedIn

📥 Subscribe to our Arts Newsletter

Psychology

  • Andrea Albonico, Assistant Professor of Psychology, co-authored “Chapter 20 – The Lateralization of Reading” in the Handbook of Clinical Neurology – Volume 208, 2025, alongside Jason J.S. Barton and Randi Starrfelt.

Political Science

English

  • Dr. Prabhjot Parmar (English) was a featured speaker at Decolonial Conversations (Western University), exploring the role of Indigenous philosophy and Sufi traditions in resisting colonial power. She also chaired a panel on activism through dress, bodies, and speech.

Criminology and Criminal Justice