Faculty Success

Telling difficult truths: Dr. Nawal Musleh-Motut’s mission to decolonize media

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Telling difficult truths: Dr. Nawal Musleh-Motut’s mission to decolonize media

Featuring: Dr. Nawal Musleh-Motut – Assistant Professor, Media and Communication

From classrooms to critical resistance, Dr. Nawal Musleh-Motut brings both vision and voice to the study of media and communication. A scholar, teacher, and advocate with deep roots in decolonial and social justice pedagogy, she challenges students not only to learn about the world—but to help change it.

Nawal joins the School of Culture, Media, and Society at the University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) as an Assistant Professor of Media and Communication, offering courses like “Decolonizing Media,” “Storytelling, Photography, and Resistance,” and “Gender and Media.” Her research is shaped by lived experience, and her teaching is grounded in care, critique, and courage.

In this conversation, Nawal shares her journey as an educator, the driving forces behind her research, and the words she carries into every classroom.

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

Nawal: Prior to joining UFV, I spent eleven years teaching undergraduate research, media, and communication courses grounded in decolonial, critical race, and intersectional social justice theory and practice.

As an educator, my main goal is to equip diverse students with the ability and confidence to apply communication and media related theories, methods, and practical skills through a decolonizing, anti-racist, and socially just lens, both inside and outside of the university.

Thankfully, I’ve been successful in achieving my teachings goals across a wide range and level of interdisciplinary undergraduate courses, but I’m constantly striving to advance my understanding and application of educational theory and practice.

For example, my postdoctoral research highlights the dangers and counters the consequences of institutional performances of equity, diversity, and inclusion, which support the neocolonial and neoliberal status quo, by creating decolonial and just futurities through teaching and learning – that is, by imagining what such a future might look like and then working to create it in the present using the pathways, tools, and resources currently available to us.

Two major components of this research were the Decolonial Teaching and Learning Seminar Series and the Decolonizing and Indigenizing STEM Website, in which my student research assistants and I helped faculty members apply decolonial thinking and doing to their own learning and teaching.

I’m excited to apply the lessons learned from this project to my teaching, research, and service at UFV.

CoA: What inspired you to specialize in your field?

Nawal: My research, writing, and teaching are all influenced by my lived experience as a Settler of Palestinian descent. My family left our homeland to avoid living under occupation, but this meant that we came to occupy unceded Indigenous land. As a result, I’ve come to develop a kind of double vision shaped by two instances of settler colonialism. It’s enabled me to critically reflect on my privileged position and responsibilities as a Canadian Settler, while simultaneously binding me in solidarity with Indigenous struggles for decolonization, sovereignty, and justice.

Experiences like mine and countless others are significant to media and communication studies, as it’s through narrative and images that settler colonial power is both sustained and, most importantly, resisted.

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

Nawal: Again, I really want my students to gain the confidence to apply what they’re learning in my courses, both inside and outside of the university. This includes nurturing critical thinking and media literacy skills, as well as empathy for and solidarity with those experiencing discrimination, oppression, and/or  injustice.

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

Nawal: I love working closely with students to critically grow their knowledge of themselves, others, and the world and then watching them use their learning to create a generative life for all.

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

Nawal: My late Masters supervisor, Dr. William L. Cleveland, always told me that “the beautiful things are difficult.” Although I think the phrase originates from an ancient Greek proverb, he meant that the most significant and rewarding things you’ll do in life will also be the most challenging and risky. He was right! It’s undoubtedly the best and most inspiring advice I’ve ever received, and it continues to motivate not only my research, writing, and teaching, but also my entire life.

 

Dr. Nawal Musleh-Motut brings more than knowledge to the classroom—she brings vision. In her work, media becomes a mirror, a window, and a tool for change. Her teaching isn’t just about information—it’s about imagination, resistance, and the courage to build better futures.

Through her courses at UFV, students are not only invited to examine the world—but to shape it.

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

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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

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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.

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

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February News at the College of Arts

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

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

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School of Creative Arts

  • Davida Kidd, Associate Professor of Visual Arts in the School of Creative Arts, has had her work curated for three exhibitions:
    • 2025 International Triennale Gravure at La Boverie Museum, Liège, Belgium
    • The Shifting Point: Masters of Printmaking from Canada at Titanikas Gallery, Academy of Fine Arts, Vilnius, Lithuania
    • 2025 International Triennial Graphics – Color in Graphics / Traces Exhibition in collaboration with Wozownia Art Gallery, Toruń, Poland

Criminology and Criminal Justice

  • Accountability in Palestine – Dr. Mark Kersten, Assistant Professor of Criminology, presented Troubled Waters but Reasons to Hope: The Future of the International Criminal Court and Accountability in Palestine at Langara College in January.
  • UFV’s Faculty of Criminology and Criminal Justice made significant contributions to the Western Society of Criminology Annual Conference (February 6-8, 2025, Seattle, WA) through the following presentations:
    • Amanda McCormick & Dr. Zina Lee, Associate Professors of Criminology, presented The Impact of Court Rulings on Sexual Assault Investigations (with Negrin, S.).
    • Erin Osterberg, Associate Professor of Criminology, spoke about Unanticipated Consequences: The Perils of “Catch and Release” in Drug Investigations (with Davies, G., & Champion, A.).
    • Irwin Cohen & Dr. Kevin Burk, Associate Professors of Criminology, discussed The Challenges That Technology and Court Rulings Present for Homicide Investigations (with Pastia, C.).

Psychology

Arts & Integrated Studies

  • Dr. Dale McCartney, Assistant Professor of Arts & Integrated Studies, participated in a UBC-hosted discussion on The Crash of the International Student “Market” as part of the Green College Special Event series.

Political Science

  • Noah Schwartz, Assistant Professor of Political Science published an article called “Grandpa Joe’s hunting rifle: morality policy framing in Canadian Parliament” in the journal Policy Sciences, that encourages a diversity of perspectives.

UFV’s partnership with Chilliwack Cultural Centre fuels arts education

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The School of Creative Arts at UFV has created a remarkable theatre experience that bridges classroom learning with real-world performance through a meaningful partnership with the Chilliwack Cultural Centre. This collaboration offers students the unique opportunity to work in both a close-knit theatre environment and the larger, professional-scale stage of a renowned arts venue—a blend that amplifies their skills, confidence, and creative expression.

UFV’s Black Box Theatre on the Abbotsford campus is an intimate space, seating around 40 to 50 people, where students can experiment and connect closely with audiences. Shelley Liebembuk, Director of the School of Creative Arts and Associate Professor, calls it “a perfect lab for experimentation, where students are encouraged to interact with their audience and explore their craft.” This year, after the opening week of performances in this intimate setting, the students tour both their fall and winter productions to the 160-seat Rotary Hall at the Chilliwack Cultural Centre (CCC). This experience allows students to tackle new challenges, from managing sound and lighting for a bigger space to actors projecting their performances for a broader audience.

“I’m really looking forward to going to the Chilliwack Cultural Centre! I’m also really excited because its going to be in front of a big audience. Its going to be a super cool and fun experience!”, says Marie Brideau, production class student working as the Stage Manager for The Paper Bag Princess.

The success of this partnership is due in large part to the vision of Chilliwack Cultural Centre’s Executive Director, Jean-Louis Bleau. Liebembuk notes that Bleau has been “an amazing collaborator, welcoming our students with open arms and investing in their growth as future artists.”

The School of Creative Arts continues to enrich its programs, expanding student access to diverse training environments, mentorship, and pathways for careers both on and off the stage. “The students are working with professional technology, so when they graduate, they’re ready for anything,” adds Giuseppe Condello, Production Manager of the Theatre Program. Condello explains that UFV’s equipment aligns closely with that at CCC’s Rotary Hall, so students are well-prepared to adapt to the new venue.

One exciting result of this partnership is the TakeOver festival, where UFV arts practicum students curate a one-day festival at Rotary Hall. This unique opportunity came from Bleau’s own idea of empowering students to take ownership of the space. “It’s a rare experience for students to plan and execute a full festival,” Liebembuk shares. “It gives them real-world experience in arts management and production.”

Through this partnership, the Chilliwack Cultural Centre and UFV are creating a powerful learning pathway that bridges education and the arts industry. Thanks to Bleau’s support and UFV’s School of Creative Arts’ innovative approach, students gain hands-on experience, mentorship, and community connection that prepare them to make their mark on the arts.

Celebrating a Career Superhero: Dr. Linda Pardy

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Celebrating a Career Superhero: Dr. Linda Pardy

Describing Dr. Linda Pardy isn’t easy. Those who have met her can attest to that. After all, how can we describe a career superhero?

 

Since 2019, Dr. Linda Pardy has been serving the College of Arts as an Associate Dean of Students. During her tenure, she accomplished some incredible feats:

  • Canada Comeback Challenge: Dr. Pardy led 15 student teams and faculty members to participate in this national event, where students delivered brilliant pitches and ideas on tackling real-world problems. This initiative not only showcased the exceptional creativity of our students but also positioned the College of Arts as a leader in innovative education.
  • 1000 + Work-Integrated Learning Experiences: She achieved—and nearly doubled—the goal of 1,000 student work-integrated learning experiences. This monumental accomplishment provided students with hands-on opportunities to apply their academic knowledge in real-world settings, bridging the gap between classroom learning and professional experience.
  • Arts Worx Initiative: Dr. Pardy launched this groundbreaking platform to boost student participation in work-integrated learning activities and connect the local community to some talented Arts minds. Arts Worx has become a vital resource for students, offering a wide array of opportunities to gain invaluable work experience and career opportunities, setting them on a path to success even before they graduate.
  • Practicum Participation: Under her leadership, the number of Arts students participating in practicums significantly increased. Dr. Pardy’s efforts ensured that more students could benefit from immersive, practical experiences that are crucial for their professional development.

Dr. Pardy is known for being an innovator, collaborator, creative thinker, and leader. Her forward-thinking approach and dedication to student success have left a lasting mark on the College of Arts. The students who exit her classroom are more confident, self-assured, and resilient than when they first came in. They are better prepared to face the challenges of the professional world, thanks to the robust career foundation she helped build.

Beyond her professional achievements, Dr. Pardy has been a mentor and inspiration to countless students and colleagues. Her passion for education, coupled with her unwavering commitment to student development, has created a supportive and nurturing environment within the College of Arts.

As Dr. Pardy concludes her term as Associate Dean of Students, we reflect on the deep impact she has made and we are cheering for her on the next chapters of her adventure. And fear not – Although Dr. Pardy is concluding her term as Associate Dean, she will stay within the College of Arts, returning as an Associate Professor and faculty researcher.

From all of us at the College of Arts, we want to express our deepest gratitude for your remarkable work, Dr. Pardy. We hope to continue building on the strong foundation you have created, and we look forward to seeing the continued success of the initiatives you have set in motion.

Thank you, Dr. Pardy, for being a true superhero in our academic community.

From Classroom to Parliament: The Experience of Serving as an Expert Witness as a Political Scientist and Professor

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Few experiences in academia match the excitement and significance of testifying before Parliament. In October 2023, Political Science Assistant Professor Dr. Noah Schwartz was called to serve as an expert witness before the Senate Standing Committee on National Security, Defence, and Veteran Affairs as part of the study of Bill C-21 related to the regulation of firearms in Canada.

Dedicating his career to the study of firearms policy in Canada and the United States, Dr. Schwartz provided a transparent and honest perspective on the problems with Bill C-21. Based on his research with over 16,000 Canadian gun owners from coast to coast, he stated how this bill could be harmful to Canadians and not effective in reducing gun crime, as a freeze on handgun ownership wouldn’t stop gun smugglers from continuing their business in the Canadian black market.

Although aware that it was unlikely that the Senate would make amendments, Dr. Schwartz couldn’t refuse the opportunity to raise concerns highlighted by his work and research participants.

“I could not pass up the opportunity to speak truth to power so directly. As my mentor told me, ‘Tell them what you want the history books to remember you saying.’”

Reflecting on the parallel between being a Political Science Professor and serving as an expert witness, Dr. Schwartz highlighted the meaningful and lasting impact of this experience on his teaching philosophy and classroom approach.

“At the time, I was teaching my POSC 357 course on Guns & Politics. I had to cancel one of the lectures because it coincided with my Senate Appearance. I sent the students the link to watch the live stream but did not expect many of them to tune in at 8:30 am on a Thursday. It was heartwarming to see the flood of messages of support I received from my students after the committee meeting. Many had watched and seemed excited to see their professor engaging Parliament on the very issues they were studying. One student said excitedly: ‘You just told them the same things we have been learning all semester!'”

Dr. Schwartz also used this experience to create a Parliamentary simulation with his students during the last class of the term.

“I was able to take my experience as an expert witness in Parliament and apply it directly to the simulation. For example, our simulation included a study of the bill in committee,” says Schwartz. “Students roleplaying as Members of Parliament, advocates, and experts had to appear before the committee and answer questions – just like I did (though I was much nicer with my students than the Senators are to real witnesses).”

Serving as an expert witness reinforced the lesson he tells his students:

“Politics is a game played by a set of rules that have been in place for a very long time. If you do not learn the rules of the game (institutions), you cannot understand how politics works.”

When asked about the legacy he hopes to leave behind in terms of shaping the next generation of leaders and influencers, Dr. Schwartz is clear:

“Students come to political science because they want to change the world, but I think they sometimes underestimate the work required. Sometimes, student movements confuse getting attention with making changes. If you want to leave your mark on the history books, you have to do your homework first and genuinely understand the issues you are talking about. Research can be a powerful tool to help you do that.”

Talk the talk, walk the walk: A lifelong commitment to Human Rights and International Law

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In November 2023, Criminology Assistant Professor Dr. Mark Kersten was invited to speak to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development about Canada’s approach to diplomacy, particularly its inconsistent commitment to international law. As an expert witness, he testified about his hope that Canada could be a leader in human rights and concerns over Canada’s double standards in the investigation and prosecution of international crimes – war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide – both abroad and in Canada. Mark was also asked to submit a written brief to the Standing Committee, which is now part of the House of Commons official record.

As a human rights practitioner and professor, Mark emphasizes the importance of serving as a role model for students and demonstrating that a commitment to human rights extends beyond the classroom.

It is important to me that my students know that I don’t just talk the talk, but walk the walk. A genuine commitment to human rights and international justice can’t end when the bell rings at the end of class or when it’s time to go home after work. It truly is a life commitment. By sharing with my students, the that work I do outside the university, I hope to leave them with the impression that human rights matter not simply as an intellectual project, but in everyday life, and to the most powerful political actors in the country. I also hope this work leaves my students with the impression that human rights and international law and justice matter, not some of the time, but all of the time.

When asked about the lessons and insights he gained from serving as an expert witness, Mark highlights the misconception that human rights are something distant from daily life.

Sometimes people think human rights and a commitment to international law is something that happens ‘elsewhere,’ away from day-to-day life. That’s the farthest thing from the truth! Many people, including students and professors, enjoy the lives they have precisely because of hard-fought gains in the field of human rights, whi

ch have often come at immense sacrifice. Like the famed lawyer Bryan Stevenson says, I want aspiring professionals to know that the measure of our character is how we treat the most marginalized and vulnerable people in our communities and in our world. A dedication to improving the human rights and access to justice for those whose rights are most fragile and least respected can and does improve all of our rights.

Reflecting on his experiences as both an expert witness and a professor, and the legacy he hopes to leave in shaping the next generation of leaders and influencers, Mark underscores the importance of showing people that human rights and international laws matter.

I hope that I’m nowhere near the point of reflecting on my legacy quite yet! But in my work, I do hope to leave the impression that human rights and international law matter. They are relevant in our neighbourhoods and communities. They are relevant across Canada and around the world. Our shared humanity depends on adherence to the basic standards of human rights law and decency, and we can’t be too privileged or too distracted to forget that or take it for granted.

Faculty Publications & Projects | April & May 2023

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Arts & Integrated Studies

Arts and Integrated Studies Assistant Professor Dr. Dale McCartney has been named the Assistant Editor of the journal Comparative and International Education.

 

 

Criminology and Criminal Justice

Criminology Professor Emeritus Dr. Yvon Dandurand wrote an article on child justice reform. Dao, L. T., & Dandurand, Y. (2023). Social, cultural, and systemic barriers to child justice reform: Lessons from Vietnam, 23(1), 29-48.

Dr. Dandurand and Dr. Darryl Plecas produced a report on assistance and support services for survivors of human trafficking. The report is based on a qualitative survey and analysis of the types of services and supports most needed by survivors of labour and sex trafficking, including the perceived usefulness and effectiveness of these services. The study also examined service delivery models, sources of referrals, models of inter-agency collaboration, and accessibility of relevant services in British Columbia and Alberta for meeting the needs of labour and sex trafficking survivors (including those at risk of or are currently being trafficked). Dandurand, Y., Plecas, D., Winterdyk, J., & Chin, V. (2023, April 26). Assistance and Support Services for Survivors of Human Trafficking: A Qualitative Study. International Centre for Criminal Law Reform and Criminal Justice Policy.

 

Criminology Associate Professor Dr. Amanda McCormick presented on policing domestic violence. Stickle, B., & McCormick, A.V. (2023, March). Policing domestic violence in rural communities: Tennessee police data. Presented at the 67th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women. New York, NY.

She also presented at the 3rd Community Forum for Safe Relationships Safe Children. Her presentation focused on Intimate partner-related brain injuries among service providers. She is also scheduled to present on barriers to reporting intimate partner violence to police at a May 16th community event co-hosted by UFV and the Ann Davis Transition Society on Women’s Equity and the Link to Femicides in BC. Additionally, Dr. McCormick will also present on “Project Safe Relationships: Evaluation of a Healthy Relationships Program for Adolescents in Abbotsford” at the 13th Annual Network to Eliminate Violence in Relationships (NEVR) Conference on May 25.

 

Criminology Associate Professor Dr. Jon Heidt published an article on cannabis and research ethics, outlining how the history of controlling cannabis research has led to various harms, injustices, and ethical complications. Wheeldon, J., & Heidt, J. (in press). Cannabis, research ethics, and a duty of care. Research Ethics.

 

 

Criminology Associate Professor Dr. Hayli Millar co-authored a brief with Dr. Tamara O’Doherty that was submitted to the House of Commons Standing Committee on the Status of Women. This brief addressed the House of Common study on human trafficking of women, girls, and gender-diverse people in Canada.

 

 

Criminology Associate Professors Dr. Irwin Cohen and Dr. Amanda McCormick presented at the Focus on the Future Western Regional Conference on Problem Gambling Awareness in Seattle, Washington. Their presentation focused on “Participant experiences while transitioning into voluntary self-exclusion.”

 

English

English Associate Professor and newly appointed Department Head Dr. Heather McAlpine hosted the 4th UFV Young Authors’ Conference on April 27, 2023, at the UFV Chilliwack campus. The conference welcomed 75 middle school students from Chilliwack and offered 7 workshops led by a team of twelve UFV student volunteers.

Dr. McAlpine is also set to publish an article in the journal Pedagogy in May. Titled “Digital Meters: Using Text Encoding to Teach Literature in the Undergraduate Classroom”, this article draws on research as well as interviews with over a dozen instructors from all over the world to demonstrate that using the digital humanities practice of text encoding — embedding information about a digitized text into the source code — can be a valuable way of teaching literary analysis to undergraduates.

 

On April 16th, English Associate Professor Dr. Prabhjot Parmar gave a talk titled “I Will Bid”: The Changing Face of Punjabi Cinema at the 10th Punjabi Ma Boli International Film Festival in Surrey. The talk offered a brief history of Punjabi Cinema and highlighted the portrayal of caste in recent films.

 

Modern Languages

In a recent workshop presented at WEFLA 2023, an international conference on Canadian studies held in Holguín, Cuba, Modern Languages and Arts Studies Assistant Professor Dr. Maria de Luna presented a workshop titled “Estudiantes construyendo conocimiento que va más allá del salón de clase” [Students building knowledge that goes beyond the classroom walls]. The workshop was held at the Facultad de Comunicación y Letras, y la Facultad de Ciencias Sociales de la Universidad de Holguín, and was part of the XVII Seminario Internacional de Estudios Canadienses.

 

Philosophy

Dr. Peter Raabe, emeritus professor of Philosophy, led a ZOOM workshop on the topic “Philosophical Practice Today” at an international philosophy conference held in Japan. His paper, titled “On Self-defeating Mental Viruses: An Interdisciplinary Study in Philosophy, Psychiatry, and Mental Healthcare” will appear in the upcoming journal of the Japanese Society of Philosophical Practice (JSPP). The conference was hosted by Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan on May 20, 2023.

 

Political Science

Political Science Assistant Professor Dr. Noah Schwartz published an article in the Journal of Politics and Policy titled “Taking Stock: the contribution of the policy studies to our understanding of gun policy”. Dr. Schwartz has also published an op-ed article with Tim Thurley in the National Post: Opinion: Mass Casualty recommendations wouldn’t have stopped N.S. massacre, and won’t stop others, which was quoted by MP Stephen Ellis (Cumberland-Colchester) in a debate yesterday in the House of Commons.

 

Psychology

Dr. Anna Cook, an Assistant Professor and Department Head of Philosophy, led two panels at the American Philosophical Association – Pacific Division Meeting held from April 5-10, 2023. The conference showcased her expertise in the field, and attendees had the opportunity to learn from her during two sessions. The first panel explored “Native Knowing, Endangered Languages, and the Meaning of Life,” while the second discussed “Reconfiguring the Canon of Nineteenth-Century American and British Philosophy.” The conference was an important event for philosophers and academics, providing a platform for the exchange of ideas and insights.

School of Creative Arts

Theatre Assistant Professor Dr. Anna Griffith presented at the Architecture, Media, Politics, Society (AMPS) conference: Applying Education in a Complex World and shared a paper titled “Futures Teaching and Interdisciplinary Praxis” about her pedagogical principles in SOCA 401.

 

 

 

Aimée Henny Brown, an assistant professor of Visual Arts, has been making waves in the art world lately. Her work has been featured in numerous exhibitions and publications, including Create Magazine’s Magic Issue #34, which was released in March 2023. The book “Folklore of the Upper Nithsdale” also showcases Brown’s work alongside other international collage artists, all of whom reimagine stories of witches, ghosts, and other spirits from Sanquhar, Scotland, in a contemporary context.

In addition to those publications, Brown’s collage and installation piece “Metaphorical Rocks” was featured in the Mythical Landscape: Secrets of the Vale Exhibition. This exhibition was a collaborative effort among international artists who travelled to Sanquhar, Scotland, to investigate the region’s history and folklore. Brown’s work, along with others, was inspired by stories from the past (true or otherwise) and considered the history of the region.

Brown was also one of the featured artists in an International group exhibition at the Sharp Hands Gallery, which celebrated educators in collage. The exhibition highlighted the work of several accomplished artists, including Michael Toti, Lyz Wendland, Miranda Millward, Craig van den Bosch, Ann E. Lawton, and of course, Aimée Henny Brown. The exhibition was curated by Cheryl Chudyk and Kevin Sampsell.

Brown’s contributions to the art world have not gone unnoticed, and she was recently invited to participate as a guest panellist at the Artists at Work Symposium, hosted by the Kent Harrison Arts Council at the Ranger Station Art Gallery. During the symposium, Brown and other artists shared their experiences, including both successes and failures, inspiring attendees with valuable insights into the challenges and rewards of pursuing a creative life.

Looking ahead, Brown has been awarded an artist residency with PADA Studios in Barreiro, Portugal, in August 2023. Her research, conducted during an initial ROSA research + project phase, has led to her residency, where she will continue her exploration of artist books, possible architectures, and speculative futures with peer mentors, curators, and other artists. Overall, Brown’s art reflects her ability to blend traditional and contemporary techniques while exploring themes of folklore, history, and imagination.

School of Culture, Media and Society

Dr. Satwinder Bains, Director of SASI and SCMS Associate Professor and Thamilini Jothilingam co-presented a paper titled “Connecting the Dots: Building Support for GLAM Partners in Digital Repository Networks with Arca/British Columbia Electronic Library Network” at the Archives Association of BC conference. Their work highlighted SACDA’s collections, archival strategy, and open access. Along with Alisa Sohi, Dr. Bains and Thamilini Jothilingam also led a metadata creation workshop based on SACDA collections at the ConnectED 2023 conference at UFV.

On April 19th, Historica Canada released a Heritage Minute about Paldi, a welcoming and inclusive town founded by immigrants on Vancouver Island, BC. The Paldi Heritage Minute is the first to be released in Punjabi (in addition to English and French). SASI Director Dr. Satwinder Bains was on set during the shooting as a historical consultant.

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Faculty Publications & Projects | February 2023

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Arts and Integrated Studies

Dr. Ho has also participated in interviews across a diverse range of media platforms:

Communications

  • Communications Department Head and Associate Professor Dr. Rashad Mammadov co-authored a manuscript titled “Russian Journalists and the ‘Great Patriotic War of the Soviet Union’” published in the Journal of Slavic Military Studies. The article focuses on the role of Russian journalists and their reporting during World War II.
  • Communications Sessional Instructor Dr. Adam Vincent guest edited an academic journal for their special issue on arts-based educational research (ABER) and wrote the editorial (published in Dec 2022): Vincent, A. (2022). The Way of Rigorous Aesthetics. Transformative Dialogues: Teaching and Learning Journal, 15(2).

Criminology and Criminal Justice

  • Criminology Assistant Professor Dr. Mark Kersten was interviewed by the Globe and Mail on global criminal justice. Dickson, J. (2023, January 25). S. ambassador for global criminal justice ready to play long game with Russia.
  • Criminology Associate Professor Dr. Jon Heidt published a book on cannabis. Wheeldon, J., & Heidt, J. (2023). Cannabis criminology. Routledge Taylor and Francis Group. 
  • Criminology Professor Emeritus Dr. Yvon Dandurand authored a report on organized crime. Dandurand, Y., Bird Ruiz Benitez de Lugo, L., Madueke, K., & Zombre, O. (2023, January). Building resilience to organised crime: A policy review. ECOWAS Commission. Commission de la Cedeao Comissão da Cedeao.
    • Dandurand also presented at a seminar on organized crime. Dandurand, Y., Bird Ruiz Benitez de Lugo, L., Madueke, K., & Zombre, O. (2023, January 31). Resilience to organized crime: new insights from West Africa. ECOWAS Commission. Commission de la Cedeao Comissão da Cedeao.
  • Criminology Associate Professors Drs. Amanda McCormick and Irwin Cohen presented at the Western Society of Criminology Annual Conference. McCormick, A.V., Cohen, I.C., Davies, G., & Haarhoff, T. (2023, February 4). The perils of using police data to understand criminal pathways. Paper presented at the Western Society of Criminology Annual Conference, Vancouver, BC, February 2-4, 2023.
  • Criminology Assistant Professor Dr. Carlos Ponce presented at the Western Society of Criminology Annual Conference. Ponce, C. (2023, February 4). Doubling up to maintain control: Redundancy in the execution of an extortion racket in El Salvador. Paper presented at the Western Society of Criminology Annual Conference, Vancouver, BC, February 2-4, 2023.
  • Criminology Associate Professor Dr. Stanislav Vysotsky presented at the Western Society of Criminology Annual Conference. Vysotsky, S. (2023, February 3). Hard and soft targets: Counter-protest, violence, and far-right strategy. Paper presented at the Western Society of Criminology Annual Conference, Vancouver, BC, February 2-4, 2023.

Global Development Studies

  • Dr. Geetanjali Gill, Assistant Professor in Global Development Studies, and Dr. Rita Dhungel, Assistant Professor in Social Work, have obtained $472,442 from the New Frontiers in Research Fund for their project, “Participatory Action Research with female sex-trafficking survivors living with HIV/AIDS in Nepal: addressing intersectional gender oppression and advocating for well-being and inclusion”.

Modern Languages

  • In observance of Black History Month, the Modern Languages Department’s French Associate Professor, Dr. Ghizlane Laghzaoui, organized a workshop on “African Storytelling” in collaboration with Jean-Pierre Makosso. Mr. Makosso is a celebrated theatre director, actor, writer, and storyteller who was a featured guest in the workshop, held on February 14.

Philosophy

  • The Philosophy department held a Publication Celebration on February 9, which featured Philosophy Associate Professor Dr. Wayne Henry’s forthcoming book, “A Philosopher’s Guide to Natural Capitalism: A Sustainable Future Within Reach.” The book is scheduled to be released on July 7, 2023, by Routledge.
  • Philosophy LTA Instructor Dr. Joseph Carew presented at the last PHIL Café on February 16. His talk titled “Hegel on the Logic of Human Life” summarizes several key themes of Dr. Carew’s new interpretation of Hegel’s logic.

Political Science

  • Dr. Edward Akuffo, Head of the Political Science Department, was a featured expert at a recent webinar organized by the Africa Study Group of the Canadian International Council. The webinar centred on the Canadian government’s proposed Canada Africa Strategy, and Dr. Akuffo specifically presented on the peace and security aspect of the proposed strategy.

School of Creative Arts

  • Assistant Professor, Foundations, 3D, and Extended Media Aimée Henny Brown was a guest panellist at Artists in the Archive: Collage and Place in Archives, hosted by Kolaj Institute and the Henry Shelby Museum, in Middlebury, Vermont. Her presentation addressed how artists and galleries can employ resources from the past, such as archives and collections, as ways to instigate research and practices of imagining possible futures. The webinar accompanied their exhibition Artists in the Archive: Community, History and Collage.Aimee was also a guest speaker at the ACT Art Gallery in Maple Ridge and delivered a talk titled “Projecting Outwards:” which imagined possible futures through collage and accompanied their exhibition Intricate Arrangements. A public lecture was held on February 4, 2023.Additionally, Aimée has been awarded an artist residency with PADA Studios in Barreiro, Portugal, in August 2023. Based on the research performed through an initial ROSA research + project phase she will continue her research on-site with studio mentors and artist collaborators to further the exploration of artist books, possible architectures, and speculative futures.
  • SoCA’s School Director Dr. Heather Davis-Fisch was awarded a SSHRC Insight Development Grant, valued at $62,908, for the project, Performance in the Pacific Northwest. With collaborator Sasha Kovacs (University of Victoria), she is investigating the role of theatrical and non-theatrical performance practices in the establishment of settler colonial structures in the Pacific Northwest and the ways that artifacts and documents in galleries, libraries, archives, and museums can be reinterpreted to contribute to understandings of settler colonial practices.