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May to November News | Faculty Projects and Publications | UFV College of Arts

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May to November News at the College of Arts

Check out what our faculty at the College of Arts have been up to from May to November 2024!

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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Philosophy

  • Philosophy Associate Professor Dr. Glen Baier presented at the 2024 Friedrich Nietzsche Society conference at the University of Verona, in Verona, Italy. It was entitled “Nietzsche in the Anthropocene” and it ran from July 25-27. Dr Glen presented a paper entitled “Sin, Alienation, and Tragic Art. The Problem of Nature in Nietzsche’s Birth of Tragedy”.

 

  • In August 2024, UFV student Nicky Whitehouse gave a presentation at the 25th World Congress of Philosophy in Rome along with co-authors UFV Philosophy faculty member Anastasia Anderson and Abbotsford School District teachers (and UFV alumni) Elizabeth Wilson and Karla Toro-Chacon (in absentia). The co-authors’ research was inspired by their work in philosophy for children through the UFV Philosophy department and UFV Centre for Philosophy for Children and their experiences with the Thinking Playground summer camps. The 25th World Congress of Philosophy had approximately 5000 attendees from all over the world and showcased presentations on a wide range of philosophical topics.

 

English

  • English Associate Professor Dr. Alex Wetmore presented a paper titled “Springs of Emotion” at the Canadian Society for Eighteenth-Century Studiesin Fall 2023, on figurative allusions to spring-regulated clockwork mechanisms in sentimental literature, related to his current book project on the intersections of emotion, literature and technology, 1660-1830.

 

  • English sessional instructor Dr. Carl Peters will be presenting two papers at the MLA in New Orleans: “Poe Dies on Netflix: Life Is a Narrative & The Crisis of Narration: The Tell-Tale Heart” (sponsored by Poe Studies Association) and another on contingency: “Art & Fear: Reflection on Self-Recognition, Disillusioned Maturity, and Moral Steadfastness in the Midst of a Bad Situation” (sponsored by MLA Committee on Contingent Labor in the Profession). The MLA also accepted for publication “I Wanted to Teach a Poem,” to be included in a book on William Carlos Williams: Approaches to Teaching the Poetry and Prose of William Carlos Williams, published by the MLA scheduled for 2025.

 

  • Fraser Valley Writers’ Festival took place November 1-2 in Evered Hall. We welcomed Angela Sterritt and Billy-Ray Belcourt as keynote speakers, with panel discussions and workshops led by important Canadian authors offered to students and the public free of charge.

 

Modern Languages

  • Spanish Associate Professor Maria de Luna presented in two conferences. The first one was “A 2900 Millas de Distancia: Voces de Migrantes Temporales en un Mundo de Fronteras LingĂŒĂ­sticas.” – Paper presented at Lengua, Identidad y Racismo: un Enfoque LingĂŒĂ­stico/Language, Identity and Racismo: a Linguistic Approach, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland. The second one was “Identidad, TradiciĂłn y Creatividad: Integrando la Cultura Popular en la Enseñanza del Español LE/L2/LH.” – Workshop presented at 34th Congreso Internacional de la AsociaciĂłn Para la Enseñanza del Español como Lengua Extranjera (ASELE), Edinburgh University, Edinburgh, Scotland.

 

  • The Head of the Department of Modern Languages, Dr. Molleen Shilliday, presented their work in two occasions. The first one was called “Trauma Based Adaptations.” APFUCC ((l’Association des professeur.e.s de français des universitĂ©s et collĂšges canadiens) Congress of the Humanities and Social Sciences. MontrĂ©al, June 2024. The second presentation was called “Extreme Adaptations”, presented at 58thannual Comparative Literature Conference at California State Long Beach. April 2024.

 

Political Science

  • Political Science Associate Professor Dr. Edward Akuffo accepted an invitation to appear as an expert witness in front of  the Standing Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade for its study on Canada’s engagement and interests in Africa on October 2, 2024.

 

  • Dr. Akuffo was featured in University Affairs magazine, where he discussed how his passion for global politics has inspired innovative approaches to international relations. The article explores his work in bridging the gap between Canada and Africa, and his efforts to foster new dialogues in diplomacy and conflict resolution.

 

Criminology and Criminal Justice

  • Associate Professor Dr.  Carlos Ponce co-authored an article on drug policy. Bouchard, M., & Ponce, C. (in press). Structuring adaptations: Resilience, restrictive deterrence, and the Cunningham precursor control papers. International Journal of Drug Policy.

 

  • Associate Professor Dr. Carlos Ponce presented at a webinar on July 30, 2024 by the American Chamber of Commerce in El Salvador, “Prospective Security Analysis: Exploring Potential Crime Scenarios in El Salvador.”

 

  • Professor Emeritus Yvon Dandurand was a keynote speaker at the Borderlands of Criminal Law Conference held at the University of Windsor’s Faculty of Law. Mr. Dandurand spoke on “The Future of International Cooperation in Criminal Matters” on June 20, 2024.

 

  • Professor Emeritus Yvon Dandurand co-authored an article on the treatment of child victims and witnesses. Le, D. H. T., & Dandurand, Y. (in press). Improving the treatment of child victims and witnesses of crime in the Vietnamese justice system: Unfinished reforms. International Journal for the Semiotics of Law.

 

  • Professor Emeritus Yvon Dandurand presented on September 25, 2024 to the Eastern Caribbean Development Partners’ Group Meeting on Citizen Security, “Crime Prevention and Response Interventions in CARICOM Countries: A Gap Analysis on Behalf of Global Affairs Canada.”

 

Graphic and Digital Design

  • The Graphic and Digital Design (GDD) department and Assistant Professor Trevor Embury host a public seminar series called Counterforms – Practices, Theories, and Methods, happening on Wednesday, October 9th at 6-8pm – UFV Abbotsford, Room C1422. The initiative invites students to explore the complexities of design across its various modalities, from practice and activism to discipline and ways of knowing, and beyond.

 

Psychology

 

 

Social Justice

 

  • Dr. Geetanjali Gill, Associate Professor Global Development Studies, presented in the following conferences:
    • 1 -Photovoice: Aiming for Impact 2024 Conference, Photovoice Worldwide, Oct. 17, 2024. Presentation title: “Photovoice with youth in Mali and Senegal for research on youth agency and empowerment, evaluation, and advocacy”;
    • 2 – New Frontiers in Research Fund Midterm Forum, Sept. 12-13, 2024. Presentation title: “Impact, Knowledge Dissemination and Institutionalizing Change: 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”;
    • 3 – Featured speaker at: Pathways to Gender Equality Conference, SPUR Change, Inter-Council Network, and Government of Canada, Ottawa, Nov. 7, 2024. Presentation title: “Small Steps, Big Results: small and medium organizations advancing gender equality.”

 

  • Chelsea Klassen, Global Development Studies Sessional Instructor, presented at UK Development Studies Association 2024 Conference, June 26, 2024. Presentation title: “’Bad Girls’: Using the aspiration cycle of women’s sports in Afghanistan (and beyond)”. Her presentation was also highlighted in the DSA’s article, “Social Justice in Many forms at DSA 2024.”

 

  • Chelsea Klassen was a guest lecturer at WJ Mouat Social Justice 12 class on Oct. 22 and Oct. 29, 2024. GDS 100 students are also virtually making presentations on different global conflicts to the Social Justice 12 students.

 

School of Creative Arts

  • The School of Creative Arts (SOCA) featured an exhibition called Portals into Nature on the S’eliyemetaxwtexw Art Gallery. This is a group exhibition exploring the evolving relationship between humans and nature. Through sculpture, photography, and mixed media, the artists reflect on transition, transformation, and the passage of time. Each piece acts as a portal into overlooked or forgotten moments, bridging the gap between urban life and nature. Featuring works by Megan Ali, Jacqueline Pan, Devin Pigeau, Yukun Lin, Cobi Timmermans, Arty Urdabayev, and Ruby Woo, and curated by SoCA student Megan Ali and recent graduate Yukun Lin.

 

  • Presented by the UFV SOCA Acting and Production Classes, The Paper Bag Princess is based on the popular and beloved children’s book, The Paper Bag Princess © 1980 Bob Munsch Enterprises Ltd (text) and Michael Martchenko (art), published by Annick Press. This production was built in partnership with the Chilliwack Cultural Centre, that is hosting a few performances in their Rotary Hall Studio Theatre.

 

Community Health and Social Innovation (CHASI) Hub

  • UFV Changemaking debuts at Community Showcase – UFV debuted its changemaking efforts at the celebration of St’elt’elawtexw, the university’s annual community report. The Community Health and Social Innovation Hub supported these efforts, with students speaking with community members about what changemaking meant to them. These responses were brought together in a beautiful graphic recording capturing the evening’s discussions artistically.

 

  • CHASI research shows VisionQuest program reduces criminal recidivism by 55% – A new report from CHASI looks at VisionQuest‘s substance use treatment program in Logan Lake, B.C. The report, prepared by Dr. Darryl Plecas, Dr. Martha Dow, and Chelsea Klassen, MA, found that the program demonstrated capacity to reduce collective crimes committed by 55%, and suggests that the VisionQuest program has the potential to reduce the overrepresentation of Indigenous individuals in the criminal justice system.

 

Social, Cultural, & Media Studies

  • Dr. Beaulieu presented Reconciliation in Action Award – On September 24, Dr. Sarah Beaulieu, a UFV SCMS assistant professor and CHASI Faculty Associate, was honoured with the Reconciliation in Action award at the DIVERSEcity Awards of Impact in Surrey. Her ongoing work supporting Indigenous communities in their search for unmarked graves has led to international attention on the history of Canada’s Indian Residential School system.

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.

Cultivating Creativity and Shaping Chilliwack’s Arts Scene: Jean-Louis Bleau and the Chilliwack Cultural Centre

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Jean-Louis Bleau is a versatile professional whose career has woven through various roles in the arts sector. Currently serving as the Executive Director of the Chilliwack Cultural Centre, his journey encompasses experiences as an arts administrator, music artistic director, professional conductor, and university educator. Beyond his professional achievements, Jean-Louis finds inspiration in sailing, running, and other water-related sports, activities that ground him and fuel his creativity.

“My motivation to pursue a career in the creative arts sector is rooted in my experiences and professional journey.  As an arts administrator and artistic director, I have seen firsthand the profound impact that the arts can have on individuals and communities. The ability to spark creativity, facilitate collaboration, and drive cultural development has been incredibly fulfilling.”

At the Chilliwack Cultural Centre, Jean-Louis oversees a diverse range of programs aimed at enriching the cultural fabric of the community. His dedication stems from a desire to create meaningful experiences, support emerging talents, and contribute to a vibrant cultural landscape.

“Working here has allowed me to curate diverse and engaging programs, which has only deepened my commitment to this field,” he adds.

One of the highlights of Jean-Louis’s tenure has been his involvement with practicum students from the University of the Fraser Valley (UFV).

“Supervising practicum students in a student-led festival has been a deeply rewarding experience. These exceptional students were proactive and required only minimal guidance.”

The TakeOver Festival was a student-led festival that has proven instrumental in engaging the community through unique performances, enhancing cultural offerings, and strengthening ties with local residents. Through hands-on involvement, students gained practical experience in organizing and executing major events, refining their skills in project management, teamwork, and creative problem-solving.

“This experience not only provides them with a platform to showcase their talents but also builds confidence in their abilities, essential for their professional development,” he emphasizes.

Reflecting on the impact on the organization and the community, Jean-Louis highlights the benefits of integrating student perspectives and innovations into their programming.

“For our organization, it brings fresh ideas and enriches our events. For the community, it fosters an inclusive environment where emerging talents are celebrated, and diverse voices are heard. Witnessing the diversity of plays and films, feeling the energy in the lobby, and marvelling at the talents of the performers was a fantastic and inspiring experience,” Jean-Louis concludes.

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.

April News | Faculty Projects and Publications | UFV College of Arts

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April News at the College of Arts

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

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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Criminology and Criminal Justice

History

Philosophy

  • Dr. Anna Cook, Assistant Professor and Head of the Philosophy Department, has contributed a chapter to “The Bloomsbury Handbook of Pragmatism.” Her chapter, titled “Pragmatism and Indigenous Philosophy,” is a part of Part IV of the book which focuses on Pragmatism in the Multicultural World.

Political Science

  • Political Science Assistant Professor Dr. Simon Lambek has published a research article in the Canadian Journal of Political Science. Lambek S. The Constitutive Power of Public Debate. Canadian Journal of Political Science. 2024;57(1):156-173. doi:10.1017/S000842392300077X

Psychology

Faculty Projects | March 2024

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Criminology & Criminal Justice

  • Criminology Associate Professors Dr. Irwin Cohen and Dr. Amanda McCormick wrote a report on the use of restorative justice in power-based crimes. Cohen, I.M., Plecas, D., McCormick, A.V., De Jager, T., Davies, G., & Dawson, S. (2024). The Effects of Police Pre-Charge Restorative Justice on Future Criminal Involvement and the Use of Restorative Justice in Cases Related to Power-Based Crimes. Report for Public Safety Solicitor General. Centre for Public Safety and Criminal Justice Research.
  • Criminology Associate Professor Dr. Jon Heidt co-authored a book on cannabis control. Heidt, J., & Wheeldon, J. (2023). Visions of Cannabis Control. Oxford University Press.
  • Criminology Assistant Professor Dr. Mark Kersten submitted a brief to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development on the role of Canada in investigating and prosecuting international crimes and violations of human rights law.
    • Kersten was also interviewed by CBC News and The Breach Show on January 26 about the recent International Court of Justice decision.
    • He also contributed to the Toronto Star on the recent issue before the International Court of Justice.
  • Criminology Assistant Professor Dr. Carlos Ponce was interviewed by SBS on the role of the state of emergency in El Salvador and its impact on the upcoming presidential and legislative elections.
    • Dr. Ponce was also interviewed by elsalvador.com about the secret negotiations between public officials and gang leaders in El Salvador and their potential effects on the elections.

History

Political Science

  • Political Science Assistant Professor Dr. Simon Lambek published an article: Simon Lambek, “The Constitutive Power of Public Debate”, Canadian Journal of Political Science. 57, no.1 (2024), doi:10.1017/S000842392300077X

Psychology

  • Psychology Assistant Professor Dr. Kristina Gicas published a research article: Differential sensitivity of intraindividual variability dispersion and global cognition in the prediction of functional outcomes and mortality in precariously housed and homeless adults. The Clinical Neuropsychologist. 1-24. 5 Mar. 2024.
    • Dr. Gicas also co-authored an article: Tang, V. M., Zawertailo, L., Selby, P., Zangen, A., Mehta, D., George, T.P., Le Foll, B., Gicas, K. M., Sloan, M.E., Veldhuizen, S. (2024). Identifying clinical predictors of response to repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation for smoking cessation: Secondary analysis of a multicenter RCT. Brain Stimulation, 17(1), 137-139. doi: 10.1016/j.brs.2024.01.008

School of Communication

  • School of Communication Associate Professor Dr. Jeffrey Orr co-edited a collection that explores the Canada-US border through a variety of theoretical, cultural, and literary approaches and aims to contextualize cultures and communities within a wider global understanding of border thinking.

School of Creative Arts

  • From The University of Toronto Press (UTP) the Summer 2023 issue of The Canadian Theatre Review (Vol. 195) is on Performance and Pathography. Combining the words ‘pathology’ and ‘biography,’ pathographies are illness narratives that explore the intersections of health, identity, and storytelling. Edited by Visual Arts faculty Dr. Candace Couse and former SoCA school director and current Dean of Fine Arts, University of Lethbridge, Dr. Heather Davis-Fisch, the issue unites several scholars across Canada. Contributors to this issue take up poetry, visual arts, dance, theory, performance, comedy, scriptwriting and more to explore valuable perspectives on coping mechanisms, resilience, and the human experience in the face of adversity.

 

Faculty Publications & Projects | January 2024

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Criminology and Criminal Justice

  • Criminology Associate Professor Dr. Jon Heidt co-authored a publication on cannabis and international criminology. Wheeldon, J., & Heidt, J. (in press). Cannabis and international criminology: Tolerance, aversion, and legal technical assistance. Crime, Law, and Social Change.
  • Criminology Assistant Professor Dr. Carlos Ponce was interviewed on December 9, 2023, by News Talk 980 CKNW to discuss the increase in extortion cases in BC. The interview highlighted current trends and patterns in extortion, different types of extortion, and its potential impact on our community.
  • Criminology Associate Professor Dr. Hayli Millar’s chapter on prosecuting trafficking in persons offences is available through Fernwood Publishing. O’Doherty, T., & Millar, H. (in press). Prosecuting Trafficking in Persons Offences: Problems and Pitfalls in the Post-PCEPA Era. In K. Roots, A. De Shalit, & E. van der Meulen (eds.), Trafficking Harms: Critical Politics, Perspectives and Experiences.
  • Criminology Associate Professor Dr. Amanda McCormick presented a webinar for the Research and Education for Solutions to Violence and Abuse (RESOLVE) Network on the topic “Enhancing System Responses to Survivors and Perpetrators of Strangulation in Intimate Partner Violence.”
    • Dr. McCormick also conducted another webinar Associate for the Connect Centre for Research on Violence and Harm at the University of Central Lancashire in the UK. McCormick, A. (2023, November 8). Recognizing and Responding to Strangulation and Brain Injury Among Victims/Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence.
    • She also presented “Coercive Control in Intimate Partner Relationships” at the Abbotsford ACCESS Agency Awareness and Connection Breakfast as part of the Purple Lights Nights theme on intimate partner violence.
    • Additionally, she spoke at the Be Safe, Be Well community event in Abbotsford on October 18, 2023.
  • The following Criminology professors presented papers at the latest American Society of Criminology Conference held in Philadelphia, PA:
    • Associate Professor Dr. Amanda McCormick: McCormick, A. (2023, November). Police Responses to Intimate Partner Violence with Indigenous Populations. Paper presented at the American Society of Criminology Annual Conference, Philadelphia, PA, November 15-18, 2023.
    • Associate Professor Dr. Carlos Ponce: Ponce, C. (2023, November). #PunitivePopulism: An Examination of Retweet Networks That Promote Criminal Justice Abuses in El Salvador. Paper presented at the American Society of Criminology Annual Conference, Philadelphia, PA, November 15-18, 2023.
    • Associate Professor Dr. Jon Heidt: Heidt, J., & Wheeldon, J. (2023, November). Cannabis Research: Criminology, Ethics, and Evidence. Paper presented at the American Society of Criminology Annual Conference, Philadelphia, PA, November 15-18, 2023.
    • Associate Professor Dr. Stanislav Vysotsky: Vysotsky, S. (2023, November). Beyond Anomie: Modernizing and Applying Subculture Theory in Criminology. Paper presented at the American Society of Criminology Annual Conference, Philadelphia, PA, November 15-18, 2023.
  • Criminology Assistant Professor Dr. Mark Kersten testified as part of a witness panel for the House of Commons Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development. Dr. Kersten testified on Canada’s commitment to international law and the prosecution of international crimes.

Modern Languages

  • On January 12th, MOLA’s Department Head Dr. Alan Cameron and French Sessional Instructor Andrew Iverson visited grades 11 and 12 classes at WJ Mouat’s École Secondaire school to promote UFV’s French studies program and inform prospective students of the 10 new French entry scholarships available to them.

Philosophy

Psychology

Political Science

  • The Political Science department organized a very successful POLITALK on November 9, 2023. They welcomed speakers from the Canadian Armed Forces, LCol Jesse van Eijk and Major Jurgen Miranda, who spoke on the topic “Canada’s land force commitment to NATO and Ukraine in Europe through Operations Reassurance and Unifier.”
  • Political Science Department Head and Associate Professor Dr. Edward Akuffo participated as a panelist in a hybrid symposium organized by the Peace and Reconciliation Centre at the University of the Fraser Valley and Utrecht University on November 28, 2023. The symposium’s theme was “Beyond Reductionism: Trans-Atlantic Perspectives on the Israel-Hamas War 2023,” Dr. Akuffo’s presentation was titled: “Israel-Hamas War and the Tragedy of International Law.”
  • Political Science Assistant Professor Dr. Noah S. Schwartz travelled to Ottawa in October to appear as an expert witness before the Senate Committee on National Security and Defense (SECD) as they studied Bill C-21.
  • Political Science Assistant Professor Dr. Simon Lambek’s article: “Comedy as Dissonant Rhetoric” was published in the November 2023 volume 49, issue 9 edition of Philosophy and Socialism Criticism.

School of Communication

Theatre

  • Climate Change Theatre Action (CCTA), a global initiative aligning with the United Nations’ COP meetings, involves fifty professional playwrights creating short plays on climate change. UFV Theatre participated by staging pop-up readings and performances on their Abbotsford campus, marking their third year in the event. Various classes, including Movement for Living (THEA 210), Digital Performance (THEA 311), and Acting Skills for Work and Life (THEA 111), presented movement-based works, digital performances, and staged readings, respectively, inspired by the 2023 CCTA catalogue. Notably, individuals like Taya Viger, Han Wood, Raven Turchinetz, Hazel Franklin, and Bella Dimano contributed by presenting selected pieces from the catalogue, contributing to the global dialogue on climate change awareness.

Faculty Publications & Projects | October 2023

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Criminology and Criminal Justice

  • Criminology Associate Professor Dr. Hayli Millar wrote a report on children’s rights and the sentencing of parents. Millar, H. (2023, August). Children’s Rights and the Sentencing of Parents Facing Criminal Sanctions. International Centre for Criminal Law Reform and Criminal Justice Policy.
    • Milar and Criminology Professor Emeritus Yvon Dandurand wrote a report on the best interests of the child in sentencing. Millar, H., Dandurand, Y., Chin, V., Bayes, S., Capp, M., Fowler, R., Jahn, J., Pickering, B., & Castle, A. (2023). Considering the Best Interests of the Child in Sentencing and Other Decisions Concerning Parents Facing Criminal Sanctions: An Overview for Practitioners. International Centre for Criminal Law Reform and Criminal Justice Policy.
    • Millar presented at the European Society of Criminology and Criminal Justice Annual Meeting on human rights. O’Doherty, T., & Millar, H. (2023, September 8). Panel Presentation, Implementing the Palermo Protocol in Canada: Implications for Human Rights and Fundamental Principles of Justice. European Society of Criminology and Criminal Justice Annual Meeting, EUROCRIM 2023, Florence, Italy.
    • Millar also co-authored a submission to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice. Millar, H., O’Doherty, T., Roots, K., Sibley, M., & van der Meulen, E. (2023, June 15). Submission to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice, Bill S-224: An Act to Amend the Criminal Code (Trafficking in Persons).
  • Criminology Assistant Professor Dr. Mark Kersten presented at a conference on transitional justice for children organized by the University of Saskatchewan. Kersten, M. (2023, October 27). Atrocities Against Children in Settler Contexts: What, If Anything, Does Transitional Justice Tell Us?
  • Criminology Assistant Professor Dr. Carlos Ponce was interviewed by Voz PĂșblica about wrongful convictions in El Salvador.
  • Assistant Professor Dr. Mark Kersten contributed a media article on atrocities in Palestine and Israel. Kersten, M. (2023, October 12). The ICC prosecutor needs to break his silence on Israel-Palestine.
  • Criminology Professor Emeritus Yvon Dandurand gave a lecture on criminological studies and research in Canada at the Center for Criminology and Criminal Law Research at the Vietnam National University, Hanoi – University of Law.

Philosophy

  • Philosophy Associate Professor Dr. Glen Baier presented his paper, “I Scream, You Scream, We All Scream: Nietzsche’s Lyric, Artaud’s Double and the Self as Pain” at the Friedrich Nietzsche Society Annual Conference in Lausanne, Switzerland, September 14-16. The theme of the conference was “Nietzsche and the Lyric”.

Psychology

  • Psychology Assistant Professor Dr. Kristina Gicas presented “Strategies to Optimize Cognitive Functioning” at CERA Day to celebrate the International Day of Older Persons.
  • Two psychology undergraduate students, Ekam Banipal and Ariel Dennison-Hardy presented a poster at the Western Canadian Conference on Undergraduate Research and Psychology (CURP) last month, which took place at the University of British Columbia Okanagan. The research they presented examined the link between children’s rights and their beliefs about education and was conducted under the supervision of Dr. Michelle Superle (Associate Professor, Department of English) and Dr. Madison Pesowski (Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology). They had a great time discussing the project and meeting other students and faculty.