Current Student
Program/Degree: Languages, Cultures and Literacies, PhD

I am a Bangladeshi international student in my first year PhD in the LCL programme. I have worked as a lecturer in the Bangladeshi higher education sector for more than six years before starting my PhD in 2017. I completed my MA in Applied Linguistics from the UK and I did my undergraduate in English Literature in Bangladesh. My language teaching experience in Bangladesh molded my research interests in the field of language and identity and motivated me to pursue Doctoral studies.

Please tell us how you first discovered your program.

I found out about the programme through a web search for doctoral programmes. I searched for programmes based on my research interests and the faculty profile view led me to this programme.

Please tell us why you chose the Faculty of Education at SFU for your studies.

The faculty of education at SFU, especially LCL, is a diverse programme that encompasses my research interests and offers extensive teaching and training to build a specific knowledge base and research skills. At the same time, the programme offers the necessary freedom to explore outside my specific research area to have an enriching experience essential for a prospective researcher.

Who is a faculty member you have enjoyed working with and why?

My pro-term supervisor is Dr. Huamei Han.  I have also had courses with Dr. Steve Marshall, Dr. Roumi Ilieva, and Dr. Suzanne Smythe. I am taking courses with Dr. Huamei Han and Dr. Angel Lin this term.  I sincerely thank all the professors as they made my experience at SFU a memorable one.

What inspires you to learn and continue your education?

Before starting the PhD, it was my teaching experience which led me to yearn for further education. After joining the PhD programme, I have been introduced to several theories I did not know of. New concepts and perspectives, urge me to learn more and the environment at SFU motivates me further to continue education.

What would you say to prospective students who are considering graduate school in the Faculty of Education?

There are several programmes at the Faculty of Education. I would say having a clear understanding about their research interests may help when it comes to choosing a specific programme.