I am a PhD candidate currently researching the relationship between media production education, media work cultures and systems of oppression. Outside of SFU, I am a full time instructor at Capilano University in the departments of Communications, Motion Picture Arts, and Women’s and Gender Studies. Before teaching at Capilano, I was a film and television producer and executive for Canadian and international productions. My work engages critical and decolonial pedagogy, social justice education practices, critical whiteness studies, feminist and queer theory, and media and cultural studies. When I’m not working, you can find me in the mountains hiking, biking or skiing. 

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO COME TO SFU?

I wanted to study educational issues with a specific focus on equity and social justice, and the Equity Studies Stream of the Educational Theory and Practice Program gives me this opportunity. I also wanted to study with my senior supervisor, Dr. Özlem Sensoy, as I was inspired by her book co-written with Dr. Elizabeth Marshall, Rethinking Popular Culture and Media. Working with Dr. Sensoy guides my work in combining critical education and media studies. Lastly, as I already live and work in the Lower Mainland, it was a bonus to be able to stay home for my studies!

TELL US ABOUT YOUR RESEARCH AND/OR PROGRAM.

We frequently hear news stories about toxic, discriminatory and/or violent workplace cultures in the entertainment and media industries, and we hear about social movements like #metoo, #timesup, or #oscarssowhite in response to these serious problems in media cultures. If the media industries perpetuate harmful stereotypes in front of cameras, and if they maintain toxic or violent work cultures behind cameras, what are media production training programs teaching their students? Is there a connection between media work culture and media production training?

WHAT ARE YOU PARTICULARLY ENJOYING ABOUT YOUR STUDIES/RESEARCH AT SFU?

Rich scholars to engage with in the education faculty, and from other faculties!