Devan Prithipaul is enrolled in the Global Communication Double Degree MA program at SFU. His research is on subcultures and the semiotic potential for ordinary objects. His background is in Cultural Studies and critical theory and he enjoys applying these theories to contemporary issues such as COVID-19 and technological development.

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO COME TO SFU?

I came to SFU because of the strength of the reputation of the Communication department.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR RESEARCH OR YOUR PROGRAM TO A FAMILY MEMBER?

My current research project is on hospitality and COVID-19. By hospitality I am not referring to hotels and restaurants but more to a question of how an individual treats both their community (made up of people whom they know), and strangers (made up of people whom they do not know).

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

I enjoy the academic and professional opportunities which come from being a part of the SFU community. I have also been getting involved with the Teaching Support Staff Union (TSSU) and advocate for the rights of teaching assistants (among others) across the university.

Contact Devan: dprithip@sfu.ca