Entering the digital landscape: Uncovering a passion for marketing
By Angelica Largo, Marketing and Communications
When Mia visited Canada for the first time at age 15, she was instantly drawn to the natural beauty of the country and the friendliness of its people. At the time Mia was still exploring future career options, so she set her sights on travelling while searching for the right profession. She left her home in the Philippines to study in Beijing and learn Mandarin, then went to New York to study fashion. But still, something was missing and the idea of studying in Canada lingered in the back of her mind.
While working as an employee engagement specialist for a tech company in the Philippines, Mia realized she still didn’t feel fulfilled in her career and decided it was time to return to school and try something new. She had already dipped her toe into the realm of social media management but sought a deeper understanding of the digital landscape. With the aspiration of returning to Canada and the goal of gaining more knowledge about digital marketing, Mia made the decision to leave her home country to pursue her dreams.
Broadening horizons through international education
Eager to explore new opportunities, Mia found that Douglas’s Post-Baccalaureate Diploma in Digital Marketing offered a quick and practical education.
“As soon as I saw courses included in the program, like social media, digital marketing and promotions, I was hooked,” she says. “I knew that I’d have the opportunity to learn about topics that would prepare me for the real world, so it was an easy choice.”
With an eye for emerging trends and an interest in the world of social media marketing, she immersed herself in her classes and was eager to find her place in the dynamic field of digital marketing.
Mia’s journey at Douglas took a transformative turn when she seized the opportunity to participate in the Baden-Württemberg Cooperative State University (DHBW) field school – another international opportunity that shaped her professional trajectory. During the 12-day guided study tour at the German university, Mia met other students from around the world, visited multinational companies like Microsoft and explored nearby cities Paris and Karlsruhe.
“The field school was a game changer for me,” she says. “Being in unfamiliar territory pushed me out of my comfort zone, but it’s in those moments of discomfort that we truly grow.”
From learning how businesses operate abroad to cultural immersion in Germany, Mia took every opportunity to expand her worldview and refine her digital marketing skills. The field school not only enriched Mia’s academic journey but also catalyzed her professional development, instilling valuable skills such as adaptability, cultural competency and effective time management. Armed with a newfound sense of confidence and a broader perspective, Mia returned to Douglas ready to tackle new challenges.
Elevating the digital landscape
Mia’s academic journey continued to flourish as she delved into courses like e-commerce marketing, which equipped her with practical skills essential for the workforce like global market analysis. Through hands-on projects, Mia learned the intricacies of digital marketing strategies, from search engine optimization to Shopify implementation.
Her professional journey intertwined seamlessly with her studies as she assumed the role of Marketing Manager at the Vancouver Circus School, where she applied her newfound digital marketing skills with ease. “My employer trusts my suggestions because I am in such a specialized program. It’s rewarding to directly apply what I’m learning in the classroom to my workplace,” she says.
As Mia approaches the end of her program at Douglas College, her sights are set on a future filled with possibilities. “While studying in Canada initially seemed daunting, it’s led to so many opportunities where I’ve learned to grow outside of my comfort zone,” she says.
With aspirations to establish her own digital marketing agency and empower fellow Filipinos through meaningful employment opportunities, Mia is poised to make a lasting impact in the world of digital marketing.
Interested in Marketing at Douglas College? Visit our website to learn more:
Shaping tomorrow: How this Nursing student is part of a new health-care generation focused on mental well-being
By Maggie Clark, Marketing and Communications
In recent years, the challenge of nursing as a career has only become more difficult. From heavy workloads and overtime to environments that can easily become toxic without the right precautions, nurses have a lot to manage while also caring for their patients.
When Nursing student Saina Yarzadeh-Dehkordi first applied to Douglas, she knew about the challenges the health-care field faced and was prepared to invest every last ounce of energy into her studies. What surprised her is how the program is determined to change the narrative.
“The program really encourages students to think of their own health and well-being, and not just the health of others,” says Saina, who has already completed several projects that focus on key aspects of personal wellness. These include assessing mental and physical wellness, setting SMART goals for self-care and presenting solutions to common self-care obstacles. “I’ve learned how important it is to take care of yourself as a health-care provider. If you don’t, it can be dangerous when you’re responsible for taking care of others.”
That mindset opened her eyes to a new way of thinking about nurses and the patients they care for, preparing her for success in the health-care industry.
Prioritizing empathy
Initially, Saina was drawn to the nursing profession because it offered more opportunities to connect with patients.
“I’ve always wanted to help people, get to know them and to be the one holding their hand through tough times,” says Saina. “At first, I thought of becoming a doctor for that experience, but due to time constraints, doctors, unfortunately, just don’t get to be as close to patients as nurses are.”
While true, it became clear once she entered the Nursing program that the profession would focus on a broader, stronger emotional connection to everyone around her. It focuses on an empathetic view for both health-care professionals and patients, which subsequently changed how Saina perceived and interacted with everyone.
“I’ve grown and learned so much,” says Saina. “I don’t look at people the same way now. Whether I come across an elderly person, a new mom or someone struggling with substance use, I feel for them in a way that I was never able to feel before. It’s changed the way I handle interactions. Now, I can appreciate all sides of the picture and think more critically, recognizing the shades of grey in each situation. Every individual is appreciated by someone, and they have so much to offer. I’m forever grateful to the program for broadening my horizons.”
That perspective was further strengthened for Saina during the Nursing program’s clinical practicums. From helping a mother give birth to working at Insite, a safe injection site in downtown Vancouver, Saina has been able to connect with people from different circumstances and see their humanity.
These situations can be difficult to weather alone, but Saina and her peers have found ways to bond more closely over these challenges, finding the space to respect the need to care for themselves despite the demands of nursing.
“It’s hard to share your experiences with family because they don’t understand exactly what you’re going through,” says Saina. “That’s why it’s nice to have like-minded people around you who you can freely talk to about these moments and decompress with.”
Encouraging brighter futures in nursing
Lately, Saina has been putting her self-care, empathy and clinical skill set to good use in a paid position as an employed student nurse at Vancouver General Hospital in the Burns, Trauma and High-Acuity unit. Although her work comes with plenty of stressors, as she maintains support for adults who have severe health complications that may require surgery, Saina has found it to be fulfilling, appreciating how her skillset can help people in need of quality care.
This experience has been rewarding enough that she aims to turn into a full-time career after she’s transferred to BCIT for high-acuity training, giving her specialized knowledge for helping people with multiple severe health challenges.
“I feel like I have an insider perspective and a voice now that I can use to shake up the health-care system and leave a positive impact on my patients,” says Saina.
Interested in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at Douglas College? Visit our website to learn more: douglascollege.ca/nursing
This playwright is telling the stories missing from stages
Aline Bouwman, Marketing and Communications
Elaine Ávila is reclaiming space for stories missing from the stage, one play at a time.
As an undergraduate student, the playwright and Creative Writing instructor questioned why her theatre classes did not feature plays about women and other disenfranchised people. When she was told there was no time to cover those stories, she decided to start telling them herself.
Ávila’s award-winning plays have premiered around the world in multiple languages, and always center voices from the margins. She was awarded the prestigious Fulbright Scholar Award to write and research at the University of the Azores, and she has taken up teaching appointments from Portugal to Panamá. Her recent play To Please the Audience, based on a true story about France’s first openly gay king, was presented at Douglas College in November.
Theatre and storytelling, to Ávila, bear a central role in creating a more equitable, just and creative society. She founded the Vancouver Arts Club LEAP Playwriting Intensive to remove barriers for young writers and co-founded the International Climate Change Theatre Action, a bi-annual worldwide festival of short plays about the climate crisis with over 45,000 participants.
Her latest passion? Making the Douglas College classroom more inclusive for all students.
We spoke with Ávila about her work as a playwright, her passion for unheard stories and how she plans to create a more representative curriculum.
What inspires your work as a playwright?
When I was an undergraduate student, my theatre and theatre history courses almost exclusively featured stories with male protagonists by male authors. When I asked if we could cover women playwrights, I was told that there was no space for that on the curriculum. That was – and continues to be – a common response to anyone who calls for equitable representation in theatre education and on the stage.
Since then, my work as a playwright has been to investigate why there are so many other voices missing from the theatre. I want to shine a light on stories that people don’t seem to be paying attention to, because they are often the stories most worth hearing.
Why is it important to tell previously untold – or unheard – stories?
It is important to create space for people who have historically been excluded from the theatre. I realized there were so many stories missing from the curriculum and from our stages because of this persistent claim that there is no space or time for them. That’s just a made-up argument for exclusion. The stories and plays I assign in my own classes about women, LGBTQ2S+ and IBPOC folk are strong, beautiful and worth studying.
Read more: How the pandemic helped this theatre grad rediscover the power of story
How does your own cultural background inform how you tell these stories?
My mother was part of the Baby Scoop Era, which attempted to erase all trace of her birth parents. My father was Portuguese-Azorean, but due to the enormous pressure to assimilate into American culture at that time, I grew up outside the community without access to my ancestral language, history and traditions.
After I immigrated to Canada, I became aware of the Indigenous movement to retrace connections to ancestral lands and recover generational stories after colonial attempts to sever connections to Indigenous heritage. I worked with Inuk storyteller and children’s writer Arvaaluk (Michael) Kusugak, whose books strongly encourage everyone to interrogate their own past and uncover their family’s generational stories – whether they are Indigenous or not. Ask yourself: “How did I get here? What are the stories of my ancestors?” because we all have stories that powerfully inform who we are.
Those questions set me on a journey to learn more about my ancestry, which culminated in my travels to the University of the Azores as its first Fulbright Scholar in 2019. Speaking with scholars in Lisbon, I learned that my ancestors were among the first people killed in the Portuguese Inquisition. Now I know that’s where my family’s history of displacement began, and that informs my interest in stories of diaspora.
Read more: Stagecraft grad creates high-end custom carpentry
Why is it important that students see themselves represented on the syllabus and on the stage, particularly in theatre?
Both academia and theatre have historically marginalized many people. Even if they were allowed in the doors, they often didn’t see a place for themselves. My goal is to welcome everyone and to begin transforming traditions from the inside so that they become something that everyone feels welcome to participate in.
I’ve always felt that Vancouver stages should look like Vancouver’s population. Wherever I teach, I research who the students are, what their demographics look like, and then I assign plays that constitute a welcome sign to those students.
How are students responding to this type of learning?
Students are always so excited when they see themselves represented in the course material.
Last semester a student approached me to say that they loved the range of readings on the syllabus. Then they said something quite funny, “It’s awesome, you’re doing the bare minimum!” Students understand why representation matters. They are excited when instructors “get it,” but that enthusiasm also illustrates how rare it is that students feel included in the classroom.
One of my favorite books, How to Suppress Women’s Writing by Joanna Russ, mentions many issues related to exclusion as well as the burdens of representation and exceptionalism. I have an ongoing practice of re-educating myself and balancing this on my syllabi. For example, wherever possible, I now assign at least two to three trans authors per course, so no one author is meant to represent all trans people. I do the same for Indigenous, neurodiverse, LGBTQ2+ and IBPOC authors.
Tell us more about your recent and upcoming projects.
There are so many! Two of my plays, The Ballad of Ginger Goodwin & Kitimat, were just published by Talonbooks. Both of those plays are about labour and environmental issues in B.C. municipalities that garnered international attention and turned small towns into sites of global politics.
Talonbooks is also about to publish my newest play, Hummingbird, based on a true story of how one of the smallest birds on earth stopped a pipeline near the Brunette River, not far from Douglas College’s New Westminster Campus. It premiered on Granville Island last summer.
Now I’m working on two other plays about some powerful women in history. One of them is Hypatia of Alexandria, the first acknowledged woman mathematician and astronomer, who was brutally murdered in the fifth century. I’m writing it for an all-women jazz ensemble in Vancouver, the Hypatia Creative Women’s Jazz Orchestra. The other play is called A Woman of the Cape and is based on Azorean women – my ancestors – who wore a traditional Portuguese form of head covering akin to a burqa. I’m excited to see where the creative process will take me.
Learn more about Douglas College’s Creative Writing program on our website.
The virtual advantage: Equipping next-gen nurses to build a stronger health care system
By Elizabeth Douglas, Marketing and Communications
Nursing instructor Lisa Kirk is preparing future and current nurses across Canada to tackle the complexities of their field through virtual simulations.
A Douglas College Nursing instructor is virtually equipping a new generation of nurses with the knowledge and experience to be agile and prepared for any situation that comes their way.
Lisa Kirk, along with Veterinary Technology instructor Rhonda Benke and 147 Bachelor of Health Sciences in Nursing students from Douglas, have trialed simulations for the Virtu-WIL project, an open resource library of virtual simulations available across Canada. Aimed at students and working nurses, the simulations include videos, images and quizzes that guide the user through practical scenarios in clinical training and the workplace.
To date, Lisa has reviewed more than 120 simulations. Now, she’s writing a process for best practice standards to help nursing faculty at Douglas and at colleges and universities across Canada integrate this work into their curriculum.
“It’s about creating good pedagogy, sharing these resources and making them widely accessible to create a stronger overall health education landscape in North America,” she says.
Putting theory into practice
From dealing with complicated childbirth, to communicating in high-stress situations, Virtu-WIL contains over 120 simulations that cover everything from patient care to self-conduct as a working nurse.
The benefit for nursing students is that the sims allow them to do the virtual work ahead of time, and then come to class prepared to apply the knowledge they learned from the simulation into their learning, says Lisa.
“This means that students gain experiential learning and knowledge before even stepping into a lab or clinical setting.”
She also points out that virtual sims can offer a more captivating, hands-on learning approach for Gen Z students.
“Nursing is heavy in theory, but turning that theory into a virtual simulation helps engage our learners, because this generation of students doesn’t just want to be talked at.”
In some cases, the simulations cover topics that a traditional curriculum may not include in depth – like how to communicate with a patient that uses hearing aids.
“We’ve had students come back after their clinical training who were able to apply what they learned in the hearing aid simulation into their clinical work. One student was even able to share their knowledge with a practising nurse on how to communicate with the patient using what they learned from the simulation.”
But nursing students aren’t the only ones benefitting. Lisa says the sims can also help working nurses refresh their knowledge in areas they may not have the chance to practise in frequently.
“I used to do nasal swabs all the time when I worked in the ER,” says Lisa, who is also a registered nurse, “but that was mainly with children. We started performing them on adults when COVID started, but many of us had never done one on an adult before. It would have been invaluable to review a short simulation video to walk me through the process, paperwork and protective equipment to prepare me for that work efficiently.”
Potential for growth
Lisa has seen how virtual sims can accommodate different learning styles, but she believes there is room for improvement to make them even more accessible.
“Many of the platforms I’ve worked on with Virtu-WIL don’t have subtitle options. Once closed captions are added, it will be great for accessibility of all kinds. Viewers can pause the simulation, read the caption, review supporting documents and take notes without missing out on the experience.”
The Virtu-WIL project was made possible through federal funding and in collaboration with Colleges and Institutes Canada and Simulation Canada.
Learn more about the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at Douglas College.
Meet the 2024 Student Research Days winners
By Elizabeth Douglas, Marketing and Communications
Last month, Douglas College held its 16th annual Student Research Days events. With over 50 applicants across all six faculties, this year’s event had the largest turnout since it started back in 2009.
Congratulations to all the winners, and every student who put their hard work and research forward this year.
Proposal category
Bella Erciyas – First place
Harvesting Change: Cultivating a Sustainable Food System
Bella’s project tackled the global issue of food waste and unsustainable food systems. Approximately 50 million tonnes of food waste is generated annually in Canada, where one in five people are food insecure. Her research proposes how Douglas College can implement changes through services like the cafeteria that can benefit ecosystems and people in need locally and on a larger scale.
Riley Adams – Second place
Building Sustainable Campuses: Douglas College’s role in Urbanization, Consumption and Climate Action
Riley’s project explored the interconnection between the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals – 17 calls to action for a more peaceful and prosperous planet – and Douglas College’s initiatives for reducing its environmental impact. Using Douglas’s upcoming student housing and academic space, 808 Royal, as a case study, this research analyzes how the College’s initiatives outlined in the 2020–2025 Strategic Plan can contribute to building sustainable campuses.
Ka Ki Hui – Third place
Revitalizing Our School: Implementing Biophilic Design for Sustainable and Engaging Outdoor Spaces
Ka Ki proposed a revitalization project for Douglas College’s outdoor spaces that would increase plant life and foster student well-being and environmental awareness. Her recommendations address plant mortality, invasive species and underused green spaces.
Poster category
Zachary Romeo – First place
Examining the Relationship Between Emotional Maturity and Student Perceptions of Feedback
Zachary examined how instructor feedback affected students, and how to help guide teachers in the ways they interact and communicate with students. His hypothesis is that the greater emotional maturity a student exhibits, the greater impact feedback has, regardless of the feedback style (written or oral).
Christopher Szekeres – Second place
Unearthing Sustainable Solutions: Evaluating Concrete and Bamboo Ollas for Small-Scale Irrigation in a Changing Climate
As the climate changes, water scarcity is becoming a serious issue. While there is abundant information on large-scale irrigation systems, research is lacking on small-scale systems. Christopher’s research compares traditional terracotta ollas – pots placed in the soil and filled with water to irrigate plants slowly while conserving as much water as possible – to his own pots, made of concrete and bamboo. His prototype performed as effectively as terracotta, but at a sixth of the price, proving it could be a cost-effective and scalable irrigation method for small and independent farms.
Aaron Cruz, Danna Domasig, Gabrielle McCormick, Adela Poon, Taylor Spong, Slimon Wahid and Tasha Woykin (group poster) – Third place
How Does the Clinical Experience of Undergraduate Nursing Students Impact Their Future Nursing Specialty?
Their research examined how clinical experience of nursing students differed from student to student. For example, some students had the opportunity to observe a childbirth, while others did not. They found that the inconsistencies in clinical experiences impacted their chosen nursing specialty and career trajectory.
Panel presentation category
Heather Mason – First place
Autistic Burnout: Exploring Autistic Perspectives on Treatment Availability and Effectiveness
Heather’s study explored the experiences of people with autism who sought treatment for autistic burnout, and their perspectives on the effectiveness of the treatments. Initial findings highlighted the need to raise awareness among clinicians about the nature of autistic burnout and the importance of working with the person to develop a treatment plan.
Madison Martin – Second place
The Effects of the Kettle Valley Railway Labour Pool
Madison’s research looked at the construction of the Kettle Valley Railway during 1910–1916 and how the labour pool was affected by the First World War. With many immigrant workers coming from Eastern European countries, Madison found there was a clash between “whites” and “foreigners.” Her research also showed that the Immigration Act of 1906 restricted Asian workers from joining the construction.
Noam Cech – Third place
A Unifying Enemy: Anti-Chinese Racism and White Identity in the West, 1850–1900
Between 1849 and 1900, more than half of the Chinese population was ‘driven out’ of West Coast cities through deportation, terror and murder. Noam’s study examines the purpose of anti-Chinese racism in the American West and posits that it was a purposeful act to achieve specific goals of political power and unity among white Americans.
Learn more about the 2024 Student Research Days on our website.
Congratulations to the 2024 Student Leadership Award winners
Last night, the Student Leadership Awards honoured this year’s winners and nominees. The awards are given to students, faculty and staff who have shown themselves to be leaders through their outstanding contributions to the College. More than 150 guests attended to show their support.
Congratulations to all the winners and nominees of the 2024 Student Leadership Awards.
Student Leader Award
Elijah Kim, Bachelor of Education and Coaching – WINNER
“Throughout his entire academic career at Douglas College, Elijah has demonstrated exemplary leadership skills, capacity, and competencies. He is an elected DSU student board member, a student-athlete, but most importantly, he is a student leader. Within his various roles and positions, his authentic, meaningful approach fosters a sense of belonging and creates community for all students at Douglas College.”
- Brian McLennon, nominator
Maya Moalla, Bachelor of Arts in Applied Criminology – WINNER
“What truly sets Maya apart as a leader is her genuine care and willingness to help her fellow students. Maya’s approachability and empathy create a welcoming atmosphere where students feel comfortable seeking her guidance. I’ve seen Maya patiently listen to concerns, offer practical advice, and go the extra mile to ensure that every student feels supported.”
- Srinithin Tirupur Rajendran, nominator
Megan Palmer, Bachelor of Science in Nursing – WINNER
“Megan is a quiet leader who shows exceptional diligence and perseverance. Her observant nature shows that she is proactive in identifying areas for improvement within Douglas College and in implementing effective solutions, which are key qualities in a leader. Her newfound passion for global health reflects a broader perspective and a willingness to address healthcare challenges on a local and global scale, showcasing a commendable commitment to making a positive impact within and beyond her immediate community.”
- Hayley Miller, nominator
Nat Gingerich, Bachelor of Physical Education and Coaching – WINNER
“Nat’s commitment to the experiences of LGBTQ+ people and other marginalized or historically excluded groups is exemplary; his work shows his strong dedication to social justice, inclusion and equity. As such, he provides a level of leadership that shows the kind of leadership that we hope to see from Douglas College students.”
- Nancy Squair, nominator
NOMINEES for Student Leader Award
Congratulations to all the students who were nominated for the Student Leader Award.
- Adeduntan (Duntan) Ojuolape
- Anjali Sharma
- Ava Ferenc
- Celia Kurniawan
- Danna Domasig
- Debanhi Herrera Lira
- Emmaline Damon
- Hayley Miller
- Jaskaran Singh
- Josefa Valdes Vera
- Julija Belokoneva
- Komalpreet Kaur
- Manav Suri
- Marisa Kettley
- Maura Borba Silvestre
- Mike Lara
- Roselle Jean Dancel
- Sam Saraj Elahi
- Shivam Gupta
- Shristy Jain
- Stefano Pandolfo
- Taranjeet Parmar
- Tavleen Kaur
- Thais de Araujo Goya Peduto
Up and Coming Student Leader Award
Kaylin Le, Post-Baccalaureate Diploma in Advanced Supply Chain Management – WINNER
“Kaylin has been an engaged mentor and ambassador in the DCI Student Leadership program. She provides support to prospective international students aiming to join Douglas College as well as to new students navigating their first semester. In her interactions with her mentees and prospects, Kaylin radiates positivity and enthusiasm. Beyond serving as a representative of the College, she is a dependable and sincere friend who genuinely desires the best for the students she connects with.”
- Hana Tran, nominator
Manav Suri, Post-Baccalaureate Diploma in Digital Marketing – WINNER
“In his capacity as a Student Assistant, Manav plays a pivotal part in shaping the student experience, particularly through his involvement in New Student Orientation and various Student Life programs. Notably, he has overseen the successful orientation of over 900 new students across both the Fall 2023 and Winter 2024 semesters, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to facilitating a seamless transition and welcoming environment for incoming students.”
- Megha Gupta, nominator
NOMINEES for Up and Coming Student Leader Award
Congratulations to all the students who were nominated for the Up and Coming Student Leader Award.
- Anne Terry
- Elijah Kim
- Jasmine Jasmine
- Kiyan Sheikh
- Kyla Criddle
- Megan Palmer
- Mohit Nayyar
- Seyavash (Sam) Saraj Elahi
Outstanding Contribution to Student Engagement from a Faculty or Staff Member Award
Leisha Vandermey, Nursing Instructor – RN, BScN, MScN, NP – WINNER
“Leisha epitomizes educational excellence and visionary leadership, seamlessly weaving a tapestry of inspiration and knowledge for students in leadership positions within our nursing program. Her pioneering spirit has manifested in the establishment of the first international nursing field school, transcending geographical boundaries to instill a profound understanding of global social development goals. Leisha demonstrates an unwavering commitment to fostering the next generation of healthcare leaders.”
- Megan Palmer, nominator
Michele Perry, CEIT – Help Desk Services – WINNER
“Michele consistently prioritizes students’ needs and strives to provide the best possible support regarding Douglas College’s IT services. Her understanding nature and empathetic approach create a supportive environment where students feel heard and valued. Michele’s dedication to finding practical solutions ensures that students receive the assistance they need to navigate College services effectively, contributing to a positive student experience overall.”
- Anjali Anjali, nominator
Tonya Roy, Nursing Instructor – BSN, MN, SANE-A – WINNER
“Tonya exemplifies unparalleled dedication and visionary leadership in fostering the growth of students within our nursing program. Through her pioneering efforts, she has successfully established the first international Bachelor of Science in Nursing field school, a testament to her commitment to global education and the advancement of social development goals.”
- Hayley Miller, nominator
NOMINEES for Outstanding Contribution to Student Engagement from a Faculty or Staff Member Award
Congratulations to all who were nominated for the Outstanding Contribution to Student Engagement from a Faculty or Staff Member Award.
- Carol Stoppel
- Eugene Dy
- Kathleen Stephany
- Kristen Apodaca
- Lilian Truong
- Pauline Low
- Quy Le
- Ruth Mandujano-Lopez
- Saeed Mirjalili
Global Citizenship Dean’s Award
Alannah Mayes – WINNER
Austin Wilbert McCabe – WINNER
Issac Campos Gargantua – WINNER
Laura Elena Mendez Larregui – WINNER
Liam Daniel Head – WINNER
Thi Hong Phuong Phung – WINNER
Learn more about the Student Leadership Awards on our website.
Making soundwaves in the hearing health field
By Angelica Largo, Marketing and Communications
When Eric Lipschultz was studying jazz in university, he never imagined it would lead to a career in the hearing health field.
Growing up, Eric loved how music brought people together, first picking up the bass guitar at the age of 12. By the time he reached his teen years, he fell in love with the upright bass and decided to pursue Jazz Studies at Capilano University.
For years, Eric immersed himself in the local music scene, gigging around town while searching for a more stable career path. After a series of odd jobs and an eight-year stint as a driving instructor, Eric found himself yearning for a change – a career that would blend his existing skills with his innate desire to help others.
Discovering a new career path
Happenstance led Eric to the hearing health field. When a family member mentioned a job opening for a big-box retailer’s audiology department, Eric was drawn to the idea of working in a field dedicated to changing the lives of others. After doing some research, he was motivated by the demand for hearing instrument practitioners and the stability that a career in the hearing health field could offer.
When he discovered the Hearing Aid Sciences Diploma at Douglas, the decision was easy. “The hands-on experience offered in state-of-the-art facilities set the program apart. Douglas provides students with invaluable practical skills from day one,” he says.
Drawing on his background in music, Eric found connections between sound theory and the world of hearing health care, further solidifying his choice.
Recognizing his strengths
While Eric’s past aspirations may seem unrelated to his career as a hearing care professional, his diverse experiences have equipped him with a unique set of skills that he now applies in his current work.
As a musician, Eric honed his ability to listen attentively and recognize subtle nuances in sound and rhythm, skills that serve him well in conducting hearing tests and fine-tuning hearing aids for his patients. Meanwhile, his years spent as a driving instructor instilled in him patience, adaptability and quick thinking, which are traits essential in his interactions with clients.
By drawing on his varied experiences, Eric brings a holistic approach to his practice, seamlessly blending technical expertise with empathy and understanding.
“If you’re feeling lost in your career, remember that your past experiences hold valuable skills that can lead you to success in other fields,” he says. “It’s all about recognizing the strengths you already possess and using them to make a difference in the lives of others.”
From student to professional
Immediately after graduating from Douglas, Eric was able to land a job as a Hearing Care Professional at Amplifon, the world’s largest hearing aid retailer.
“I transitioned from student to professional with ease. Douglas equipped me with the skills and confidence needed to start a fulfilling career in in the hearing health field” he says.
But Eric’s connection to Douglas doesn’t end with graduation. He remains an active member of the alumni community, returning for industry days and mentoring practicum students at Amplifon. “Being a Douglas alum means more than just a diploma; it signifies pride, confidence and a solid foundation for both my career and life,” he says.
Eric wears many hats: he’s a father, husband, musician and hearing health professional. While his journey to finding his career wasn’t linear, he says that he wouldn’t change it for anything in the world.
“Helping individuals transition from struggling with hearing loss to embracing the world around them is immensely fulfilling,” he says.
Interested in the Hearing Aid Sciences Diploma at Douglas College? Visit our website to learn more:
Inclusivity in action: Psychiatric Nursing students elevate LGBTQ2S+ cultural competency
Two Psychiatric Nursing students want to change the way the LGBTQ2S+ community receives acute and community care in hospitals and other health care settings.
During their recent practicums, Balraj Maird and Nisha Khattra saw firsthand how LGBTQ2S+ individuals experienced prejudice in health care facilities, which often prevented them from seeking treatment in time of need.
Balraj recalls meeting a LGBTQ2S+ patient at St. Paul’s Hospital, in Vancouver, who didn’t seek care for her mental health issues for fear of being discriminated against. The patient knew she needed help, but distrust and fear prevented her from reaching out. She eventually found herself forcibly admitted to hospital after a suicide attempt.
“If we can work on making the hospital a better place for her to come to when she’s feeling down and sad, and not getting to the point of attempting suicide, that would be the ultimate goal,” Balraj says.
Nisha points out that using a LGBTQ2S+ patient’s personal pronouns demonstrates respect and validation for their identity. During her practicum at St. Paul’s, she deliberately wrote down the patient’s pronouns in all handover materials during shift changes at the hospital.
Despite her effort, Nisha observed that some staff, especially casual nursing staff, did not address the patient using correct pronouns, making this vulnerable LGBTQ2S+ individual feel disrespected.
Read more: How this Douglas alum built a blossoming career as an activist for the LGBTQ+ community
Making hospitals more inclusive
“We want to prepare ourselves to provide LGBTQ2S+ individuals with the most culturally competent and safe care possible,” Nisha says.
After this experience, Balraj and Nisha embarked on a journey to alleviate the stress and stigma often felt by the members of the LGBTQ2S+ community when they seek medical care.
The two studied 21 peer-reviewed articles to look for practices that would be most effective in increasing LGBTQ2S+ cultural competency in a health care setting.
Cultural competency is the intricate integration of knowledge, skills, attitudes and behaviours that improves cross-cultural communication and interpersonal relationships.
They found that health care providers report feeling underprepared to work with LGBTQ2S+ patients due to a lack of knowledge of their unique health needs. Cultural competency could be achieved to enhance interactions between LGBTQ2S+ patients and health professionals, according to their study.
Balraj and Nisha highlighted the value of workshops and self-reflection in bridging these knowledge gaps. “Workshops are pretty effective in increasing health care providers’ knowledge of working with this population, getting to know their needs and understanding how stigmatized and discriminated against they are,” Balraj says.
“We also found that health care professionals who practise self-reflection throughout their careers were able to identify these knowledge gaps,” Nisha adds.
When working with LGBTQ2S+ clients, they advise that health care providers use inclusive and gender-neutral language, and exercise sensitivity when asking questions about sexual orientation.
Two years into their practicums, the duo is thrilled to find that hospitals are gradually implementing the recommendations in their study. “We’re seeing a lot of workshops on LGBTQ2S+ care knowledge. Health care providers are becoming more knowledgeable about pronouns, and patients’ chosen names as well,” Balraj notes.
Read more: This Douglas student is championing trans-inclusive sports and recreation
Student research opportunities
For their efforts, Balraj and Nisha won the People’s Choice Award at Douglas College’s Student Research Days last year and presented their research at the WNRCASN 2023 Symposium.
Nisha says she is thankful that a wide variety of research opportunities are offered at Douglas College.
“If there’s something that students are really passionate about, they have the opportunity to actually go pursue it and gain more knowledge,” Nisha says.
From Douglas College to the front lines of climate change: a nursing grad’s journey of impact
By Bianca Blati, Foundation & Alumni Relations
Raluca Radu found her true calling when she learned about the critical intersection of health and climate change from a nursing perspective. The Douglas College Nursing grad began exploring this largely unexplored territory, and achieved her first milestone when she developed a case study on the health impacts of wildfires.
Today, Raluca champions the integration of climate change into nursing education and practice around the world. Her work, which includes developing educational materials and advocating for health equity – a state in which everyone has a fair opportunity to meet their health potential – aims to prepare future health care professionals for the challenges posed by climate change.
Since graduating from Douglas, Raluca has worked in distinct roles in the field and taught in the School of Nursing at the University of British Columbia, where she also obtained her master’s degree with the support of a Douglas College Alumni Bursary. She has taken part in national and international health education projects related to climate change and has worked as a climate and health educator with Doctors Without Borders (MSF).
Along with other advisors at MSF, Raluca provided strategic guidance and support to MSF entities on climate change and planetary health literacy. Moreover, she supported the entire organization – including more than 60,000 staff – as it worked toward building capacity on the health impacts of climate change and on local projects to adopt mitigation solutions. In addition to her full-time role, Raluca delivers presentations across Canada on how climate change-related events affect individual and community health.
“My biggest reward is knowing that investing time in mentorship pays off by seeing that the next generations of leaders are the people who are going to achieve really incredible things and stand with others, not stand alone,” Raluca says.
Looking ahead, Raluca sees both challenges and opportunities. She is concerned about increasing chronic health conditions that result from poor air quality, extreme heat events and food insecurity, further exacerbated by the continued burning of fossil fuels that accelerate climate change. Still, she is hopeful that the growing opportunities around educating the current generation of students from all fields of practice on the direct relationship between climate change and health will help them understand how they can help create equitable and community-based climate solutions.
“The increasing burden of climate change on global health systems calls for innovative solutions, interdisciplinary collaboration and a new generation of health care professionals equipped to face these challenges head on,” she says.
A Message of Hope and Action
Raluca says she wouldn’t have gotten to where she is without the support of an Alumni Bursary from the Douglas College Foundation, which allowed her to pursue graduate studies at UBC and expand her career.
“I received the Alumni Bursary during a time when I was still not fully financially independent. It was difficult to work and study at the same time,” Raluca says. “It was helpful, and I was grateful to Douglas, because they supported me even after graduation.”
For donors and alumni, Raluca highlights the critical role of supporting students to pursue their dreams, especially in fields as critical and demanding as health care and environmental sustainability.
“The role of the donors is crucial because they are helping students get access to educational opportunities for ongoing growth and development. We live in a challenging time, and people get discouraged if they do not have access to grants and bursaries that can allow them to fulfill their dreams. It is important to be able to open the doors for people and let them contribute to society’s greatest needs.”
For Raluca, the journey from Douglas College to the global stage of health care and environmental activism is a testament to the power of education, the importance of nurturing passion and the impact one individual can make in creating a healthier, more sustainable world.
“The opportunity is there for us to make sure that the current generation of students is receiving information about what is happening to the world and how they can make a difference,” she says.
From cold to closed: This Criminology instructor’s research helps crack unsolved cases
By Aline Bouwman, Marketing and Communications
In 2020, U.S. law enforcement cracked the most famous cold case in American history when it caught the “Golden State Killer” using a new DNA identification technique known as Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy (FIGG).
Criminology instructor Tracey Dowdeswell, a leading scholar in applications of forensic genetics in the criminal justice system, says FIGG has solved over 1,000 cold cases so far. But there’s plenty more work to be done.
“We have a huge backlog of unsolved homicides, untested sexual assault kits and many deceased persons – as many as 60,000 in North America alone – awaiting DNA identification,” Dowdeswell says. “FIGG holds immense promise for millions of people who have been waiting for a long time to see justice.”
Widespread adoption of FIGG in the criminal justice system has been slow, but Dowdeswell is ready to change that. She created the Forensic Genetic Genealogy Project, the first open-access database that makes publicly available all criminal cases that have been successfully solved through FIGG. She hopes the database will demonstrate FIGG’s potential to a global audience.
A new sheriff in town
FIGG combines DNA analysis with traditional family tree genealogy, which has the potential to solve criminal cases that have been “cold” for decades.
In the case of the Golden State Killer, forensic researchers were able to identify the perpetrator after his crimes lay unsolved for nearly 40 years.
So, how exactly does FIGG work?
Before the advent of FIGG, DNA samples from a crime scene could only be matched to existing profiles in law enforcement databases. If an offender was not already in the database, it ruled out the possibility of identifying them via DNA sampling.
According to Dowdeswell, FIGG is groundbreaking precisely because it can overcome these challenges. Even when offenders haven’t been previously convicted or arrested, the new technique finds recourse in powerful advancements in genetic ancestry analysis.
FIGG draws on powerful computer databases and search algorithms to find distant relatives of the person whose DNA was collected at a crime scene, and then applies traditional methods of genealogy – examining archival materials like birth certificates and death records – to build a family tree down to the present time.
“We’re all connected by DNA with our ancestors in this big network, with common ancestors going back about 3,500 years,” Dowdeswell says. “FIGG can pinpoint where any DNA sample is in that human network. Traditional forensics are then used to compare the individual’s DNA with that found at the crime scene to one in a trillion or one in a quadrillion accuracy, and that’s the evidence that goes to court.”
Read more: How a Douglas Criminology alumna became the first Indigenous woman to serve in B.C.’s Legislative Assembly
True crime and true justice
Despite the many breakthroughs FIGG has made in criminal justice, Dowdeswell says that some of its most promising applications are in victim identification and Indigenous justice cases.
She says FIGG can aid the crisis of unsolved cases of missing and murdered Indigenous women, and also help to identify human remains in Canada’s residential school gravesites. Dowdeswell stresses that this should be done while respecting Indigenous data sovereignty, a model in which Indigenous peoples have the right to own, control, access and steward data about their communities.
“It may be very difficult for Canada’s Indigenous communities to hand DNA over to companies or even to law enforcement,” Dowdeswell says. “If we could work with those communities to construct private databases where they would have control over their own genealogical data, I think they could solve a lot of their own cases without too much input from outside scientists or law enforcement.
“By integrating FIGG, we have the opportunity to deliver justice and give closure to countless people,” Dowdeswell says. “It is only practiced on a very small scale, but there’s great potential with this technique to create a more just society.”
Read more: This Youth Justice grad empowers Indigenous youth navigating the justice system
Student research at the cutting edge
Although popular procedural crime shows like CSI or Law & Order might lead you to believe that criminal cases are cracked in high-drama lab settings, Dowdeswell’s research on FIGG primarily takes place at her office at Douglas College’s New Westminster Campus.
Now, Douglas Criminology students are getting involved.
Last year, Taryn Mulvahill and Nico Concepcion helped Dowdeswell launch the most recent FIGG database update as part of a research assistantship.
“When students work with me, they learn a lot about research ethics, quality control and data collection,” Dowdeswell says. “These are all vitally important skills that will equip anyone to carry out important social sciences research in the future.”
Learn more about Douglas College’s Crimonology program and ways that students can get involved in academic research at Douglas.
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