Staff in focus: Alia Januwalla

Name:

Alia Januwalla

My Pronouns:

she/her

Title:

Knowledge Exchange Learning and Development Specialist

Faculty/Department/Unit:

Knowledge Exchange Unit, Office of the Vice President, Research and Innovation

Location:

Vancouver

Year I started working at UBC:

2023

Describe what you do at UBC in 10 words or less:

I build capacity to amplify the social impact of research.

Tell us about the team you work with - what do they do?

The UBC Knowledge Exchange Unit builds capacity among researchers, students and staff across disciplines to develop and share impactful knowledge through connections and exchange with communities, government, not-for-profit organizations and the general public.

What is your favourite quote and why?

My work is often driven by the quote “Nothing about us, without us,” long used by disability rights activists to advocate for people-centered solutions. To me, this quote signifies the importance of positioning equity, inclusion, and community engagement in research and knowledge exchange, to facilitate co-generated knowledge production and co-built interventions, programs and policies.

What do you do regularly to invest in your mental and/or physical health?

I feel immense gratitude to the Coast Salish Peoples for their stewardship over this beautiful land and the opportunities for connections with nature. Exploring the mountains, forests, lakes, river, and ocean ecosystems – through hikes, walks, swims, and paddles – allows me to pause and reflect, and is overall an important component of my physical, mental and emotional wellbeing.