Updates, news and stories
A selection of updates, news and stories from across the university.
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UBCOMay 11, 2026 | Teaching in focus | Faculty & StaffTeaching in focus: Hannah Connon
At UBC Okanagan’s School of Health and Exercise Sciences, Hannah is a lecturer who helps students connect classroom learning with a person-centred approach to practice. Drawing from their own experiences entering the field, they create supportive, low-pressure learning environments that build confidence and reduce overwhelm. Discover what has surprised them most about teaching.
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UBCOApril 7, 2026 | Teaching in focus | Faculty & StaffTeaching in focus: Niloofar Akbarian-Saravi
As a postdoctoral research and teaching fellow in the School of Engineering and Faculty of Management at UBC Okanagan, Niloofar brings interdisciplinary expertise in sustainable supply chains to the classroom, blending industry insights with inclusive, student-centered teaching to foster confident, curious learners who leave the classroom ready to make a meaningful impact.
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UBCVFebruary 9, 2026 | Teaching in focus | Faculty & StaffTeaching in focus: Luana Carvalho
An assistant professor in the Faculty of Dentistry, Luana teaches Restorative Dentistry to Doctor of Dental Medicine students with an approach that focuses on empathy, care, and experiential learning. To Luana, "teaching is a partnership built on trust and open communication, nurturing both technical skills and a love for learning.”
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UBCVSeptember 2, 2025 | Teaching in focus | Faculty & StaffTeaching in focus: Stefan Sunandan Honisch
Stefan Sunandan Honisch, a sessional lecturer in the Department of Theatre and Film, incorporates Universal Design for Learning and Disability Justice into his teaching. He encourages students to recognize inclusion as a shared responsibility and works to foster greater awareness of its importance in every classroom.
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UBCVAugust 5, 2025 | Teaching in focus | Faculty & StaffTeaching in focus: Tamara R. Etmannski
Tamara is an assistant professor of teaching in the Civil Engineering department. She wants her students to be more than just technically strong—they need to be thoughtful, ethical, and globally minded. Learn more about her desire to reshape how future engineers think, and why it matters.
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UBCVJuly 14, 2025 | Teaching in focus | Faculty & StaffTeaching in focus: Erika Fundelius
A longtime educator and now assistant professor in the Faculty of Education, specializing in Special Education, Erika is shaping how teachers support students who are blind or have low vision — bringing autonomy, consent, and care to every lesson.
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UBCVMay 26, 2025 | Teaching in focus | Faculty & StaffTeaching in focus: Shelina Babul
As Director of the BC Injury Research and Prevention Unit, Shelina Babul leads concussion-related initiatives that turn research into action while empowering the next generation to make a meaningful impact.
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UBCVMay 5, 2025 | Teaching in focus | Faculty & StaffTeaching in focus: Jenna Usprech
Jenna is an assistant professor of teaching at the School of Biomedical Engineering. From cellular bioengineering labs to science communication and ethics courses, her diverse teaching portfolio reflects Jenna’s passion for lifelong learning. Find out what motivates her as an educator and who inspires her most.
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UBCVApril 7, 2025 | Teaching in focus | Faculty & StaffTeaching in focus: James Lee
As the Director of the Pediatric Neurology Residency Program, James draws inspiration from his mentors, who showed him the positive impact that great teachers have on the professional and personal growth of their students. Discover the three principles that shape his teaching approach.
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UBCVMarch 4, 2025 | Teaching in focus | Faculty & StaffTeaching in focus: Devan Scott
As an adjunct professor in the Department of Theatre and Film, Devan brings his experience working on set and as a critic into the classroom. He aims to help students develop their own design processes, empowering them to become independent and innovative visual storytellers.
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UBCOFebruary 10, 2025 | Teaching in focus | Faculty & StaffTeaching in focus: Johannah Black
As an educator in the Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Office, Johannah teaches consent, bystander intervention, trauma-informed approaches, and respectful communication. She fosters a collaborative learning environment by inviting learners to share ideas and feedback, challenging themselves and the world around them.
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UBCVNovember 25, 2024 | Teaching in focus | Faculty & StaffTeaching in focus: Andrés Varhola
Andrés is an assistant professor of teaching in the Department of Forest Resources Management with the Faculty of Forestry. Through his teaching, he hopes to facilitate turning “aha moments” arising from students’ academic experiences, into effective life-long skills and timeless wisdom.