Open Learning Faculty Members

Dr. Maleea Acker is a geographer, poet, researcher, and environmental journalist. Her most recent book is Hesitating Once to Feel Glory, with Nightwood Editions (2022). She holds a Doctorate in Geography and teaches at TRU Open Learning, the University of Victoria, and Camosun College.

Experienced EOCP water and wastewater operator, always happy to train and mentor new operators and students - it is such a rewarding and in demand career. I live in Ladysmith on Vancouver Island and work with First Nations Communities supporting their water and wastewater infrastructure. In my spare time I am exploring new trails with my dog Zuma.

Professor Phillip Allingham attended the University of British Columbia (UBC) on a Canadian Legion scholarship. He took Honours English, Classical Studies, and Theatre. Philip earned a BA Hons., MA (Ed. Admin.), MA (Eng), and his PhD at UBC in 1988. Since then, Phillip has works published in The Dickens Quarterly, The Dickensian, The Thomas Hardy Year Book, and The Hardy Journal, as well as such publications as Update (the journal of the BC English Teachers) and The Dickens Magazine.

Rob Anderson lives in Kamloops, and he and his wife have three adult children and nine grandchildren (yes, nine!). Rob has an undergraduate degree in Commerce, CPA, CGA designations, and an MBA in Finance. For Open Learning, Rob teaches advanced financial accounting, auditing, intermediate financial accounting, introductory financial accounting, introduction to finance, Management Accounting, and Financial Accounting. Life is busy, although when time allows, he and his wife enjoy travelling, hiking, cycling, and kayaking.

Dawn Andrews, BA (Psychology), BSW, MSW, RSW, and ADED, is a published author and professional educator. She has over 25 years of counselling experience in social and health services (e.g., social services, crisis centres, the BC Ministry of Health, and the federal Veterans Affairs Health Services). Dawn had an incorporated private practice serving, for example, Health Canada and EAP. She has worked extensively with First Nations, multicultural groups, families and children, teens, and adults. Dawn's expertise includes health and human services.

Dr. Puneet Arora is an internationally trained medical doctor with specialization in Forensic Medicine and Toxicology. He has also obtained higher education in the fields of medical law and ethics, business administration, and science education. Paneet has been teaching at TRU since 2014 on the Kamloops and Williams Lake campuses and as an Open Learning Faculty Member. His areas of interest in undergraduate teaching are Anatomy, Biochemistry, Immunology, and General Biology.

Dr. Maureen Atkinson is a professional historian who was raised in Kamloops, BC, but she has lived in Northern British Columbia for over 30 years. Dr. Atkinson has a degree in History from University of Northern British Columbia, an MA from Athabasca University, and most recently a PhD from University of Waterloo.

Lorry-Ann is an Assistant Professor in the School of Social Work and Human Service. As a registered social worker and critical social justice educator, her practice centres ethical leadership, equity, and collaborative governance. She is a former broadcast journalist with more than 15 years social work practice experience. Her research explores the function of the press in democratic contexts and the politicization of post-secondary institutions.

Chandra Balakrishnan has been in the mathematics education field for over 20 years as an instructor and curriculum developer in both K-12 and post-secondary education. He has presented to educators in both Canada and the US, highlighting storytelling as a vital tool in all levels of mathematics instruction.

Jessica Barak is a practicing Certified Clinical Anesthesia Assistant (CCAA). She started at TRU with her RRT and then earned her Bachelor of Health Science. Jessica's experience working with TRU Open Learning has been wonderful as she helps guide the aspiring AA's.

Bob Barlow was born and bred in Victoria, BC. He attended University of Victoria, and then had a lengthy career in the IT industry before joining UCC/TRU in 2000. Bob retired from on-campus in 2013 and was hired back as an Open Learning Faculty Member about a year later. He is now happily settled with his family in his "hobbit hole" in Steveston.

Dr. Allison Barnes enjoys working for TRU, a university that values life-long learning and innovative course delivery. She teaches Open Learning courses on Introduction to Philosophy and Introduction to Critical Thinking. She is also Adjunct Professor at the University of Victoria. In her PhD dissertation, Allison developed a cognitive theory of empathy. She continues to be interested in research on mental state ascription, mental representation, and critical thinking.

Kai Bauman is currently an Assistant Teaching Professor and Open Learning Faculty Member with TRU. He teaches a variety of accounting courses and has an interest in case writing. Kai is a Common Final Examination (CFE) Honour Roll member of CPA Canada. He lives in Kamloops, BC, with his wife, son, and dog (a scary whoodle named River). Kai and his family enjoy all the outdoor activities the Kamloops landscape and climate has to offer.

Teaching has been a passion for Dr. Sylvia Bell for over 20 years. In both K–12 and higher education, student success is an important driver for her. Sylvia is dedicated to helping others achieve their academic goals by employing best practice in teaching adult learners. Bell holds a Doctor of Education degree, specialising in Educational Leadership, a Master of Arts in Leadership and Administration, a Bachelor of Education, and a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature.

Dr. John Douglas Belshaw (he/him) is a settler-Canadian who resides and works on the traditional lands of the Coast Salish peoples (the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm, Skwxwú7mesh, Stó:lō, and Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh Nations). He has degrees in History from the University of British Columbia, Simon Fraser University, and the London School of Economics. He is the author, co-author, or editor of several books on aspects of Canadian, BC, and Vancouver history.

Dr. Dana Bernier earned her PhD in Developmental Psychology from the University of Waterloo, specializing in infant language development. She also has an MA and BSc in Psychology, as well as a BSc in Nutritional Science from the University of Manitoba. In addition to Open Learning, Dr. Bernier currently teaches part-time at Capilano University, and has taught at other institutions in the lower mainland. In her spare time, she likes outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and canoeing.

A lifetime of work in the forestry industry continues with Phil Blanchard's course, FRST 3073: Forest Harvesting. This course is designed to help new NRS Program graduates earn necessary credits towards their registration as a forest professional in BC. Phil Blanchard has been happy to teach from Victoria since the days of the College of the Caribou (pre-TRU), and now with Open Learning where students can work and learn concurrently.

Paul Bradbury has fifty years of experience in Medical Laboratory Sciences. He worked at the University of Alberta Hospital in Edmonton, Vancouver General, and the Royal Inland Hospital in Kamloops. Paul has been a Senior Instructor in Medical Laboratory Sciences at the British Columbia Institute of Technology for 19 years, and a course tutor for two advanced certification courses with The Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS). He has been teaching online with Open Learning since 2007. He is also an author and co-author of several textbooks on microscopy and histopathology.

Vicki Bruce is an experienced educator and child and youth professional. Her practice is with children, youth, and families experiencing a variety of social issues. Intervention frameworks include relational, narrative, social competence, and resilience approaches to practice. Bruce's research has focused on youth transitioning from child welfare care, positive youth development, and resilience building in families and communities. Her practice also includes community and agency development activities that further team and group cohesion, reduce conflict, and enhance practitioner well-being.

Susan Buis (she, her, they) resides where the unceded lands of the Nlaka’pamux Nation meet Secwepemcúl’ecw. The beauty of these lands inspires her life and writing, and for this she is most grateful. Her poems and nonfiction stories have been published in Canadian literary journals and have won several awards. A chapbook, Sugar for Shock, winner of the John Lent Prize, is available from Kalamalka Press. Her collection Gatecrasher is available from Invisible Publishing.

Doug Buis was born in London Ontario, lived in many places including BC, Mexico, Montreal, Saskatoon, and in California for 7 years, before moving to Kamloops. His BFA is from the University of Victoria and his MFA is from York University in Toronto. His exhibition record includes galleries and museums across Canada, in Holland, Belgium, Korea, New York, Denver, Washington St and numerous venues in the Los Angeles area. Doug has also curated a number of exhibitions in many of the same locations. He was a tree planter for 18 years, having planted close to 2.3 million trees.

In his own work he investigates our malleable perception of landscape and environment through a series of different media and strategies including sculpture, video, kinetic art, installation, other time-based media, photography and some writing.

Juan Caldera-Noriega's extensive education and interests include: BSc, MA, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, MM, Tec de Monterrey, PhD, Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT), Australia, University Teaching and Learning Certificate, Simon Fraser University, Online Learning Facilitation Certificate, Thompson Rivers University, Business Executive Development Program, University of British Columbia, English to Spanish Translation Program, University of British Columbia, Community Interpreting Program (English to Spanish), Vancouver School of Interpreting and Translation, Organization and Leadership Program, University of California, Berkeley, Creativity, Problem Solving, and Design Thinking, University of Cambridge. Juan has received the following awards: Outstanding Service, TRU Open Learning, Peter Frost Leadership, University of British Columbia, University Research Prize, RMITu.

Dr. Tara Chambers is a Teacher-Scholar Doctoral Fellow, SSHRC Doctoral Fellow specializing in Renaissance literature. She is a Sessional Instructor at Thompson Rivers University and an Open Learning Faculty Member for ENGL 2111: English Literature from Chaucer to Milton, ENGL 3841: The English Novel in the 18th Century, and ENGL 3651: Shakespeare and Contemporary Film. Tara's PhD Dissertation is on John Milton's Republican Poetics and the Politics of Paradise Lost.

Chinchu Cherian, a mother of two hailing from Prince George, holds a Ph.D. in Geotechnical Engineering (Civil Engineering) from the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IITM), India. Following her doctoral studies, she joined the University of British Columbia (UBC) as a Postdoctoral Fellow, subsequently taking on the role of a Lecturer. Presently, Dr. Cherian serves as an Assistant Professor with the Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) in Prince George.

Dr. Abel Chun received his PhD in Biochemistry from the University of Hong Kong, specializing in cell cycle control and mitotic spindle checkpoint regulation. He also acquired a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in Biochemistry, delineating the role of a cell division cycle regulatory kinase (Cdk5) in neuronal cells. He obtained a BSc in Cellular, Molecular, and Microbial Biology at the University of Calgary. In addition to his long experience in molecular and cellular biology research and supervising undergraduate and graduate students, Abel is passionate about promoting experiential learning. He has been a Senior Hall Tutor of a residential hall for more than 10 years and an Executive Officer of the Experiential Learning Centre at the university.

Before joining Thompson Rivers University as an Open Learning Faculty Member to teach Anatomy and Physiology I and II, Abel was an instructor of Basic Biology, Anatomy and Physiology, and Biochemistry in his capacity as a Lecturer and Program Coordinator at colleges.

Outside of academia, Abel is a wedding photographer.

Stewart Churlish earned his CPA and MBA at Royal Roads University. He started his career in government. first in BC and then in Alberta. Stewart then retired in 2007 as an Assistant Deputy Minister and started teaching in 2009 at Royal Roads University and later, Vancouver Island University. He joined TRU in 2012 and taught at Shanghai Institute of Technology and Tianjin University of Technology. Stewart started as an Open Learning Faculty Member at TRU in 2015.

Dr. Natalie Clark is a Professor at TRU in the Faculty of Education and Social Work, and a Faculty Member for TRU Open Learning. She continues to practice as a trauma therapist specializing in trauma, and an Indigenous girls group facilitator. Dr. Clark has 25 years of experience in counselling with a focus on healing and resistance. Her work is informed and mobilized through her kinship with Métis and Secwépemc Nations, as a grandparent, parent, and part of the Secwépemc community.

Vanessa Colleran is a passionate educator and Registered Veterinary Technologist (RVT) with extensive experience facilitating courses in the Animal Health Distance and Open Learning programs for Thompson Rivers University (TRU). She is an Open Learning Faculty Member for the Veterinary Technician (VTEC) Clinical Work and Correspondence courses along with Veterinary Terminology. Vanessa is the developer in the course development team for the Clinical Work and correspondence courses in the VTEC Open Learning program. She is a qualified TRU Open Learning Faculty Association member.

Dr. Georgann Cope Watson is a member of the Faculty of Education and Social Work at TRU. She is invested in qualitative research methods that inquire into Decolonization and Reconciliation, the Praxis of Critical and Feminist Pedagogy, and the Pedagogy of Online Teaching. Her current research includes a project for Reconciliation. Georgann lives, works, studies, teaches, and plays on the traditional territory of the Ktunaxa First Nation.

Sandra obtained her diploma in nursing (1988 Selkirk College), BSN (2002 UBC), Master of Nursing (2007 Athabasca University), and perinatal specialty certification (2006 BCIT). Sandra obtained Canadian Certified Nurse Educator (CCNE) Certification (2021). Sandra has worked in acute care, education, and clinical operations. She is passionate about student learning and has worked with TRU Open Learning since 2008.

Admitted to the Supreme Court of Western Australia and the High Court of Australia, Kara Dawson earned her BA at Simon Fraser University in Political Science and Criminology before completing her LLB (Honours) and LLM (Distinction) in Australia. Kara has been Instructing graduate and undergraduate students, both in person and online, for over 20 years. Kara is a practicing lawyer who can help you answer any questions and reach your educational goals.

Ashley De Santis graduated from the AHT Program at University College of the Cariboo in 2003. As a Registered Veterinary Technician (VTS), she has worked in specialty and emergency practice since graduation. She has been instructing in AHT programs in BC since 2010. Ashley will graduate with her MEd in Health Education and Active Living (HEAL) from Simon Fraser University in Fall 2022.

Laurie Dew is an instructor with the Veterinary Technology Open Learning Program. She has a background in Veterinary Emergency and Referral Practice. Laurie enjoys working with students and new grads to further their passion for the field — because Veterinary Medicine is amazing!

Dr. Darryn Di Francesco (she/her/hers) holds a BA in Communication, MA in International Studies, and Ph.D. in Sociology. Her research interests include gender, family, health, media, and the environment. Besides teaching at TRU, she teaches social sciences at Northern Lights College in Fort St. John, BC. In her spare time, she enjoys creative writing, hiking, and travelling with her family.

Dr. Katia Dilkina has a keen and broad interest in Psychology. She received her PhD in Cognitive Psychology from Carnegie Mellon University in 2009. Her educational background is interdisciplinary, and her graduate and postgraduate work focused on computational modelling of memory and language, with an emphasis on individual differences. Katia's teaching experience covers a significant range of content, including cognitive, social, and developmental psychology at the undergraduate university level, first through to fourth year. Katia cherishes building knowledge collaboratively with her students!

Richard Duguay is a part-time instructor with Thompson Rivers University, Open Learning. He has been involved with workplace health and safety for many years, and his background is in occupational hygiene. He is also employed full time as a supervisor with WorkSafeBC. Richard strongly believes in a safety-first corporate culture. In addition to his family and health and safety, he has an immense interest in railways, trains and locomotives!

Steven Earle has been working as a geologist for over 40 years, both in industry and academia. He has been teaching at the post-secondary level for almost 30 years. Steven is the author of two Earth Science textbooks: Physical Geology and Environmental Geology. He is also the author of an award-winning book on climate change, A Brief History of Earth's Climate.

Ron has worked at a wide range of jobs in his 50-year career. He retired in 2014 but he is currently working part-time online to deliver TRU's two online introductory astronomy courses. His BA and MSc degrees are in physics with the MSc specializing in astrodynamics. He lives with his wife in Hope, BC where he walks a lot to stay fit.

Amanda is a University Instructor for the Department of Communication and Visual Arts at TRU, teaching 2D Foundations, Drawing and Printmaking courses. She has has been funded by the Canadian Research Council (SSHRC) to do both national and international research and has exhibited across the globe in North America, Europe, Australia and Asia. Through the translation of photographic images into photopolymer gravure, woodcuts, silkscreen and digital prints, her body of research examines cycles in wilderness framed to parallel those of human existence.

Dr. Chantal Faucher has been teaching various topics in criminology and criminal justice for several years. These include introductory topics, as well as crime and media, sociology of law, young offenders, and theories of criminal behaviour. She is also a researcher who has worked on projects in various areas, such as cyberbullying in K-12 and post-secondary education, and media representations of young offenders and law.

With a doctorate in Canadian history and studies in global and American affairs, Dr. Norman Fennema has taught face to face and online in many areas. His teaching has included, but is not limited to, Canadian and American social and cultural policy, history in film, religion, environment, sport, and crime. Don is happy to live in Victoria with his wife of 30 years and is thankful to have had the opportunity to support TRU Open Learning students in their academic journeys for over 19 years.

Dr. Jean Ferri completed her PhD in Clinical Psychology at Simon Fraser University in 1992 and registered with the College of Psychologists of British Columbia in 1993. She is proud to be an online faculty member at Thompson Rivers University where she has taught for over 10 years. Currently, Dr. Ferri teaches PSYC 1211: Introduction to Psychology 2, PSYC 2111: Introduction to Research Methods in Psychology, and PSYC 3991: Psychology of Human Resilience.

Dr. Allan Fletcher's undergrad and graduate degrees are both in art history, but his doctorate is in art education and curriculum design. He has taught Art History for close to 40 years and visual studies and cultural theory for almost 30 years. Much of his teaching experience has been at Emily Carr University of Art + Design and TRU Open Learning. When it comes to an educational philosophy, Allan believes that every course should encourage students to look closely, read attentively, describe clearly, and think critically.

Dr. David Florkowski has worked in Health Care and teaching for over 20 years, both in Canada and abroad. He began his career as an auto mechanic and still works on his own vehicles. David enjoys teaching and sharing pearls of wisdom through his experiences of success and lessons learned.

Edward (Ted) Fuller is a Professional Engineer and Professional Geoscientist. He has a MSc in Physical Geography from Simon Fraser University, a BGS General Studies from TRU Open Learning, and BSc (Honours) in Geology from Western University. He has been an Open Learning Faculty Member since 2011. Ted was a Sessional Instructor at the University College of the Cariboo. His work includes Regional Geomorphologist (BC Ministry of Environment); Acid Rock Drainage Specialist (BC Ministry of Mines); Senior Mineral Assessment Geoscientist; and Placer Geologist (Yukon Geological Survey). Ted has also done Field work in YT, NT, NU, BC, and SK, and Research work in BC and YT.

Dr. Pam Gurney is a faculty member in the BEd and MEd Programs at Thompson Rivers University. Pam has facilitated a variety of professional development opportunities for teachers and CEAs regarding assistive technology and special education. Pam was an elementary and high school teacher and District Coordinator of Inclusive Education Services with SD73. Additionally, she has a passion for Universal Design for Learning, response to intervention, and differentiated instruction which helps teachers to work toward inclusive education.

Dr. Anita Hallewas attained her Masters of Theatre at the University of Victoria in Applied Theatre and her PhD from the University of New South, Australia. She has published her research in journals and books with a focus on refugee theatre, applied and community theatre and educational theatre. She lives in Revelstoke BC where she enjoys mountain biking, snowboarding and spending time in the outdoors with friends and family.

I have completed a large study on school and district leadership, which is expanding into senior leadership teams at the JK-12 level. I am currently part of a research team exploring trust in higher education leadership, and also co-authored a book about the lived experiences of faculty in tenure-track. Work is underway on a second book on this subject, and this time the national study will focus on faculty experiences of crossing the gateway from tenure-track to tenured positions. The research has considerable importance in the field of higher education due to its longitudinal nature.

Dr. Rosalie Hilde has worked in various senior marketing management positions and has taught at post-secondary institutions for over 25 years. She has received awards and recognition for her teaching and research, including the best doctoral dissertation from the Academy of Management Critical Management Studies (CMS), the Academy convocation scholarship for academic excellence, and a research award. Rosalie has published in the Critical Perspective of International Business (journal), Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (journal), the Oxford Handbook of Diversity Management, and Making Critical Sense of Immigrant Experience.

Dr. Chelsea Horton is a historian and educator of settler heritage with a PhD in Indigenous History from the University of British Columbia. She works at the intersection of academic and applied histories. Based in Snaw-Naw-As territory on Vancouver Island, her primary areas of practice are teaching and research related to Indigenous rights and title; Indigenous knowledge, land use, and occupancy; and settler colonial histories and their cumulative effects in Canada.

A founding partner of Forward Law LLP and formerly Senior Legal Counsel and Director of Privacy for the British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC), David Hughes has taught various law courses at TRU, both online, and in person, since 2010. In his law practice, David's focus is on assisting businesses and First Nations. He represents clients form across the province and he has successfully argued cases at every level of court in BC.

Carolyn Ives has been teaching English since 1992, including previous full-time faculty positions at MacEwan University and at TRU. She is currently a Coordinator, Learning and Faculty Development in the Centre for Excellence in Learning and Teaching (CELT) at TRU. Previous roles include Academic Integrity Officer and then Curriculum Planning and Development Coordinator at MacEwan. Her professional interests include curricular integration of sustainability and academic integrity, outcomes creation and assessment, the scholarship of teaching and learning, and Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR).

Originally from Prague, in the Czech Republic. Grew up in the GTA. Undergrad at University of Toronto, St. George campus. Ph.D. at Arizona State University. Postdoctoral work at University of California at San Diego and University of Indiana at Bloomington. Research interests in behavioural neuroendocrinology. Teaching specializations in physiology, neuroscience, and anatomy. Has wonderful wife and two daughters. Enjoys the outdoors, photography, books, cooking.

Dr. Franziska Karlen was born and raised in Switzerland, where she fell in love with learning languages. In 1991, Franziska moved to Canada and completed her master’s degree and her Doctorate in Education. She has worked with students from Kindergarten to Graduate School and enjoys teaching French and German. Franziska is the proud mom of two beautiful young adults. She feels privileged to live and learn in Kamloops, British Columbia.

Dr. Randall Kimmel incorporates his 20 years of business leadership and 18 years of university teaching into both his pedagogy and his research. He earned a BA, MBA, and PhD in Finance, with a minor in Statistics. He taught at Mercyhurst, Kent State, and Penn State Universities before coming to TRU, where he is a tenured Associate Professor of Finance. His research focuses on banking and financial institutions, financial innovation, and corporate social responsibility. He teaches both undergraduate and graduate courses.

Derek Knox teaches college prep Math 0401 (grade 10), Math 0523 (grade 11), Physics 0501 (grade 11) and Physics 0601 (grade 12). He is also the treasurer of the Thompson Rivers University Faculty Association (TRUFA) professional development fund. Derek lives in Vancouver, and his research area is in the use of low frequency sound as an environmentally friendly antifouling approach to deter barnacles and mussels from attaching to vessels and stationary marine objects.

Mike Lemphers is a respiratory therapist and associate teaching professor in the respiratory therapy (RT) program at TRU. Mike is passionate about working with students who are interested in learning about RT equipment, cardiopulmonary physiology, or mechanical ventilation, as he teaches many of these courses at TRU Open Learning. He enjoys teaching these subjects and looks forward to working with students.

Roxane Letterlough is a mother of four and is from the St’át’imc Nation. She completed her undergrad at Simon Fraser University (Bachelor of Arts, Post Baccalaureate Diploma, Bachelor of Education) and her master’s degree from the University of British Columbia (Indigenous Knowledges and Indigenous Pedagogies). Roxane is currently a PhD student at the University of Waikato in New Zealand under the co-supervision of Dr. Linda Tuhiwai Smith and Dr. Courtney Mason.

In 1984, Lynnette Lettinga and her future husband both received their BSc degrees in Chemistry at TWU and then got married. You might say, "The chemistry was right"! Lynnette and her husband, Marten, lived in Williams Lake, BC, for 25 years. They then lived in Kamloops for six years, where Marten taught Chemistry for TRU. Lynnette taught Chemistry labs and upgrading math and taught at TRU for many years. Lynnette and Marten are semi-retired in Salmon Arm, BC, where they spend time with family.

Dr. Susan Lidster works as part-time instructor in the TRU School of Education and with TRU Open Learning. Prior to working at TRU, she worked for several years as a secondary school counsellor. Her research interests are counsellor wellness and the transition from secondary to post-secondary school for students. Susan lives in Kamloops, BC.

Doug Loblaw has been an Open Learning Faculty Member for 28 years. He holds a position of Faculty Emeritus at Capilano University after 28 years of teaching in the School of Business. Doug was Project Manager for the establishment of Rafik Hariri University, Beirut, Lebanon. He was Product Manager for Scott Paper Ltd. and has worked as a Marketing Consultant for over 30 BC companies. Doug Loblaw is the grandson of T.P. Loblaw, founder of Loblaw Groceterias, Toronto, 1919. He enjoys golf and raising and showing Standard Poodles with his wife. Doug loves to work with students and colleagues pursuing life-long learning.

Dr. David Loewen has been a professional administrator in health care and post-secondary. He is now an entrepreneur, researcher, and writer. Dr. Loewen has been a post-secondary faculty member for many years, in a variety of disciplines, including human resource management, business, interdisciplinary studies, tourism, education, and communications. He teaches face-to-face, online, and blended courses. He teaches Communications courses at TRU Open Learning.

Kim Love lives on Vancouver Island where she has been nursing and teaching, since 1988, in a variety of settings, from hospital, community, university, and distance education. She completed her diploma in the traditional classroom format. Her education started with a BScN, completed via distance education using a typewriter and "snail" mail, and ended with a distance computer-based Master's program from Athabasca University. Kim's passions are her family, life-long learning, and helping others achieve their goals in life.

Dr. Marie Low has been an Open Learning Faculty Member since 2009. She currently teaches five courses: ENGL 1001; CMNS 1161, 2171, and 4531; and MKTG 4491. She also worked on several TRU curriculum development projects and is an adjunct faculty member at the University of the Fraser Valley. A native of Vancouver, she holds a PhD in English from the University of Washington and a Master’s in Business Policy from Columbia University.

Dr. Ken Lum obtained his BA (Honours) degree in Psychology from the University of British Columbia (UBC), and he has MSc and PhD degrees in Psychology from Purdue University in Indiana. Ken has taught at both UBC and Purdue University. He has been with TRU Open Learning, since 1979, teaching a range of Psychology courses. He has also been practising as a clinical and consulting psychologist, primarily doing treatment and assessment.

Dr. Jodi Lundgren holds a PhD in English from the University of Washington, and her scholarly articles and reviews address Canadian and Indigenous literature. She has also published poetry and fiction, including novels for young adults. Residing with gratitude on the traditional territories of the lək̓ʷəŋən and W̱SÁNEĆ peoples, she enjoys guiding students in a variety of literature and writing courses that range from the first-year to the fourth-year level.

Dr. Anne MacGregor enjoys working with graduate students in the Faculty of Education and Social Work and seeing the caring and support those students give to one another and the people they work with. She feels their knowledge and experience make a richer learning environment. Dr. MacGregor's goal as a psychologist is to work collaboratively and to focus on people's strengths to help them achieve their goals. She is always impressed with people's resiliency.

Dr. John Marasigan has his PhD in Psychology from the Catholic University of Leuven, Belgium. He has been teaching in Open Learning since February 1993. John teaches PSYC 2101: Statistics for Social Sciences and PSYC 4991: Directed Studies. He is one of the first two recipients of the Teaching Excellence Award in 2009, and he received it for the second time in 2021. He has also been Treasurer of Past Accounts and the PD Treasurer of the faculty union, TRUOLFA, for more than 10 years. Dr. Marasigan is a published author of a Young Adult novel, and he serves as a liturgical minister in two parishes in Richmond.

Dr. Alicia Mazari-Andersen earned a BSc and MSc in Biology at the University of Mexico and a PhD in Botany at the University of British Columbia. She has been a TRU Open Learning Faculty Member since 2007, and has taught at other institutions, including the Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine. Alicia became a holistic nutritionist in 2010, and since then she has helped people create health and wellness.

Neil McClelland (he/him) is a visual artist of Irish-Scottish heritage who lives and works on the traditional territories of the Lək̓ʷəŋən (Songhees and Esquimalt) Peoples. He has had solo and group exhibitions across Canada and holds Masters degrees in Visual Arts and in Cultural Studies, a Bachelor of Education, and a Bachelor of Arts in Music. He teaches at TRU Open Learning, the University of Victoria, and the Vancouver Island School of Art.

Dr. McGuire received a B.A. Honours Economics, in his home town of Windsor ON. He received a MA from McMaster University and a Ph.D. from Simon Fraser University. Dennis was privileged to have the opportunity to teach at Ryerson Polytechnical Institute (now Metropolitan Toronto University), the University of Prince Edward Island, Okanagan University College and is honored to teach as an Open Learning Faculty Member at Thompson Rivers University.

Dr. Jeff McLaughlin comes from Winnipeg. He received his PhD in Philosophy at the University of Alberta. He is the author and editor of numerous books. His areas of interest include applied ethics, popular culture, and Holocaust studies. Jeff has taught at TRU since 1993.

I have a PhD in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry from SFU where I studied under David Baillie, Canada’s first Research Chair in Genomics and former graduate student of David Suzuki. I used C. elegans to look at the distribution of essential genes within the genome. I then completed a postdoc at Stanford University School of Medicine in the Department of Developmental Genetics under William Talbot where I studied the genetics of stroke recovery.

Dr. Rocky Mirza holds a PhD from Simon Fraser University and teaches at TRU Open Learning and University Canada West. He has four published books on history, politics, and economics. Rocky has co-authored textbooks and study guides for micro and macro principles of economics. He has written several courses for TRU Open Learning.

Dr. Javad Mirzaei's teaching and research interests are focused on general, organic, and materials chemistry. As a life-long champion of the field of chemistry and a passionate educator, he makes full use of innovative instructional techniques, including interactive assignments, simulations, and videos. In addition, he has completed several certificates in teaching and learning to encompass the latest pedagogical principles and teaching practices and inspire a new generation of chemistry enthusiasts.

Wayne Nickel holds a master’s degree from Carleton University and has been in practice for over 50 years. He has worked in Children's Aid Societies, the BC Provincial Government as a supervisor and manager, at nonprofit organizations focusing on children and youth, addiction agencies, and five different Employee Assistance programs focusing on critical incident debriefings and counselling. Wayne has taught at the UBC School of Social Work as an adjunct professor, and with Open Learning for over 30 years. He also continues in private practice.

Lanette Nordick is a passionate nurse educator who began as an HCA almost 30 years ago. She then proceeded on to be an RN, while also teaching future HCAs, since 1997. Lannette is invested in the education of compassionate HCAs to support our age-ed population in the holistic fulfillment of their day-to-day health and well-being.

Susan O'Connor holds a MBA from Simon Fraser University. She works in strategic and marketing planning, execution, and management at regional, national, and international levels. She teaches MKTG 2431: Marketing and MKTG 4481: Integrated Marketing Communication, and previously taught MKTG 4431: Retail Marketing, BBUS 3631: Open Communication, and BBUS 3651: Marketing for Managers. Susan also authored MKTG 4431: Retail Marketing and MKTG 4481: Integrated Marketing Communications, co-authored MNGT 1711: Introduction to Business, and updated MKTG 2431: Marketing and BBUS 3651: Marketing for Managers.

Carol Pakkala teaches law for public sector managers. She holds a Juris Doctor from University of British Columbia, a BA (Criminology and International Relations) from University of Toronto, and a post-secondary instructor's diploma from Vancouver Community College. Carol practiced law with legal aid before switching to teaching university courses in Criminology and in Business. Carol also works as a legal content writer.

Dr. Iain Pardoe lives in the mountains of Nelson, British Columbia, where he teaches and writes online post-secondary statistics and mathematics courses. He teaches for Thompson Rivers University Open Learning and The Institute for Statistics Education. He was formerly an online instructor for Pennsylvania State University and an Associate Professor of Decision Sciences in the Lundquist College of Business at the University of Oregon. He obtained his PhD in Statistics at the University of Minnesota.

Frances Paski is a science and mathematics faculty member for ABE Advanced Level students at TRU Open Learning. Frances believes that students should develop fundamental skills in critical thinking, logical thinking, quantitative reasoning, and communication in general. She is enthusiastic about empowering students to reach their educational goals. She is a recipient of the 2010 TRU Open Learning Outstanding Service Award. Frances holds a BSc in Chemistry and Mathematics, a PDP in Teaching Science and Math, and a PBD in Education.

John Patterson is a full-time Adult Basic Education (ABE) English and Law instructor at Vancouver Community College, and a part-time ABE English instructor with TRU Open Learning. He attended Simon Fraser University, the University of British Columbia, and the BC Institute of Technology.

John Patton earned a BHSc and became a Registered Respiratory Therapist Anesthesia Assistant (RRT AA). He has been an Open Learning Faculty Member at TRU for 15 years and is a CCAA National Exam member. John Patton is an advanced cardiovascular life support (ACLS), cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and neonatal resuscitation (NRP) instructor.

Christine Petersen is an Associate Teaching Professor. She earned her MSc in Environmental Science Ecology at TRU, BSc Zoology at University of British Columbia, as well as her Medical Lab Tech, and her BC Teaching Certificate. Christine became a member of the TRU faculty in 1998 and has been an Open Learning Faculty Member since 2004.

Ann Pollock – holds a BA in Fine Arts, Philosophy, and Museum Management from the University of British Columbia, with post-graduate studies at The National Gallery of Canada, (under Canada Council Award). She has curated many contemporary art, historical, interdisciplinary, photography and film exhibitions, publications, events and festivals as Curator and Acting Director, Fine Arts Gallery (Belkin) UBC; Curator, Vancouver Art Gallery; and, independently, for the National Gallery of Canada; Istituto Italiano di Cultura; Pacific Cinémathèque; Sydney College of the Arts, Australia; Winnipeg Art Gallery; and Presentation House Gallery (Polygon). For the latter she curated the project Transient Moments: Vancouver and the Performance Photograph and co-curated the international project Aurora Australis: Film & Photographic Works, recognized by Oracle, the International Association of Photo Curators. She was Guest Editor of Espace Sculpture magazine and curated Image & Light • History & Influence: Film & Photographic Works, Vancouver, for the Charles H. Scott Gallery. Books include Marconi (Winnipeg Art Gallery), and Jock Macdonald (The National Gallery of Canada). An art consultant to the City of Vancouver, her public art projects include The Peaceable Kingdom by Tom Dean and The Collective Agency Project -the film related to this project, Collective Agency, previews in 2024. For forty years she has created and produced awards-nominated arts features for CBC including The Crooked Path, (artist Jeff Wall) and The White Glass, (poet P.K. Page). Her scripts have been excerpted in creative writing magazines, including The Malahat Review. Formerly a faculty member of UBC (Curator, Acting Director, Fine Arts Gallery); Sydney College of the Arts, Australia (Head, in Sculpture Dept. of Installation Works plus Film, Sound & Video); BC Open University; and, currently, Open Learning, Thompson Rivers University; she resides and works in Vancouver, BC.

Terrance P. Power is a professor of strategic and advanced international studies. He sits on several national boards, including The Knowledge Management Institute of Canada, the Comprehensive Security Studies Group, and The Academic Board of the Institute of Strategic and International Studies. In 2008 he was invited to join the Oxford Round Table at Harris Manchester College, Oxford University.

Dr. Diane Purvey is a historian who specializes in the study of childhood, social workers and institutionalization, school leadership, and the experiences of women in Canada's past. She is the author of several articles and co-author of Private Grief, Public Mourning: The Rise of the Roadside Shrine in BC, and Vancouver Noir: 1930 ‒1960. Dr. Purvey is currently the Vice-President Academic and Provost at Kwantlen Polytechnic University.

Dr. Musfiq Rahman is an Associate Professor in the Department of Computing Science at Thompson Rivers University. His research interests are mainly in the areas of security and resource management in emerging wireless networks. Teaching is one of Musfiq's primary passions, and he enjoys teaching a variety of courses in Computer Science.

Dr. Gloria Ramirez holds a PhD in Developmental Psychology and Education from the University of Toronto. She has more than 30 years of teaching experience in Colombia, England, and Canada. At Open Learning she teaches research methods in education. Her research, supported by competitive external grants, examines language and literacy development across different languages, bilingual learning, and revitalization of Indigenous languages. Her work has been published in recognized international journals.

Melanie is an award-winning case writer with an interest in ethics of care and how it can manifest in organizations. Melanie also has pedagogical and research interests in labour relations, social enterprises, and non-profit organizations. She is a member of the Innovation for Social Good (ISG) Research Cluster at TRU.

Dr. Matt Reudink is a Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at TRU and an Open Learning Faculty Member. He teaches Animal Behaviour and Evolution through Open Learning, and many other courses in person. Matt's main research interests are behavioural ecology, evolution, and ornithology, with a particular emphasis on the year-round ecology of migratory birds and the evolution of ornamental traits.

Nancy has her BScN from Western University and MHS from Athabasca. She currently teaches HLTH 3101: Client-Directed Care Management. Nancy has held various executive leadership positions in Health Care Administration across Canada, with a specialty in Primary and Community Health Care Services with a particular focus on care management and senior’s care.

Robert Rippin has an undergraduate degree in chemistry from the University of Victoria, and a degree in Environmental Public Health, with a specialty of waterborne diseases. In addition to routine regulatory oversite and education of water system operators, Robert works as an advisor to the Ministry of Health in Alberta and previously in British Columbia on Drinking Water Systems regulations and policy. Robert wrote, and currently teaches, some of the original water and wastewater treatment curriculum for UCC.

Dave Rittenhouse earned a BSc in general biology in Lethbridge, a MSc in comparative anatomy in Calgary, and a Respiratory Therapy (RT) from TRU, in Kamloops. He teaches Anatomy-Physiology I and II, and Pathophysiology. Dave's research interests include 3D imaging, animation, and augmented and virtual reality for enhanced visualization in science and education.

Dr. Jessica Rourke obtained her PhD in Social-Personality Psychology from the University of Victoria. In addition to teaching at TRU Open Learning, she teaches at University of Victoria and works in the field of restorative justice. Her research interests include forgiveness, pedagogy, and experiences in restorative justice and our criminal justice system.

Dr. Vicky Roy has been a business faculty in top post-secondary institutions across Canada, holding a Bachelor of Science from the University of Montreal (HEC), and an MBA and PhD from the University of Sherbrooke. She champions lifelong learning as a path to healthier, more fulfilling lives. With over 20 years of experience, Dr. Roy specializes in strategic management, marketing, change management, and sustainability, leading diverse teams and institutions in delivering quality education.

Dr. Monica Sanchez-Flores (she/her) is an Associate Professor of Sociology at TRU. She has a PhD in Sociology and MSc in Social and Political Theory, both from the University of Edinburgh. She earned her BA in Public Administration at El Colegio de Mexico, Mexico City. Dr. Sanchez-Flores is the author of numerous publications.

Dr. Ulrich Scheck specializes in German Romantic and contemporary literature. He has taught at Mount Allison University, Queen's University, and Thompson Rivers University. Dr. Scheck has authored and edited over a dozen books, and published numerous refereed articles, reference works, and reviews. He has initiated international student exchanges and held many senior administrative positions throughout his academic career. Outside of academia, Dr. Scheck's main passions are music and photography.

Heather Shannon has been a Registered Veterinary Technologist for over 30 years. Heather was hired by TRU in 2007; she is a full-time tenured faculty member with the achievement of Associate Teaching Professor. Heather has taught and created onsite, distance and open learning courses. Heather received the Registered Veterinary Technologist of Canada Making a Difference Award in 2019, the 2020 BCVTA Award of Appreciation and was nominated for the TRU Faculty Excellence Award in 2022.

Aditya Sharma has a master’s degree in Health Administration from the University of British Columbia (UBC), a master’s degree in Community Health Sciences from University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC), and a master’s degree in Statistics from Tribhuvan University, Nepal. He has taught statistics and biostatistics in Open Learning since 2002. Before coming to Canada, he was in the Faculty of Statistics for Tribhuvan University, Nepal. Aditya also works as a performance measurement consultant for the health care sector.

Dr. Mridula Sharma is a Computer Science professor with more than 25 years of teaching experience. She has been teaching in the TRU Computing Science department for the last 10 years and has been teaching online at Open Learning for seven years. She now works as a senior Open Learning Faculty Member, as well.

Dr. Manu Sharma is an Assistant Professor at Thompson Rivers University in the Faculty of Education and Social Work, where she teaches foundational courses in the Master of Education program. Her research interests and publications in the field of education are based on equity initiatives, critical curriculum studies, social justice pedagogy, deficit thinking, action research, educational law, and international teaching experiences.

Duncan helps business leaders and students transform their businesses using emerging data technologies. He has international academic and commercial experience in Asia, Europe and North America. His research and consultancy interests include AI and Big Data strategy, Data Monetisation, Platform Business Models, and Business Ecosystems. Duncan writes - and more - at www.duncanrshaw.co.uk. His book Managing Emerging Data Technologies was published by Sage in December 2022.

Linda Sheehan has been an Open Learning instructor since 1999 and taught human and physical geography at North Island College for over a decade. Linda chose a teaching-focused academic path and is particularly interested in environmental related issues, and our relationship with the rest of the natural world.

Dean Sinclair, CRSP, has been working in safety since 2001. His professional experience includes extensive program auditing, safety management system development, and training and mentoring for a wide variety of private and government clients. Dean has been a TRU Open Learning Faculty Member since 2016.

Carol is a Registered Polysomnography Technologist and Registered Respiratory Therapist with over 35 years in healthcare/acute care, diagnostic, community, and patient education. She has worked more than 15 years in a hospital-based sleep laboratory. Carol has been an OLFM at TRU for over 10 years. She enjoys meeting new and returning students in the TRU Polysomnography online courses and assisting them to successful completion.

Dr. Margaret Sonnenfeld is a laboratory coordinator in the Department of Biological Sciences at TRU and an Open Learning Faculty Member. She has a PhD in Developmental Genetics that focussed on identifying and characterizing genes required for the development of the nervous system. Dr. Sonnenfeld has taught courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels in Developmental Biology, Cell Biology, Genetics and Introductory Biology. She is committed to promoting equity, diversity and inclusion in undergraduate education.

Timothy Spielman's background includes being a start-up tech executive, consultant, and university educator, with over 30 years of experience in these fields. He is a FCPA, FCMA with a background in information systems and controls, along with a dual concentration MBA in strategy and technology. He is currently the Dean of Business and Continuing Studies at Medicine Hat College, and he sits on a Canada-wide Information Technology thought leadership committee for Financial Professionals.

Candis Spiers is a Critical Care RN with an MN in nursing. She teaches HLTH 1021: Nutrition for Health and Changing Lifestyles, and NURS 3651: Return to Registered Nurse Practice for TRU as well as teaching in another BSN program. Candis loves the outdoors, trail running, hiking, skiing, and camping.

Dan Spring is a professional journalist and media expert with 25 years of experience. He has published in a variety of international magazines and local newspapers on topics ranging from social justice to global economics. Dan's graduate research is focussed on communications, the complex dynamic interplay of social and psychological systems, and social justice.

Dr. Don Stanley has combined academics with journalism, including a TV-focused column for the Vancouver Sun. Specializing in American literature, he has long admired the way in which that multifarious country produces great writers in great numbers with such nonchalant ease. Don's current favorites: Vladimir Nabokov, Charles Bukowski, Cormac McCarthy, and the increasingly obscure Donald Barthelme. On a personal note, he professes to cheer for the Canucks, yet assiduously tracks Connor McDavid highlights.

Dr. Nan Stevens enjoyed a 15-year teaching career in the K–12 system in alternate and community-based education. As a teacher educator in the TRU School of Education, Nan set up practica and taught undergraduate and graduate courses focusing on inclusive education. She also supported students with their graduate projects and theses. Nan's scholarly work includes systems theory, teacher identity, and neurodiversity.

Dr. Christian Tabi Amponsah (Chris) holds a PhD in Organization and Management with General Business specialization from Capella University, USA. Chris has an MBA (Finance) and a Civil Engineering degree from the University of Leicester, UK. He has published 32 articles in addition to having a half dozen currently in print or under review. Chris is a full-time TRU Open Learning Faculty Member. A versatile professor, Chris teaches both qualitative and quantitative business courses.

Dr. Sepideh Tahriri Adabi holds a PhD and an MSc in Entomology, along with a BSc in Plant Protection. Her expertise spans entomopathogens, parasitic wasps, and insect population dynamics. As an educator, she teaches entomology, biological control, pest management, biology, and ecology. Leading a research team, Dr. Adabi focuses on sustainable microbial solutions, covering beneficial microorganisms (fungi, bacteria, baculoviruses), endophytes, soil microbes, insect frass, biostimulants, and UV lights for pest and disease management.

Dr. Charmaine Tener has been an Open Learning Faculty Member and TRU Instructor for almost two decades. She has several years of experience as a leader and director in both the private and public sectors. She is described as a caring faculty member, a great listener/coach, and a lifelong learner. In her spare time, you will likely find Dr. Tener playing in the great outdoors.

Dr. Andreas Tomaszewski (He/Him/His) is a German-born Sociologist of Hungarian and Polish origin and has degrees from German and Canadian universities. He focusses on crime, deviance, and their control, as well as social justice issues. Dr. Tomaszewski has taught at universities in Ontario, Ohio, Michigan, and Alberta. He has been with TRU Open Learning since 2013, teaching Criminology and Sociology courses. He lives with his spouse and dogs in Christina Lake, BC.

Dr. Trent Tucker holds a PhD in Management Sciences from Waterloo University, an MBA from Rotman at the University of Toronto, and a BSc in Mathematics from the University of Alberta. Trent spent 15 years in industry (Imperial Oil / Methanex / HATCH / Schneider Foods) before switching careers to become an academic. He has taught at the University of Waterloo, Laurier University, Guelph University, and QuestU. Trent joined TRU in January 2020.

Tracy has twenty years hands-on business experience and is a lifelong learner. She has a Marketing PhD from Northcentral University, Arizona and has been involved in the writing of several Canadian textbooks. Tracy is the mother of two adult sons and two Siamese cats. She lives with her husband in the Fraser Valley and enjoys paper crafts and creating wearable fashion.

Shacara Wasilieff has been an Instructor for the Veterinary Technician program, teaching Anatomy and Physiology, Clinical Pathology and Math. She is an alumnus, having graduated from the on-site Veterinary Technology program in 2008. Shacara has been in the veterinary industry since 2003, working in various emergency and specialty medicine clinics in the Lower Mainland, primarily in emergency medicine for the past 13 years. She is thrilled to be an Open Learning Faculty Member now!

Dr. Biggi Weischedel has worked and studied in Germany, Canada, California, Montana, Colorado, and New Zealand. Her doctoral research at the University of Otago, in New Zealand, focused on online marketing aspects such as email marketing and web analytics, as well as marketing strategy, marketing research, and management topics. Biggi has taught marketing, management, and e-commerce courses at the graduate and undergraduate level in New Zealand, Canada, and the US. Traveling hiking, and other sports keep Biggi busy outside of academia.

Kirsten Wilson graduated with her diploma in Animal Health Technology from University College of the Cariboo in 2001, and she worked in veterinary clinics as a Registered Veterinary Technologist ever since. She has taught Veterinary Technology for almost 15 years and joined TRU Open Learning in that capacity in 2019.

Marnie Wright is the Associate Vice President of Human Resources at University of the Fraser Valley and has worked in the field of Human Resources for over 25 years. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration and a Master of Arts in Organizational Management with specialized training in conflict resolution and professional coaching. Wright is a Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP) and was a finalist for the 2016 BC Human Resources Professional of the Year Award.

Clement Yeh has been teaching at TRU since 2017 in drawing, 2D art fundamentals, sculpture, architectural drafting, film studies, and communication writing. Born to Chinese parents in England, he grew up in Calgary on Treaty 7 land. Comics were an early creative influence that inspired him to pursue fine art, leading to a BFA at AuArts and an MFA at Concordia University. He is grateful to be a visitor on the traditional unceded Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc Territory (Kamloops, BC), and sits on the Board of the Kamloops Arts Council. His primary medium is figurative drawing, and he is passionate about supporting the role that art plays in personal growth, confronting social issues, and uplifting the quality of life in society.

Dr. Tigerson Young has been a Registered Psychologist in BC since 2007 and has been listed on the Canadian Register of Health Service Psychologists since 2008. In addition to his PhD in Clinical Psychology, Tigerson has his MS degree in Law. He has been teaching Child and Youth Mental Health courses at TRU Open Learning since 2008.

Mahmoud Ziaei obtained his BSc (1969, Physics) at Tabriz University, Iran; his MSc (1973, Quantum Electronics) at Essex University, UK; and his PhD (1977, Solid State Physics) at Oxford University, UK. Mahmoud was a Physics faculty member at Tehran University, Iran, 1977–1988. He immigrated to Canada in 1988. He was a research associate at McMaster University (1989–1990) and Simon Fraser University (1990–1993), and a Physics/Computer Instructor at Northern Lights College (1993–2013). Mahmoud has been an Open Learning Faculty Member since 2014 and has delivered the following courses: PHYS 1103: General Physics I; PHYS 1203: General Physics II; and PHYS 1011: Physics for Future Leaders.

Beth de Beer has an MA from Simon Fraser University with a focus on Corrections, Female Offenders and Feminist Theory. Her experience includes work in adult and youth probation, corrections, and prison education. Beth's research areas concentrate on correctional issues, female offenders, fear of crime, and feminist studies.