¶¡ÏãÔ°AV

Gender, Sexuality, and Women's Studies PhD student in the

Popular culture and feminism fascinate me and I spoke about the way they intermingle in my 2017 TEDxGastownWomen presentation. My focus now is on the figure of the woman reader, which has been a trope for centuries! Before resuming my academic career, I served one term as Trustee for the West Vancouver Board of Education after many years as a communications professional. I'm also a Mom who is guiding a teenage artist through life as an undergraduate. A past member of Vancouver Opera’s Board of Directors and a Philosophers’ Café moderator, I host online conversations for the North Vancouver District Public Library and the West Vancouver Memorial Library. I'm also an avid traveler, a chocolate enthusiast, and often dream of Paris.

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO COME TO ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV?

¶¡ÏãÔ°AV's Graduate Liberal Studies program, a unique interdisciplinary and contemplative environment, lured me back to higher education. Once enrolled there, I began to TA in the Department of Humanities. The combination of reading, writing, reflection, analysis, and debate proved irresistible and once I finished my MA, I decided to continue on and was thrilled when GSWS accepted my PhD application!

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

My colleagues and I strive to find ways to understand the root of inequality because if we get the why, we can get to better!

WHAT ARE YOU PARTICULARLY ENJOYING ABOUT YOUR STUDIES/RESEARCH AT ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV?

I am learning all the time and that is particularly satisfying to me since I am someone who has always been intensely curious! I also enjoy sharing my enthusiasm and passion for learning with the undergraduates at ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV who are a source of inspiration and hope.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR PROGRAM/POSTDOC POSITION TO SOMEONE STILL SEARCHING FOR A PROGRAM OR POSTDOC POSITION?

GSWS is dynamic, evolving, and relevant. The work we do is more important than ever. It allows us to explore the roots of oppression along vectors of difference and to join the struggles to make the world more equal, more equitable, and more just for all.

IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU'D LIKE TO SHARE?

I recognize that being able to study is a privilege and I am so grateful for this opportunity, especially at this stage in my life, to immerse myself in the joys of learning, teaching, studying, reading, and writing.

Contact Reema: rfaris@sfu.ca