Monyka L. Rodrigues GSDE Co-Chair Monyka is in her third year of PhD studies specializing in Child Studies in the Department of Education at Concordia University. Her background is in cognitive and language development, but recently concentrated her efforts on literacy research. She is specifically interested in the cognitive effects of reading words in different contexts (stories and lists), and the impact of the home literacy environment on shared storybook reading and print exposure. When not working, you can find her reading young adult fiction and graphic novels.

Marlon Sanches GSDE Co-Chair Marlon Sanches is a doctoral student in education at Concordia University. He holds an M.A. in Educational Studies and a Certificate in Adult Education both from Concordia University. His research interests include adult education, teacher training/education, and critical pedagogy. He sits on the board of the Canadian Association for the Study of Adult Education (CASAE) as a Quebec regional representative. Outside work, Marlon enjoys nature walks, watching French movies and travelling.

Farnaz Gholami
Event Logistics
Second year MA student in Educational Technology
As an instructional designer, I am passionate about designing learning experiences that make education inclusive of all learners. I want to have a role in creating supportive and nurturing learning environments where both the facilitator and the learner get to explore and discover their paths.

 

Ed Griffiths
Communications, Outreach & Website
First year PhD student in Applied Linguistics
I have an MA in Linguistics from SOAS University of London and an MA in Bilingualism Studies from University of Ottawa. I like to cook, ski and travel (particularly to Japan).
Research interests: L2 spoken interaction, linguistic risk-taking, communication strategies

 

Wilson Hernández Varona
Outreach & Event Logistics
First year PhD student in Educational Studies
I hold an M.A. in English didactics, and a B.A. in foreign language teaching offered at Universidad Surcolombiana.
Research interests: student teachers’ education & agency development, conceptualization of English teaching & learning, and the socio-political contextual factors interacting with the teacher self.

 

 

 

Anne Laurie
Grant Writing
Third year PhD student in Child Studies
Research Interests: First Nations education, culturally-sensitive assessments, language and literacy

 
 

Tiffany Matraxia
Grant Writing & Event Logistics
MA student in Educational Studies
Tiffany has an undergrad degree in Musical Performance. Once gaining the essential knowledge acquired during her MA program, her career goal of creating equality in the classroom through a focus on peace education and an understanding of multiple epistemologies can be attained.

 

Zeina Salameh
Finance
Second year MA student in Educational Technology
I started my career as a high school science teacher and decided to transition into the field of educational technology. My research interests include: finding ways to facilitate learning, specifically with the use in technology, in both K-12 and Higher Education.

 

Neveen Sawouq
Communications & Hospitality
First year MA student in Educational Studies
In 2009, I graduated from JUST university in Jordan. After graduation, I worked as a second grade English teacher for 5 years. Then, I worked as a flight attendant in Royal Jordanian Airline for 5 years. I was a member in the university band & a Jordanian folklore band, presenting my country in local & international festivals around the world. I love singing, dancing, baking organic sweets, travelling & drawing smiles on people’s faces.

 

Nasim Tavassoli
Abstract Review Coordinator
Third year PhD student in Child Studies
My background is in developmental psychology; more specifically, I am interested in how children develop moral understanding and prosocial skills during their interactions with others such as siblings and friends. My research also centres around understanding the factors that motivate children and adolescents to help or not to help others.

 

Xinyao Wu
Communications & Hospitality
First year MA student in Educational Technology
Research interests: instructional design and human resources.
Outside of work, I enjoy singing, playing the violin or watching anime.