I have a PhD in Writing Studies from McGill University. My dissertation focused on the social, cultural, and writing experiences of international graduate students in Canadian universities. My research interests include: rhetorical genre theory, writing across the curriculum in the disciplines, literacy transfer, identity construction, and intercultural rhetoric. My professional experience includes teaching academic writing in the U.S and Canada, translating, tutoring, and developing writing workshops. I have been teaching at UBC for six tears. As an UBC instructor, I enjoy teaching academic research and writing to first year students. In addition to teaching the subject matter, I try to broaden the students horizons about university life, including the importance of understanding expectations, establishing networks, acquiring an inquisitive mind, dealing with learning challenges, and recognizing the various resources and support available to them at UBC. Jump Start is the right place to do that.