About UCW Backpack
I am sitting in this room looking at this beautiful picture of diversity. Backpacks of different shapes and colours, each carrying memories, ambitions, and stories within. I am thinking when they are back from their break, I'll ask them what they are carrying in their backpacks!
UCW Backpack is an online publication that serves as a collaborative space where our university community, students, staff, and faculty, can "unpack" their unique stories and contribute meaningfully to the shared goals and mission of our UCW.
Photo by Siavash
Contributors
Issue 2:
UCW Faculty and Staff:
Dr. Atsena Abogo Marie Therese, Dr. Joseph James Alvaro, Dr. Gitanjaly Chhabra, Teresita Dela Cruz, Sophie Farmani, Dr. Hossein Ghanbari, Dr. Wisanu Krutngoen, Maryam Rostamy, Dr. Daniel B. Sarvestan, Dr. Alireza Sedghi Taromi, Mehrnoush Shahbandi, Annee Sharma, Dr. Hamed Taherdoust, and Holly Tran.
UCW Students:
Special thanks to our students who provided valuable content for the 2nd issue of UCW Backpack:
Aashma Gautam, Aekkus Singh Arora, Antanisha Evans-Nairn, Gurbaj Singh Dev, Juan Carlos Fletes Carbajal, Leonardo Enzo Souza, Megha Raut, Mishael Peiris, Syed Rehan Hussain, Shorneka Thompson Russell, and all other students who generously shared their ideas and experiences in the Student Voice section.
Issue 1:
UCW Faculty and Staff:
Dr. Alireza Sedghi, Akshay Gupta, Annee Sharma, Dr. Daniel Sarvestani, Dr. Gitanjaly Chhabra, Dr. Hamed Taherdoost, Jennifer Spiegel, Dr. Mostafa Nazari, Mehri Haghighi, Dr. Puyan Taheri, Dr. Siavash Rokhsari, Teresita Cruz, Yazdan Jahan
UCW Students:
Special thanks to our students who provided valuable content for this 1st issue of UCW Backpack:
Akashdeep Singh, Cristian Olea, Fabiana Dutra, Ishwor Gaire, Jash Khatri, Juan David Luna Cruz, Kavindu Chathumal Kalubowila Pattiyage Peiris, Mehakpreet Kaur, Melany Cristhina Reyes Cañarte, Merennage Mishael Suresha Peiris, Pema Loday, Rajandeep Singh, Rosicler Xavier Do Rozario De Souza, Satwinder Singh, Viviana Renteria, and Winston R. Thompson.
Issue 3:
Adnan Sarwar, Carlos Kelency, Costa Karavas, Dariush Daraee, Dr. Kaye Hare, Maryam Safa Schneider, Dr. Rozeta Bicaku, Dr. Sadaq, Troy Abromaitis, Dr. Wisanu (Aik) Krutngoen, Wahiba Chair, and Dr. William Rubel.
Designed by Siavash
Meet the team!
Dr. Gitanjaly Chhabra Assistant Professor ACSS Department, UCW (The Section editor of Self, Nature, and Technology) Dr. Gitanjaly Chhabra is an Assistant Professor at University Canada West, Vancouver. She is an academic, philosopher, and writer. Her current research interests include philosophy of artificial intelligence (AI), posthuman philosophy (consciousness and applied linguistics), technology mediations, decolonization and green education. She believes in the ‘phenomenological immersion in infinite unity’ - exploring the boundaries of self and beyond. She loves coffee and travelling.
Dr. Dr. Daniel B Sarvestani Assistant Professor ACSS Department, UCW (The Section editor of Indigenous Horizons) Dr. Daniel Bagheri Sarvestani is an Assistant Professor in ACSS at UCW. An Indigenous rights specialist and applied anthropologist, he holds a PhD in Cultural Anthropology from the University of Kansas, where he researched cultural identity and Indigenous rights among the Ch’orti Maya of Honduras. Daniel has conducted extensive fieldwork with Indigenous communities across the Americas and Western Asia, including the Bakhtiyari, Bribri, First Nations, and Garifuna peoples. He teaches ANTH102, integrating interdisciplinary scholarship, community-based experience, and decolonial approaches. His work spans research, consultation, and international development in support of Indigenous and marginalized communities worldwide.
Dr. Mostafa Nazari Assistant Professor ACSS Department, UCW (The Section editor of The Faculty Room) Mostafa Nazari is an Assistant Professor of English and Business Communications at the ACSS Department, University Canada West. Since joining UCW in 2018, he has enjoyed teaching diverse groups of students, supporting them through creative and practical projects, and learning from his colleagues while contributing to several academic and departmental initiatives that make teaching a rewarding experience.
Dr. Marie-Thérèse Atsena Abogo Associate Professor ACSS Department, UCW (The Section editor of Women in Academia and Beyond ) Dr. Marie-Thérèse Atsena Abogo holds a Ph.D. in Anthropology and Communication from Université Laval, where she also completed her Master’s in Public Communication. She is an Associate Professor at University Canada West (UCW) in Vancouver, leading the Sociology, Social Justice, and Criminology programs. Her interdisciplinary research examines globalization, youth culture, music, gender, and Black identity, with fieldwork in Cameroon, Senegal, Mali, and Quebec. She has published on hip-hop culture, socio-economic issues, Black women in the music industry, women in academia, and gender equality in peacekeeping, appearing in journals such as Agora Francophone and Anthropologie et Sociétés. Dr. Atsena Abogo has taught at multiple Canadian institutions and worked with the United Nations on gender and communication in conflict zones.
Natella Isazada Assistant Professor ACSS Department, UCW (The Section editor of Communication & Interpersonal Skills) Natella Isazada is an Assistant Professor in the UCW ACSS Department with extensive experience teaching Communications and Business courses across public and private universities. With over 20 years of leadership experience in the U.S. and Canada, she is an international Keynote and TEDx speaker and author of Quality in Quality Out book. Natella has consulted businesses and nonprofits on Business Process Improvement, Business Communications and Management Systems. She is a Board of Directors member at ASQ (American Society for Quality); Vice Chair of ASQ Geographical Communities Council and Region Director for ASQ Canada & Greenland Region. She holds a CMQ/OE certification. Natella holds an MPA (University of Nebraska Omaha), a Master’s in Health and Safety Leadership (University of Fredericton), a Law Degree (Russian State Social University), and Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees in International Journalism (Baku State University). She is currently pursuing her EdD at the University of Calgary.
Dr. Puyan Taheri Assistant Professor ACSS Department, UCW (The Section editor of Business Comm & Career Preparation) Dr. Puyan Taheri is an assistant professor at the Art, Culture, and social Sciences (ACSS) department of University Canada West. He teaches Academic Writing and Technical Communication for the graduate and undergraduate programs in University Canada West and New York Institute of Technology in Vancouver. He is a seasoned and dedicated professional in the field of Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) and Applied Linguistics. He has a rich academic background and 21 years of hands-on teaching experience, Dr. Taheri has made significant contributions to the education sector, leaving an indelible mark on both national and international platforms. He is committed and experienced teaching at universities establishing rapport with students with multicultural backgrounds. He has always promoted an always-learning, cooperative, and can-do approach in his work environments. He has published over 15 papers and 5 books. He is interested in hiking and cycling in nature and watching movies and series.
Dr. Marzieh Yousefi Assistant Professor ACSS Department, UCW (The Section editor of Everyday Life, Media & Viral Cultures) Dr. Marziyeh Yousefi is an assistant professor in the Department of Arts, Communication, and Social Sciences (ACSS) at University Canada West. She holds a PhD in Applied Linguistics from the University of Victoria. Dr. Yousefi has been teaching COMM 102, COMM 200, COMM 205, COMM 207, COMM 497, ENG 100, and ENG 102 at University Canada West. Marziyeh loves visual arts, including painting and cinema.
Annee Sharma, CDMP, MBA Administrative Assistant ACSS Department, UCW (The Section editor of Marketing and Networking) Annee Sharma, CDMP, MBA, is an Administrative Assistant in the School of Arts, Communication, and Social Sciences at University Canada West. With a professional background in marketing, communication, and project coordination, she brings experience from diverse sectors, including media, publishing, e-commerce, and education. She is passionate about creative initiatives that build community and collaboration. Outside of work, she enjoys weaving, writing, and exploring local markets.
Dr. Siavash Rokhsari Assistant Professor, ACSS Department, UCW (Editor-in-Chief, Website, Visuals & the Section Editor of student lounge ) Siavash is an educator with a background in visual art, applied linguistics, and communication, now integrating and expanding them into marketing strategy and marketing management. Building on this interdisciplinary foundation, he teaches and researches how visual and linguistic tools work together to shape effective strategic communication in both educational and professional settings.
Learn more about UCWbackpack' s differen sections:
Self, Nature, and Technology
Section editor: Dr. Gitanjaly Chhabra
As you explore this section you will dive into a space where humans, animals, the environment, and technology meet. You can explore short articles, artwork, and stories that show how we can live and think in connection with the world around us. You will hear from faculty, students, and staff as they share experiences, ideas, and creative projects that bridge nature, technology, and human experience.
The Faculty Room
Section editor: Dr. Mostafa Nazari
Focusing on teaching strategies and learners’ experience, this section highlights innovative pedagogical practices, classroom experiences, and learner perspectives, offering practical and reflective insights into education.
Communication and Interpersonal Skills
Section editor: Natella Isazada
This section concentrates on communication practices and interpersonal development, with contributions that bridge theory and real-world application for academic, professional, and social growth.
Marketing and Networking
Section editor: Annee Sharma
This section covers marketing strategies, branding, and professional networking. It highlights practical tools for building a strong personal and professional presence in today’s competitive digital landscape. It also encourages community collaboration and connection, helping students grow their networks and unlock new opportunities.
Indigenous Horizons
Section editor: Dr. Daniel B. Sarvestani
This section is a dedicated space that celebrates indigenous knowledge, stories, and teachings, honouring the wisdom, traditions, and lived experiences of indigenous peoples.
Women Engagement in Academia and Beyond
Section editor: Dr. Atsena Abogo, Marie Therese
This section provides content on women’s experiences, challenges, and achievements within and beyond UCW, bringing forward diverse voices and perspectives that foster inclusion.
Business Communication and Career Preparation
Section editor: Dr. Puyan Taheri
This section focuses on workplace readiness, professional communication, and strategies to support students’ transition from academic study to career success.
Everyday Life, Media, and Viral Cultures
Section editor: Dr. Marzieh Yousefi
This section covers themes drawn from students’ and faculty members’ daily experiences, both inside and outside academia. This section also examines how media trends and viral cultural phenomena shape perspectives, behaviours, and conversations within the UCW community.
The Student Lounge
Section editor: Dr. Siavash Rokhsari
This section provides a dedicated platform for student contributions, spotlighting their perspectives and amplify their voice by giving them space to share their work, ideas, and experiences within and beyond UCW.