Peer Advisers

Gulzar Ahmad is a PhD candidate in Curriculum Studies at the University of British Columbia. His research focuses on the Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) of state-sponsored K-12 social studies and history curricula and textbooks in Pakistan. He aims to deconstruct hidden meanings, exclusions, and silences through his doctoral research from the perspectives of religion, gender, and ethnicity. 

Since the fall of 2021, he has been working as a Research Assistant (RA) with the SSHRC-funded “Thinking Historically for Canada’s Future” (THCF) project. He has also worked as a co-chair of the Graduate Student Committee (GSC)THCF project from June 2024 to June 2025. Gulzar is also currently working as a Doctoral Writing Consultant with the Centre for Writing and Scholarly Communication at UBC. 

Kelsey Beaudry is a second-year Ph.D. student in the Department of Curriculum and Pedagogy at the University of British Columbia, specializing in social studies education. She holds an M.Ed. from UBC and a B.Ed. and B.A. from Simon Fraser University. Before starting her doctoral studies, Kelsey taught social studies, English, and learning assistance at the secondary level in North Vancouver for ten years. Her experiences working with B.C.’s revised curriculum sparked an interest in understanding the personal, organizational, and policy factors that guide teacher-decision making when it comes to learning resources such as textbooks and digital materials. Outside of her academic work, Kelsey is a mother of two young children which keeps her very busy! When she manages to find time for hobbies, she enjoys running and journaling.

Seoin is a Master of Arts student in Health, Outdoor, and Physical Education with a strong commitment to promoting social justice in educational settings. She holds a B.Sc. in Physical Education from Yonsei University in Seoul, South Korea, and has four years of experience teaching physical education. Currently on study leave to complete her master’s degree, Seoin’s research explores equity, diversity, and inclusion in education, with a focus on the intersections of race and gender. She is also passionate about sustainability and fostering safe, welcoming environments.  

Sonia Huda is a PhD candidate in the Department of Curriculum and Pedagogy at the University of British Columbia. Her research explores autobiography, theological curriculum theory, and lived curriculum, with a focus on how lived experiences and faith traditions shape educational practice.

Balraj Rathod is a Ph.D. candidate in Curriculum Studies, researching how post-secondary student communities seek active and hopeful approaches to engaging imaginations for collective climate action, which addresses issues such as food security, sustainability, and climate justice. He collaborates with such groups to understand the evolving role of students as non-formal educators, influencing issue-based curriculum development and creative pedagogical practices that expand broader public climate engagement. Previously, he has conceptualized research projects in chemistry, chemistry education, educational technology, science and environmental education, drawing from methodologies such as design-based research. Outside of academia, he works as a beekeeper, enjoys solving 5x5x5 Rubik’s Cube on the bus, plays blitz Chess, attends classical music concerts, and maintains an 1800+ day Duolingo streak.

Sushi Roy is an MA student in Media and Technology Studies Education at UBC, with roots in Jaipur and eight formative years in New York City (NYU and nonprofit marketing). Her research, sparked by her nonprofit work in India, follows early STEM learning where it begins: in kitchens, courtyards, errands, and everyday family life. She also works with SARAVYC (UBC School of Nursing) on communications and knowledge mobilization, turning research into stories people can use. You’ll find her cooking for friends, writing, watching Hindi movies, or holding a cup of coffee like it’s a personality trait.

Hi there! I’m Sebastian, a second-year Master of Arts (MA) student in Science Education with a background in Biomedical Engineering. I’m passionate about game-based learning, digital storytelling, and science communication, and I’ve had the chance to work as a teacher, museum educator, and facilitator of STEM professional development workshops. My research explores creative and culturally informed approaches to teaching STEAM, with a focus on making learning engaging, inclusive, and connected to real-world contexts. As a Peer Advisor, I’m excited to share my experiences and help fellow students navigate their academic journey, while building a supportive and collaborative community.