Academic Background
My academic journey began with curiosity and grew into a deep commitment to understanding how words, stories, and cultures connect across time. Along the way, I developed essential skills that continue to shape my professional work today: strong research habits, confident public speaking, and the ability to translate complex information into clear, meaningful insights.
From an unexpected passion for Classics sparked by a single elective, to a deep dive into translation theory and cultural analysis, my path has been one of curiosity, discovery, and growth that continues to influence my approach to education and learning.
My Educational Journey
Click on each marker to learn more about my educational experience at each institution.
Formal Education
PhD in Classics
Western University, London
For my PhD, I moved to London, Ontario to study at Western University. While completing my coursework, I remained curious about how Romans interacted with their Greek predecessors, particularly in the realms of language, culture, and epigraphy.
Roman Tomb Inscriptions
Explored how private or sentimental messages were often left in Greek, while the rest of the inscription remained in Latin.
Catullus Translation
Analyzed how the Roman poet Catullus translated and interacted with a Sapphic poem.
Dissertation
Title: "The Modalities of Roman Translation"
My dissertation examined how Roman translators positioned themselves within their literary world. Traditionally, translation studies focus on the binary of ad verbum (word-for-word) and ad sensum (sense-for-sense) approaches. However, I argued that this binary is insufficient for understanding the broader literary and social role of translators.
I emphasized the translator as an agent, someone who actively evaluates their socio-literary conditions and crafts responses that not only address those conditions but also capitalize on them.
Key Skills Developed
Master of Arts in Classics
University of Manitoba, Winnipeg
I remained at the University of Manitoba to pursue my Master's degree. After completing my coursework, I began my thesis research. During my studies, I became particularly interested in how the Latin author Cicero used Greek words when describing philosophical concepts.
Thesis Research
Title: "Cicero as Translator of Greek in his Presentation of the Stoic Theory of Action."
To me, these Greek words weren't simply loanwords (think rendezvous, kindergarten, or even philosophy). Instead, they acted as acknowledgments of a shared educational background between Cicero and his audience—who, in many cases, were written directly into the dialogues themselves. My thesis examined specific instances where Cicero deliberately explains and contextualizes his use of Greek terms, offering insights into his rhetorical strategy.
Key Skills Developed
Bachelor of Arts in Classics
University of Manitoba, Winnipeg
I started at the University of Manitoba in 1999 with plans to study accounting. However, I took a Classical Mythology course as an elective, and that was that for my accounting dreams.
After getting a taste of the Classics world, I quickly found myself taking more and more courses from the department. Eventually, I started learning Latin and Ancient Greek, diving deeper into ancient texts and languages.
Key Skills Developed
Research Highlights
Roman Tomb Inscriptions Study
Explored how private or sentimental messages were often left in Greek while formal text remained in Latin, revealing insights into cultural code-switching and the relationship between public and private expression in Roman society.
Key Findings:
- Identified patterns in language choice based on message content
- Analyzed the role of Greek in expressing intimate emotions
- Documented regional variations in bilingual inscription practices
Translation Studies Analysis
Examined how Roman translators positioned themselves within their literary world, going beyond traditional binary translation approaches to understand the cultural and social dimensions of translation practice.
Key Contributions:
- Developed new framework for analyzing translator agency
- Documented strategic adaptation practices
- Explored the role of cultural mediation in translation
Skills & Professional Impact
My academic training has developed transferable skills that continue to shape my professional work in education and curriculum development.
Research to Practice
Applying academic research methodologies to develop evidence-based learning solutions and evaluate program effectiveness. This includes implementing systematic approaches to data collection and analysis for continuous improvement.
Cross-Cultural Communication
Using insights from classical translation studies to bridge communication gaps in modern educational contexts, ensuring clear and effective communication across diverse audiences and stakeholder groups.
Critical Analysis
Leveraging analytical skills to evaluate learning technologies and develop strategic solutions, applying rigorous methodology to assess educational tools and approaches.
Teaching Excellence
Drawing on classical education principles to design engaging, effective learning experiences that promote deep understanding and lasting knowledge retention.
Continuing Professional Development
My commitment to lifelong learning continues through formal professional development opportunities.
Business Analytics
Developing data-driven approaches to evaluate and improve learning outcomes.
- Statistical analysis and interpretation
- Data visualization techniques
- Predictive modeling applications
Project Management Professional
After years of designing curricula and managing educational projects, pursuing formal certification to add structure to my practical experience.
- Agile methodology implementation
- Stakeholder management strategies
- Risk assessment frameworks
Academic and Professional Evolution
From an unexpected passion for Classics sparked by a single elective, to a deep dive into translation theory, cultural analysis, and ancient languages, my academic path has been one of curiosity, discovery, and growth. Along the way, I developed skills in research, critical analysis, public speaking, and making complex ideas accessible—skills that continue to shape my professional work every day.
More recently, my pursuit of a Professional Certificate in Project Management has added new tools to my toolkit: strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, risk management, and data analytics. These skills complement my academic foundation, providing structure and clarity to large-scale projects and collaborative initiatives.
Together, these experiences have shaped me into an analytical thinker, an engaging communicator, and a committed advocate for inclusive, effective learning experiences.