At the Wilson School of Design, we are lucky to have an amazing team of Student Assistants who help bring our community to life. The Student Assistants are essential parts of our day-to-day activities, supporting the campus, as well as helping run various events. Meet the Student Assistants who help keep the Wilson School of Design creative, connected, and running strong!
Sarah Collister, Communications & Events Student Assistant
Fashion and Technology 4th Year
What kind of work do you do as a student assistant at WSD, and what is your favourite part about it?
I am part of a team that shares stories of all things Wilson School of Design. We highlight all the amazing things from students, faculty, alumni, and the community! There are plenty of events that we help promote and host around the school year – I can’t wait for our grad show in April! I love this position because I’m always meeting new incredible people.
Tell us about a recent project/what you are working on right now!
I’m halfway through the development of my capstone collection ‘Another Look’ which is a modular women’s formal collection comprised of separate garments that can be cohesively worn together in place of a single dress. It promotes less production and consumption while still allowing the client to customize their look into something different. From 12 garments, there are over 500 combinations in a single colourway!
Who or what first sparked your interest in design?
It’s hard to date my first interest in design, but it was definitely a combination between my mom’s beautiful closet and the dolls and princess movies that I wanted to steal the dresses from!
What is a design tool or app you can’t live without?
Technically, I couldn’t live without Adobe Illustrator since I live in it with coursework, but I LOVE the app ‘Shuffles’ by Pinterest. It connects straight to all my boards, and I can make collages and cut out images directly in it.
What are your hobbies outside of class time?
Outside of class you can still find me sewing and designing away, I love making videos of the process on @svcoutfitters! Otherwise, you can find me hanging out with friends, thrifting, reading, baking, or running around the beautiful cities I’m in.
Ava Tamanna, Communications & Events Student Assistant
Product Design 2nd Year
What kind of work do you do as a student assistant at WSD, and what is your favorite part about it?
I work with a great team where we promote and update everyone on school events, news, and community highlights through social media and the ThisisWilson website. I love doing media coverage, photography, interviews, networking, and especially helping the year end grad show run smoothly.
Tell us about a recent project/what you are working on right now!
Recently I’ve been working on 3D printing with PLA for my Design for Industry class. I have also enjoyed researching biomechanics and thermoregulation for technical apparel and human factors. I’m now currently focusing on design for sport and performance, specifically on articulation for movement and comfort.
Who or what first sparked your interest in design?
I’ve been drawing and sewing since a young age, and was raised by a very creative and artistic family. Growing up, I spent my summers at BCIT surrounded by my fathers various construction projects, which is ultimately what led me to go into Product Design.
What is a design tool or app you can’t live without?
I’m constantly using Procreate on my iPad for design iterations and sketching, and I also love Canva for creating graphic posters and presentations for my projects.
What are your hobbies outside of class time?
Outside of class I love to work on upcycling projects, collaborative photoshoots, charcoal portraits, oil painting, and hanging out with friends. I love dance, basketball, hiking, and the gym. I’m also always travelling, and I am hoping to soon take my design journey abroad!
Lexie Ransom, Student Assistant
Fashion and Technology 3rd Year
What kind of work do you do as a student assistant at WSD, and what is your favorite part about it?
As a student assistant, I help plan and support a variety of events across the Wilson School of Design, student-focused, industry-focused, and faculty-focused. My favourite part is definitely the teamwork involved. I love collaborating, problem-solving, meeting new people, and feeling like I’m contributing to the WSD community. Being part of creating spaces where students can connect and feel supported is one of the most rewarding aspects of the role.
Tell us about a recent project/what you are working on right now!
Recently, I’ve been exploring several projects that have pushed my design and technical skills. I experimented with natural dyes to study how different pigments interact, layer, and react to changes in pH, this helped me understand colour behaviour in a more controlled, scientific way. I also completed a body-study project using CLO 3D, where I analyzed how muscle mass and weight distribution affect garment fit, and how pattern adjustments can address those issues.
My current major project is a technical jacket designed for someone who may have experienced a spinal cord injury (SCI). I’m focusing on mobility, comfort, and adaptive functionality, making sure the garment supports the unique fit needs that come with changes in posture and physical capability.
Who or what first sparked your interest in design?
I’ve always been someone who loves making things and using the creative side of my brain. Whether it was photography, drawing, painting, or building physical objects, I was constantly experimenting. A big part of that came from my family, everyone works in the film industry, so I grew up surrounded by creative minds, problem-solvers, and makers. That environment really shaped how I think. Eventually, I realized that fashion design could bring all my past passions and influences together into one field, and that’s what sparked my interest in pursuing it seriously.
What is a design tool or app you can’t live without?
Illustrator and Procreate are my go-to tools. I create all my final designs in Illustrator, but Procreate is where I sketch out new or rough ideas quickly. They balance each other perfectly.
What are your hobbies outside of class time?
Outside of school, I love weightlifting, traveling, boxing, hiking, camping, and cooking or baking. I’m always looking for new adventures and love documenting them through photos and videos. Being active, outdoors, and meeting new people are all big parts of my life.
