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 and Research Assistants are essential parts of our day-to-day activities, supporting the campus, our faculty and labs, as well as helping run various events. Meet the Student Assistants who help keep the Wilson School of Design creative, connected, and running strong!
Klara Joubert, Research Assistant
Hi there! I’m Klara Joubert. Research nerd, proud South African, and tea enthusiast. I’m currently wrapping up my fourth-year studying Product Design (wow, that feels strange to say!) and going on three years of being a Research Assistant at the WSD. I’m super passionate about social innovation, and if you give me half a chance, I’ll talk your ear off about systems design. I also love a good chat, so say hi if you see me around campus!
Clara Devina, Research Assistant
Hello! My name is Clara, and I am in my fourth-year of Fashion Design and Technology. I am currently working as a Research Assistant for Man-Made Cellulose Fabric project lead by Stephanie. I am interested in working for this project as this has a bio-based approach, and I got to work with new fiber that might be a new and sustainable alternative for the textile industry. Moreover, I got to use and learn some of the testing machines which I find very interesting.
Andrea Leung, Research Assistant
My name is Andrea, and I am a fourth-year Interior Design student. As I finish up my last semester, I am primarily focusing on designing an educational space for children with ASD in grades 4 to 7. My research interests are centered on exploring how we can implement and create an ecosystem of healthy materials for daily interaction—ranging from building materials to garments. In my free time, you can find me nuzzled into a non-fiction book about environmental phenomena like fungi and mycelium, or staying active through indoor bouldering and learning how to skateboard.
Rebecca Male, Research Assistant
My name is Rebecca, and I am a fourth-year student in the Fashion Design and Technology program at the Wilson School of Design. Originally from Vancouver, Canada, I came here to refine my skills in womenswear design. Throughout my studies, I have loved learning about womenswear and sustainability, focusing on how I can apply sustainable practices both in my daily life and within the fashion industry. With a strong passion for womenswear, I am dedicated to challenging the fashion industry’s beauty standards and making it a more inclusive space for women.
Cinu George, Research Assistant
My name is Cinu, and I am in the Technical Apparel program. I was inspired to pursue Technical Apparel Design by a passion for enhancing comfort and inclusivity in clothing, particularly for individuals with specialized needs, such as adaptive clothing for differentially abled individuals and protective wear for beginner athletes. I aim to contribute by developing solutions that prioritize functionality without compromising style, focusing on adaptive fit, comfort, and sustainable materials. My goal is to bridge the gap between everyday needs and technical innovation, creating apparel that supports diverse lifestyles and fosters confidence in every wearer.
Brian Patterson, Research Assistant
Hi, my name is Brian, I have a background in landscape design and construction and I am currently in my third-year of Product Design. I am really passionate about systems design for a more sustainable future. Currently I am also exploring and learning more about computational design.
Tomas Gonzalez, Research Assistant
Hi, my name is Tomas, and I am a second-year Product Design student working with Faculty Victor Martinez, Ph.D. I am looking forward to future explorations to analyze systems using participatory applied research, where understanding the social-economic fabric helps people find their own solutions for better living. I am inspired by Da Vinci, the philosophy of biology and cognitive science built my path through the alley of Gastronomic Design, focusing on the essentials for subsistence such as food security, clothing and shelter.
Julianna Mayan, Research Assistant
Hi! I’m Julianna, and I’m a third-year student in the Graphic Design for Marketing program. When I’m not working on design projects, I can be found adventuring, watching basketball at any level, or attempting to paint. My summer free time is spent trying to summit mountains, and my winter free time usually involves skiing down them. I’m excited to bring my love for exploration and some coffee-powered creativity to the team.
Lily Bisschop, Research Assistant
Hey! I’m Lily, a second-year student in Graphic Design for Marketing program. I’m orginally from a tiny town in Northern BC, called Smithers and moved to the Fraser Valley right out of highschool to pursue my dreams of becoming a graphic designer. I spend most of my time hanging out with friends, playing sports and my guitar, and of course creating.
Farhath Ahmed, Research Assistant
Hi, my name is Farhath and I’m a fourth-year Interior Design student at WSD. I intend to pursue a career in commercial design and space planning once I graduate. I enjoy school as I find its another outlet for my creativity and love the problem-solving aspect of design. In my spare time, I enjoy thrifting, organizing and spending time with my kids.
Georgia Stone, Research Assistant
Hello! My name is Georgia, and I’m a fourth-year Graphic Design for Marketing student. What excites me about design is the process of transforming a vision into reality. Outside of work and school, I like to recharge my creativity through outdoor adventures like hiking and road tripping!
Johanna Jucutan, Research Assistant
My name is Johanna, and I am a second-year Product Design student. I am passionate about the intersection of design and daily life, whether through our experiences in nature or the food we share. As a Product Design student with a background in user experience design, I take a user-centered approach to my work, ensuring thoughtful and practical solutions. When I’m not in school, I work as an outdoor guide, where my interests in fish, fungi, kelp, and seaweed fuel my research into alternative materials. Through design and exploration, I strive to create meaningful connections between people and the natural world.
Jodh Sidhu, Research Assistant
My name is Jodh, and I am a third-year Product Design student with interests in furniture, footwear, and packaging design. Currently, I am working as a Research Assistant on the future of smart food packaging. Outside of school, I enjoy reading, skiing, and traveling to explore new places. I am also passionate about design and want to work to create beautiful and functional products following graduation.
Angela Huang, Research Assistant
I’m Angela, a third-year Product Design student passionate about sewing and other creative, hands-on hobbies. I recently found my interest in packaging design through past projects done in the Wilson School of Design. When I shared my interest with my professor, Iryna Karaush, through the DEPD 3630 Industry Experience course, she offered me the possibility of an upcoming Research Assistant position in food packaging. Now I’m one of the three research assistants on her team exploring new opportunities for SMART chocolate packaging.
Sarah Nelson, Student Assistant
My name is Sarah and I am a second-year Graphic Design for Marketing student. My favourite part of Graphic Design is the process of problem-solving through visual communication. I have been a Student Assistant for Communications and Events for two years now. I love getting to meet new people and students from other programs when working at events. In my free time, you can find me reading, watercolour painting, or spending time in nature.
Ava Tamanna, Student Assistant
Hi! My name is Ava, and I am a first-year Product Design student here at Wilson School of Design. Last year, I was in the FIND Program where I decided that Product Design was the industry I wanted to pursue. This year, I have started working as a Student Assistant for Communications and Events, where I contribute to the social media team and help organize and promote various events. I am passionate about art, dance, music, photography, and I love trying new creative and adventurous activities! Over the past two years, I have had many exciting opportunities and met some great people at WSD, and I am excited to see what the next few years have in store for me.
Heidi Wilson, Student Assistant
My name is Heidi, and I am a third-year Fashion Design and Technology student. Since starting my program at the Wilson School of Design, I have been one of the Sewing Lab Student Assistants; I love how my role here allows me to help and connect with the school’s faculty and my peers across many programs and years. Not only am I a creative person who loves to sew, paint, draw, and bake, but I am also always on the move – I am often dancing, hiking, running, and rock climbing! Along with my job as a lab assistant, I also work at Chenko Studios as a sewing instructor and the PCCA as a CLO3D Apparel Designer. As a result, if you ever need sewing or CLO3D advice/help, I’m your girl!
Morgan Gannon, Student Assistant
My name is Morgan, and I am a first-year in Fashion Design and Technology at the Wilson School of Design! I have started working as a Student Assistant in the labs this year where I aid some professors in prepping for classes, as well as general cleaning and maintenance of the sewing labs! Other than sewing or pattern drafting, you can find me painting or cozied up with a good fantasy book and a cup of tea!
Paulette Chee, Student Assistant
My name is Paulette, and I am a first-year Technical Apparel Design student. As the workshop Student Assistant, I am responsible for daily tasks that keep the shop running and special projects like designing shelving units, testing new equipment, and manufacturing items for the school. My favourite part of the job is seeing what students are working on and talking to them about their design process. Outside of school, you can find me climbing, spending time outdoors, and working on craft projects.
Claire Newstater, Student Assistant
My name is Claire, and I am a fourth-year student in the Fashion Design & Technology program, and will be graduating this spring. I currently work as a Student Assistant at the Wilson School of Design. In my role, I primarily assist with keeping the labs clean and organized alongside other tasks as they arise such as creating infographics or filming sewing tutorials. In my free time I enjoy junk journaling, quilting, reading, and listening to podcasts.
Ken Yau, Student Assistant
Hi! I’m Ken, a first-year Front-End Development student at the Wilson School of Design. I work as a Student Assistant with the Communications and Events team, where I help document events, take photos, and support social media and promotional content across the school. Before coming to WSD, I worked in the education field for over a decade and recently made the leap to pursue my passion for design and tech. I love capturing moments through photography, building cool things on the web, and bringing thoughtful design to life. When I’m not on campus, I’m usually editing photos, trying new food spots, or powering through projects with a good playlist on.
Lexie Ransom, Student Assistant
My name is Lexie, I am a second-year Fashion Design student here at the Wilson School of Design. Last year, I worked for the Mindful Campus initiative as an ambassador and this year I work for Events Support where I plan industry and student events on campus. I am incredibly passionate about mindfulness, fitness, art, and music. I always love to try new things and really enjoy stepping out of my comfort zone when designing. I look forward to what my last two years of my degree bring me!
