FHIS Newsletter | Winter Issue 2025

Undergraduate

“Listen, the World is Ending”: How a Romance Studies course sparked Nandita Parmar’s debut novel

Centered around a protagonist navigating a journey of self-realization amidst a technology-obsessed and disconnected society, this novel wasn’t just shaped by personal experience—it was deeply influenced by Nandita Parmar’s transformative journey through a Romance Studies course at FHIS, where books were presented as more than just stories; they were vehicles for larger movements and profound societal insights.

OTHER STORIES

Why pursue an Honours in Romance Studies? Spotlight with Bri Jackson | Discover why an Honours degree in Romance Studies isn’t just about learning multiple languages—it’s about shaping your own academic journey with the freedom to follow your passions.

Graduate

Graduate Student Spotlight: Nicholas Bartlett

Explore how Nicholas Bartlett’s passion for queer philology and medieval travel literature led him to pursue a PhD in French Studies at UBC—a place where academic curiosity meets a supportive, inspiring, and diverse community.

OTHER STORIES

FHIS graduate students win Centre for European Studies Research Fellowships | Congratulations to Nancy Ofori and Sarah Revilla-Sanchez, whose research on linguistic insecurity and female gothic literature has earned them prestigious fellowships at UBC’s Centre for European Studies.

Ximena Osegueda Prize Winners for Best Graduate Essay 2025 | Congratulations to Keira Smith-Tague, Emmy Issartial, and Jessica Fraser for winning the Ximena Osegueda Prize.

Teaching & Research

Dr. Kim Beauchesne receives Killam Award for Excellence in Mentoring

Dr. Kim Beauchesne’s commitment to mentorship has shaped the careers of countless graduate students—learn how her personalized and holistic approach earned her the prestigious award.

OTHER STORIES

Pedagogical guide for inclusive and non-binary French | French has long prioritized the masculine form in its grammar, but a new guide by Dr. Caroline Lebrec and partners is challenging that tradition with practical steps for inclusive and non-binary language.

Alumni

Alumni Spotlight: Moustapha Fall, Associate Teaching Professor 

Dr. Moustapha Fall’s journey from a PhD student of French Studies at UBC to an Associate Teaching Professor at UVic is one of passion, resilience, and dedication to both teaching and research. In this Alumni Spotlight, he reflects on his academic path, the challenges of balancing research and teaching, and the profound impact of mentorship and community. Discover how his experiences at UBC shaped his career and why he believes academia is what you make of it.

Other News