Jacqueline Friesen

History master's student in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences

I grew up in North Delta, attending a school district I was later privileged to teach in. I’m a full time high school teacher, about to return to work after my second maternity leave and I’m proud to be joining the Prince George School District as my family and I have recently relocated up north. I’m the proud Mum to Arlo and Beau, wife to Travis and cat Mum to Tiger Lily. I’m a self-proclaimed Anglophile and movie buff which helped to direct my master’s research. I can’t wait to be able to travel again and introduce my boys to my happy place, London, one day!

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO COME TO SFU?

Having completed my Bachelors of Education at SFU, and the reputation of the History department, I was exceptionally pleased to see them introduce a program for teachers looking to get their Masters while accommodating our full time teaching schedules.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR RESEARCH OR YOUR PROGRAM TO A FAMILY MEMBER?

My research looks at a hero of mine, actor/producer/director Leslie Howard and his contributions to the war effort in WW2 and impact with his BBC radio broadcasts and the propaganda films he made before his untimely death in 1943.

WHAT ARE YOU PARTICULARLY ENJOYING ABOUT YOUR STUDIES/RESEARCH AT SFU?

Getting to immerse myself in the historical research and material I love, being able to work alongside teaching colleagues in my program and mostly, being able to collaborate with my supervisor and mentor, Dr. John Craig. His support and kindness have been invaluable to me and I’m so grateful.

HAVE YOU BEEN THE RECIPIENT OF ANY MAJOR OR DONOR-FUNDED AWARDS? IF SO, PLEASE TELL US WHICH ONES AND A LITTLE ABOUT HOW THE AWARDS HAVE IMPACTED YOUR STUDIES AND/OR RESEARCH.

I was honored to receive the Baldwin Graduate Scholarship two years in a row, and having been on two maternity leaves, one at the beginning and then one at the end of my masters program, my family and I are very grateful for the support.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR PROGRAM/POSTDOC POSITION TO SOMEONE STILL SEARCHING FOR A PROGRAM OR POSTDOC POSITION?

If you love history and have a passion project/research idea in mind, this is where you want to go!

Contact Jacqueline : Jmg1@sfu.ca