As our 2025 graduates prepared to say farewell to UBC, we asked them to take a moment to reflect on their time at UBC Anthropology – what stood out for them, what they’ll miss, and what’s next now that they’ve completed their degree. Here’s what some of them had to say!
Dr. Jonathan Eaton (PhD)
What Stood Out: Despite the disruptions of the pandemic, I developed a deeper sense of place by connecting more intentionally and creatively with people (through board games or civic engagement) and with the campus and city (through long, attentive walks)
What’s Next: Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Executive Director of the UBC Disaster Resilience Research Network. Writing guidelines for World Heritage sites at risk from conflict. Graphic design for a sci-fi zine. Reading for fun… for fun!
Kendra Leishman (BA, Honours)
What Stood Out: The worklearn opportunities that are available in and out of the department. I was lucky to work in a couple of collections roles, as well as in archaeology wet labs within the department. These positions taught me a great deal beyond the classroom.
What Will You Miss: Having already moved, I can confidently say I miss the people the most. Especially my friends and mentors from the ADaPT laboratory facility. Dr. Speller and the lab group are all uniquely wonderful and have helped me grow as a researcher and person.
What’s Next: In January 2025, I began my MSc in Earth and Planetary Science. I’m conducting my research through McGill’s Isotope Biogeochemistry Lab, where I’m studying carbon cycle dynamics in a large tropical freshwater lake using fatty acids and mixing models.
Dr. Jasmine Sacharuk (PhD)
What Stood Out: The fieldwork opportunities in China truly changed my life. Plus I have so many great memories outside of the digs: rollerskating in Xi’an, drinking by the Anyang River, karaoke in Sanxingdui, a punk show in Wuhan… I feel so lucky!
What Will You Miss: Definitely traveling and working with my amazing colleagues from UBC, China and the USA, many of whom are now lifelong friends. We had so many wonderful experiences and adventures (and meals!), and I learned so much from all of them.
What’s Next: Career-wise I’m off to analyze more (non-ancient) data. I’m also a hobby collector so I’ll be reading novels, sewing clothes, knitting, playing guitar, going to the gym… there’s a lot of time in the day when you’re not writing a dissertation!
Oriana Smy (MA)
What Stood Out: I appreciate the ability to study across departments. I was able to curate my courses to complement my research outside of the Anthropology department.
What Will You Miss: I’m not sure I will ‘miss’ anything, per se, but the UBC Vancouver campus is beautiful and the access to trails and beaches and cycle-ability is unparalleled.
What’s Next: I will be presenting my graduate research at the Coastal Zone Canada in June, and hopefully will be able to continue my research on marine plastic pollution in a professional role in the future.
Connor Sziklasi (MA)
What Stood Out: The bond I was fortunate enough to form with several of my cohort mates, well beyond academia and anthropology. We continue to support each other through our academic, professional, and life challenges.
What Will You Miss: The extensive and transformative process of learning by way of unlearning that I experienced, particularly in the first year of the program. That year was capped off by an unforgettable fieldwork experience—stories and connections to last a lifetime.
What’s Next: I have worked as an anthropological researcher for the past year with a consulting services and resource management company where I am able to continue building on my fieldwork experience while developing professional skills.
Isobel Thurber (BA, Honours)
What Stood Out: I had the opportunity to do the ethnographic field school in Sardinia with Dr. Sabina Magliocco, and it was hands down the most amazing experience of my degree. I learned so much, both about the subject of study and myself.
What Will You Miss: Nerding out with my classmates! UBC anthropology is filled with passionate people just like myself, and the engaging conversations about what we’ve been learning will always be an amazing memory for me.
What’s Next: I’m planning on taking a year off to work and then pursuing graduate education! I’m looking at several interdisciplinary programs focused on either adult learning or museum education, both topics I hope to combine in a future job.
