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Bissett Student Success Centre

Room 426, Student Union Building
6136 University Avenue
Phone: 902-494-3077
sfs@dal.ca

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Student Success Centre

Lower Level, Dairy Building
11 Sipu Awti 
Phone: 1-902-893-6672
ssdalac@dal.ca

Meet the Student Success team

Jessica Chubb: Studying for Success Coordinator

I began my career in higher education in 2004 as a graduate writing assistant at Saint Mary’s University (SMU) while pursuing my master’s degree. After 5 years in that role, I went on to hold the position of manager of the SMU Writing Centre. In 2010, I became the coordinator of the Dalhousie Studying for Success (SFS) Program, where my main responsibilities include helping to develop students’ skills in becoming more effective learners. I think the best part of this role has been getting to interact with students, supporting them on their journey to success, and being able to witness positive changes in their academic life.

In addition to my primary work-related duties, my dedication to helping others learn can be seen in my pursuits. For 5 years, I volunteered on a weekly basis in the English Language Learning Program of the Halifax Public Library, where I tutored new immigrants to Canada. For 6 years, I was an instructor with the Refining Program in the College of Continuing Education, where I helped students regain their academic skills necessary for success. For 10 years, I taught students how to effectively write for academic purposes.

I hold an LL.B. (Hons.) degree from the University of London, a B.A. (High Hons.) in International Studies and Politics from the University of Saskatchewan, and an M.A. in International Development from Saint Mary’s University.

Fun Facts: I LOVE to travel and visit new and exciting places. Love theatre, music, and the arts in general. I like museums, castles, and anything with historical significance. Also, I’m originally from the Caribbean, but I hate intense heat. I love winter even when no one else does!

How I identify: Afro-Caribbean, immigrant, proud Canadian, daughter, friend, sister, aunt, niece, cousin, cis-gender female, able-bodied

Clifton Strengths: Relator, Achiever, Harmony, Connectedness, Intellection

Pronouns: she, her, hers

Elizabeth O'Leary: Life Sciences Study Coach

I began my Bachelor of Science at Dalhousie University in 2011, just after graduating high school. Although I love science, my first two years of my undergraduate degree were a massive adjustment in learning how to study, keeping myself organized and having some semblance of a work-life balance. I graduated in 2015 with a Bachelor of Science with Honours in Neuroscience. Afterwards, I took two years off to work as a dog trainer. This break from school gave me a lot of perspective on how I wanted to continue my education.

Currently, I am completing my Ph. D. in Psychology and Neuroscience. I’ve been a study coach with Studying for Success since September 2019, and it’s been a job I genuinely enjoy. My favourite thing about helping students improve their study skills is knowing that these skills will help in all areas of life!

Fun Facts: I have a certificate in dog training, I am a true-crime podcast enthusiast, and I love practicing yoga.

How I Identify: Woman in STEM, cis female, daughter, sister, friend and ally

Pronouns: She, her, hers 

Yurunyun Wang: Mathematics/Statistics Study Coach

I completed my combined honor's degree in Statistics and Computer Science at Dalhousie University and then continued with the Master's degree at Dalhousie University.  Currently, I am in my first year of a Master in Statistics here at Dal. I chose my area of study because I met a good professor and I want to deeply research my interest fields, data analysis & data science.

This is my first year as a Study Skills Coach. I love helping students become more effective learners and gain the skills to positively develop themselves. 

Fun Facts: I love to watch movies and documentaries. Love handcrafting, puzzle-solving, and traveling. I am a night owl, so I have my peak academic performance late at night.

How I identify: Chinese, female, daughter, Asian

Pronouns: They/them, she/her/hers

Clarke Brown: Chemistry Study Coach

Preferred Name: Clarke

I started my university education in 2016 here at Dalhousie University in the Dalhousie Integrated Science Program (DISP). Through DISP, I learned to love the interconnected nature of science and I worked to complete my BSc with honours in Marine Biology and Chemistry with a minor in Statistics. Over the course of my degree, I learned a lot of valuable lessons on how to best manage my time, how to use multiple study techniques, and how to accomplish goals under pressure. I also discovered my passion for teaching after I became a Teaching Assistant for the First Year Chemistry courses in 2017.

After completing my undergrad degree in 2020, I quickly moved into graduate school where I am currently completing my Ph.D. in Civil Engineering, with my research focusing on tools and techniques for monitoring cyanobacterial toxins in surface waters.

In 2023, I joined Studying for Success as the Chemistry Study Skills Coach! I love seeing students improve their skills, learn complicated material, and learn how to best learn.

How I identify: cis man, son, friend, educator, lifelong learner, listener

Pronouns: he, him, his

Fun facts about me: I love to go SCUBA diving, I enjoy playing board games with my friends, and I take care of over 70 fish in my apartment with my partner!

Camilo Vargas Silva: Econ/Management Study Coach

I am currently a student in the Master's in Development Economics program at Dalhousie University.

It's been a long journey since I received my Bachelor's degree in Finance and International Trade, at a time when the last financial crisis hit the markets. After many years working in the corporate sector with commercial teams, I came across academia at Dalhousie. By working as a Teaching Assistant (TA) for over a year, tutoring microeconomics and macroeconomics for both large classes and individual students alike, I teach (sometimes) anxious students who are looking for answers to understand how nations and businesses keep rolling through economic principles and the not-so-glorious math behind this.

Recently, I joined the Studying for Success Program as the Economics and Management Study Skills Coach where I can relate to the students' struggles to overcome their academic pursuits, as I had to hustle myself after being out of the books for so long. The most fulfilling reward of teaching is to realize the students' successes through the sharing of knowledge and follow-up training.

Fun Facts: Continuous self-learner. Prospective researcher. Retired backpacker. Permanent explorer. Concerts enthusiast.

How I identify: Male, son, friend, supportive, Colombian.

Pronouns: He, him, his.

Grace McNutt: Humanities Study Coach

I am a Ph.D. candidate in History at Dalhousie University. Hailing from Cape Breton Island, I am also an alumna of CBU and SMU. As a study coach, I want to show students that anyone can be a great student. “Smart” is something we often over emphasize when it comes to academic success. Equally important (if not more so), is a student’s preparation, organization, and determination. Luckily for all of us, those are learnable skills, and I am excited to help students improve to achieve their goals.

Outside of school, I love athletics (softball in the summer, curling in the winter), embroidery, and my house plants. I am also always hunting for a new podcast to binge, so if you see me, tell me your favourite pod! 

Pronouns: she/her   

Elham Najafi Rozveh: Engineering/Physics Study Coach

I am a PhD student in Chemical Engineering at Dalhousie University. I earned my MSc degree in biotechnology in 2019, and since then, I've been working as a research assistant on bioenergy and environmental-oriented projects.

I joined the Studying for Success program as the Engineering/Physics Study Skills Coach in August 2023, but academic coaching has been my second profession since 2015 when I guided high school students to thrive in the National Universities Entrance Examinations in Iran. Accompanying students in their challenging journey ahead, sharing my own experiences with them, and making them believe in themselves are some of the incentives that empower me to continue this career. I want students to know that success is all about confronting our limits, recognizing our weaknesses, and striving to improve them.

Aside from academia, traveling around and exploring different cultures, camping, getting lost in nature, and painting are my ways to recharge my battery.

Fun Facts: My musical taste goes back to 1990 and before

How I Identify: Female, Persian

Pronouns: She, Her, Hers

Jack Solomon: Health Professions Study Coach

As a Study Coach, my main responsibility is knowledge translation of non-specific academic skills aimed at developing students’ capabilities in a wide variety of contexts. I am comfortable relating to students based on my shared experiences as a Dalhousie student over the past 7 years spanning 3 degrees.

During my undergraduate degree I took an interest in higher education. I completed introductory courses in teaching philosophy, which provided me with my first opportunity to teach in a university setting. However, I prefer working with students individually and in small group settings as it challenges me to present material in a manner tailored to the student’s needs. As such, I began working with the Studying for Success Program as a tutor, which subsequently developed into my position as a study coach with the program. In this position I am able to interact with students in a meaningful way and watch their development as they realize their academic potential and achieve their goals, which for me is the most rewarding aspect of this job.

Personal: Outside of school I am heavily involved in fitness and I enjoy participating in any sport. I am an outdoor enthusiast and will take every opportunity to pack a tent and disappear into nature!

Professional: I hold all of my degrees at Dalhousie University, including a BSc in Neuroscience (Hons. with Distinction), a MSc in Rehabilitation Research and I am currently completing a PhD in Neuroscience.

How I identify: Son, brother, cisgender male, able-bodied, Canadian

Pronouns: he, him, his