{"id":92567,"date":"2024-06-17T11:46:16","date_gmt":"2024-06-17T15:46:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/newsroom.carleton.ca\/?post_type=cu_story&#038;p=92567"},"modified":"2025-10-15T10:57:01","modified_gmt":"2025-10-15T14:57:01","slug":"inspiring-spring-2024-graduates","status":"publish","type":"cu_story","link":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/news\/story\/inspiring-spring-2024-graduates\/","title":{"rendered":"Inspiring Spring Graduates Look Back on Time at Carleton"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<section class=\"w-screen px-6 cu-section cu-section--white ml-offset-center md:px-8 lg:px-14\">\n    <div class=\"space-y-6 cu-max-w-child-max  md:space-y-10 cu-prose-first-last\">\n\n        \n                    \n                    \n            \n    <div class=\"cu-wideimage relative flex items-center justify-center mx-auto px-8 overflow-hidden md:px-16 rounded-xl not-prose  my-6 md:my-12 first:mt-0 bg-opacity-50 bg-cover bg-cu-black-50 pt-24 pb-32 md:pt-28 md:pb-44 lg:pt-36 lg:pb-60 xl:pt-48 xl:pb-72\" style=\"background-image: url(https:\/\/carleton.ca\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/162\/convocation-tues-header-1600x700-1.jpeg); background-position: 50% 50%;\">\n\n                    <div class=\"absolute top-0 w-full h-screen\" style=\"background-color:rgba(0,0,0,0.600);\"><\/div>\n        \n        <div class=\"relative z-[2] max-w-4xl w-full flex flex-col items-center gap-2 cu-wideimage-image cu-zero-first-last\">\n            <header class=\"mx-auto mb-6 text-center text-white cu-pageheader cu-component-updated cu-pageheader--center md:mb-12\">\n\n                                    <h1 class=\"cu-prose-first-last font-semibold mb-2 text-3xl md:text-4xl lg:text-5xl lg:leading-[3.5rem] cu-pageheader--center text-center mx-auto after:left-px\">\n                        Inspiring Spring Graduates Look Back on Time at Carleton\n                    <\/h1>\n                \n                            <\/header>\n        <\/div>\n\n                    <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"absolute bottom-0 w-full z-[1]\" fill=\"none\" viewbox=\"0 0 1280 312\">\n                <path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M26.412 315.608c-.602-.268-6.655-2.412-13.524-4.769a1943.84 1943.84 0 0 1-14.682-5.144l-2.276-.858v-5.358c0-4.876.086-5.358.773-5.09 1.674.643 21.38 5.84 34.646 9.109 14.682 3.59 28.935 6.858 45.936 10.449l9.874 2.089H57.322c-16.4 0-30.31-.16-30.91-.428ZM460.019 315.233c42.974-10.074 75.602-19.88 132.443-39.867 76.16-26.791 152.063-57.709 222.385-90.663 16.7-7.823 21.336-10.074 44.262-21.273 85.004-41.688 134.719-64.193 195.291-88.413 66.55-26.577 145.2-53.584 194.27-66.765C1258.5 5.626 1281.34 0 1282.24 0c.17 0 .34 27.596.34 61.3v61.299l-2.23.375c-84.7 13.718-165.93 35.955-310.736 84.931-46.494 15.753-65.427 22.076-96.166 32.15-9.102 3-24.814 8.198-34.989 11.574-107.543 35.954-153.008 50.422-196.626 62.639l-6.74 1.876-89.126-.054c-78.135-.054-88.782-.161-85.948-.857ZM729.628 312.875c33.229-10.985 69.248-23.523 127.506-44.207 118.705-42.223 164.596-57.709 217.446-73.302 2.62-.75 8.29-2.465 12.67-3.751 56.19-16.772 126.94-33.597 184.17-43.671 5.07-.91 9.66-1.768 10.22-1.875l.94-.161v170.236l-281.28-.054H719.968l9.66-3.215ZM246.864 313.411c-65.041-2.251-143.047-12.11-208.432-26.256-18.375-3.965-41.73-9.538-42.202-10.074-.171-.214-.257-21.38-.214-47.046l.129-46.618 6.654 3.697c57.313 32.043 118.491 56.531 197.699 79.143 40.313 11.521 83.459 18.058 138.669 21.059 15.584.857 65.685.857 81.14 0 33.744-1.876 61.306-4.93 88.396-9.806 6.396-1.126 11.634-1.983 11.722-1.929.255.375-20.48 7.769-30.999 11.038-28.592 8.948-59.288 15.646-91.873 20.147-26.36 3.59-50.015 5.627-78.35 6.698-15.584.59-55.209.59-72.339-.053Z\"><\/path>\n                <path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M-3.066 295.067 32.06 304.1v9.033H-3.066v-18.066Z\"><\/path>\n            <\/svg>\n            <\/div>\n\n    \n\n    <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n<p>From June 17 to 21, at the Carleton University Fieldhouse, the community will come together to celebrate spring convocation. The ceremonies will honour more than 5,200 students as they receive their degrees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In celebration, we are sharing the stories of five inspiring graduates whose accomplishments and contributions highlight the smart, caring and connected community values of Carleton.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"#1\">Alia Nichol, Bachelor of Engineering, Biomedical and Mechanical<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#2\">Johne Quiambao, Bachelor of Arts, Criminology and Criminal Justice<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#3\">Matthew Roach, Bachelor of Commerce<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#4\">Anna-Karina Tabu\u00f1ar, Master of Arts, History with Specialization in Accessibility<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#5\">Jesukhogie Williams-Ikhenoba, Bachelor of Science, Neuroscience and Mental Health<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"alia-nichol-bachelor-of-engineering-biomedical-and-mechanical\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Alia Nichol, Bachelor of Engineering, Biomedical and Mechanical<\/strong><a name=\"1\"><\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Alia Nichol was introduced to engineering at a young age, attending Carleton\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/vv\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Virtual Ventures<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/vv\/girls\/go-code-girl\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Go Code Girl<\/a> camps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When she enrolled as an undergraduate student, she decided to <a href=\"https:\/\/admissions.carleton.ca\/programs\/biomedical-and-mechanical-engineering\/?gad_source=1&amp;gclid=EAIaIQobChMI2umh-bGmhgMVPjbUAR2WZQf_EAAYASAAEgLP4_D_BwE\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">pursue Biomedical and Mechanical Engineering<\/a> to connect her passion for design with her interest in the medical field.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignleft wp-image-92571 size-medium\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"400\" height=\"454\" src=\"https:\/\/newsroom.carleton.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/Alia-Nichol-Headshot-400x454.jpg\" alt=\"Alia Nichol, Bachelor of Engineering, Biomedical and Mechanical, poses for a photo.\" class=\"wp-image-92571\" srcset=\"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/162\/Alia-Nichol-Headshot-400x454.jpg 400w, https:\/\/carleton.ca\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/162\/Alia-Nichol-Headshot-1400x1588.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/carleton.ca\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/162\/Alia-Nichol-Headshot-300x340.jpg 300w, https:\/\/carleton.ca\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/162\/Alia-Nichol-Headshot-768x871.jpg 768w, https:\/\/carleton.ca\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/162\/Alia-Nichol-Headshot-1354x1536.jpg 1354w, https:\/\/carleton.ca\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/162\/Alia-Nichol-Headshot-1805x2048.jpg 1805w, https:\/\/carleton.ca\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/162\/Alia-Nichol-Headshot-700x794.jpg 700w, https:\/\/carleton.ca\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/162\/Alia-Nichol-Headshot-200x227.jpg 200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Alia Nichol<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>After beginning her studies at Carleton, Nichol reached out to professors to find research opportunities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cAs a first-year student, I had barely any work experience,\u201d she recalls. \u201cI told them I was looking to learn more about the field of engineering and asked if I could volunteer.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Nichol found an opportunity with <a href=\"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/johnhayes\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Prof. John Hayes<\/a>, which kicked off an impressive series of research roles on a variety of projects throughout her undergrad.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In her third year, she took part in a 36-hour design competition where students create solutions to real-world engineering problems. <a href=\"https:\/\/newsroom.carleton.ca\/story\/future-common-heart-surgery\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Her three-person team designed the winning entry SQUiiDBot \u2013<\/a> a concept for a medical device that helps surgeons perform Coronary Artery Bypass Graft surgery with increased accuracy and efficiency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cIt was the first time I competed in a design competition with such intense time constraints,\u201d she says. \u201cIt was both a great challenge and opportunity to collaborate with students from other universities.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Nichol also completed a co-op term with the company <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gastops.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Gastops<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cI worked on the Testing and Verification team,\u201d she says. \u201cI learned how to operate a variety of different machines and equipment, which allowed me to gain new skills outside of the classroom.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Nichol has been very involved in campus life: being an EngFrosh facilitator, working with Engineers Without Borders, taking part in intramurals and mentoring the next generation through Virtual Ventures and Math Matters. She was recently recognized with a <a href=\"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/provost\/2024\/04\/provost-scholar-award-recipients\/#alia_nichol\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">2024 Provost Scholar award<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>After graduation, Nichol will be joining a biomedical engineering company specializing in cardiac medical devices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>She encourages future students to get involved, even if they don\u2019t have experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cTake a chance on yourself, you never know what can happen,\u201d she says. \u201cOnce you get the ball rolling, more opportunities will come your way.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignfull wp-image-89752 size-full w-screen ml-offset-center cu-max-w-child-max px-4 md:px-6 lg:px-12\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"900\" src=\"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/162\/convocation-2023-highlights-1200x900-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-89752\" srcset=\"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/162\/convocation-2023-highlights-1200x900-1.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/carleton.ca\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/162\/convocation-2023-highlights-1200x900-1-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/carleton.ca\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/162\/convocation-2023-highlights-1200x900-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/carleton.ca\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/162\/convocation-2023-highlights-1200x900-1-400x300.jpg 400w, https:\/\/carleton.ca\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/162\/convocation-2023-highlights-1200x900-1-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/carleton.ca\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/162\/convocation-2023-highlights-1200x900-1-700x525.jpg 700w, https:\/\/carleton.ca\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/162\/convocation-2023-highlights-1200x900-1-800x600.jpg 800w, https:\/\/carleton.ca\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/162\/convocation-2023-highlights-1200x900-1-200x150.jpg 200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n<h3 id=\"johne-quiambao-bachelor-of-arts-criminology-and-criminal-justice\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Johne Quiambao, Bachelor of Arts, Criminology and Criminal Justice<\/strong><a name=\"2\"><\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>After his family immigrated to Canada from the Philippines, Johne Quiambao noticed that they didn\u2019t feel comfortable engaging with the legal system due to a lack of community support systems and unfamiliarity with Canadian legal processes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cI realized I wanted to pursue education to be that support person for my family and future generations,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignleft wp-image-92574 size-medium\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"400\" height=\"534\" src=\"https:\/\/newsroom.carleton.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_9993-400x534.jpg\" alt=\"Johne Quiambao, Bachelor of Arts, Criminology and Criminal Justice, poses for a photo.\" class=\"wp-image-92574\" srcset=\"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/162\/IMG_9993-400x534.jpg 400w, https:\/\/carleton.ca\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/162\/IMG_9993-300x400.jpg 300w, https:\/\/carleton.ca\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/162\/IMG_9993-700x934.jpg 700w, https:\/\/carleton.ca\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/162\/IMG_9993-200x267.jpg 200w, https:\/\/carleton.ca\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/162\/IMG_9993.jpg 705w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Johne Quiambao<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>To lay the foundation of his legal education, Quiambao pursued a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in <a href=\"https:\/\/admissions.carleton.ca\/programs\/criminology-and-criminal-justice\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Criminology and Criminal Justice<\/a> at Carleton.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While working on his honours research project, which explores the use of Artificial Intelligence in the legal system and the perspectives of BIPOC communities, Quiambao realized there were no criminology journals dedicated to undergraduate research that he could publish in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Undeterred, he worked with a group of students to co-found and launch Carleton\u2019s first undergraduate criminology journal, <a href=\"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/criminology\/crime-and-ethos-carleton-university-undergraduate-criminology-journal-review\/#:~:text=Crime%20and%20Ethos%20strives%20to,it%20provides%20to%20its%20students.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><em>Crime and Ethos<\/em><\/a>, at a symposium this past April. The publication garnered the support of faculty who shared their expertise with the enterprising students.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cI applaud the team because they didn&#8217;t know what they were getting into &#8211; there&#8217;s no other undergraduate journal like this within criminology,\u201d he says. \u201cThey took a leap of faith and I&#8217;m so proud.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Quiambao balanced launching the journal with his honours research and work placement at the Crown Attorney&#8217;s office at the Ottawa courthouse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cWe wanted to make this happen and this was an opportunity to exercise self-determination within academia,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Looking ahead, Quiambao will be pursuing a master\u2019s degree in criminology and sociolegal studies and plans to attend law school in the future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Though he\u2019s leaving Carleton, the journal will continue \u2013 led by a new cohort of undergraduate criminology researchers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cI&#8217;m glad to know that it will carry on and help students in the future know that their work isn&#8217;t disposable,\u201d he says. \u201cIt&#8217;s not just something to sit on your laptop, it&#8217;s research that can actually be published.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignfull wp-image-61146 size-full w-screen ml-offset-center cu-max-w-child-max px-4 md:px-6 lg:px-12\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"900\" src=\"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/162\/convovcation-banner-balloons.jpg\" alt=\"Balloons float in the Fieldhouse as a crowd watches graduates receive their cu_people_degree on stage.\" class=\"wp-image-61146\" srcset=\"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/162\/convovcation-banner-balloons.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/carleton.ca\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/162\/convovcation-banner-balloons-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/carleton.ca\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/162\/convovcation-banner-balloons-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/carleton.ca\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/162\/convovcation-banner-balloons-400x300.jpg 400w, https:\/\/carleton.ca\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/162\/convovcation-banner-balloons-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/carleton.ca\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/162\/convovcation-banner-balloons-700x525.jpg 700w, https:\/\/carleton.ca\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/162\/convovcation-banner-balloons-800x600.jpg 800w, https:\/\/carleton.ca\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/162\/convovcation-banner-balloons-200x150.jpg 200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n<h3 id=\"matthew-roach-bachelor-of-commerce\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Matthew Roach, Bachelor of Commerce<\/strong><a name=\"3\"><\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Graduating <a href=\"https:\/\/admissions.carleton.ca\/programs\/commerce\/?gad_source=1&amp;gclid=EAIaIQobChMIlJGqm7OmhgMV6kb_AR3KtgRWEAAYASAAEgKXKfD_BwE\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Bachelor of Commerce<\/a> student Matthew Roach was drawn to accounting when he realized the dynamic role and broad influence it has in the world of business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As president of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.custsa.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Sprott Tax Students Association<\/a>, his team has made a big impact \u2013 holding its <a href=\"https:\/\/sprott.carleton.ca\/2024\/04\/its-tax-season-sprott-students-run-community-tax-clinics-for-carleton\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Community Volunteer Tax Clinics<\/a> on campus as well as partnering with Ottawa community leaders to organize clinics at Riverside United Church and the Blackburn Hamlet Community Center.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignleft wp-image-92575 size-medium\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"400\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/newsroom.carleton.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/Matthew_Roach_Headshot-400x600.jpg\" alt=\"Matthew Roach, Bachelor of Commerce, poses for a photo\" class=\"wp-image-92575\" srcset=\"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/162\/Matthew_Roach_Headshot-400x600.jpg 400w, https:\/\/carleton.ca\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/162\/Matthew_Roach_Headshot-1400x2100.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/carleton.ca\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/162\/Matthew_Roach_Headshot-300x450.jpg 300w, https:\/\/carleton.ca\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/162\/Matthew_Roach_Headshot-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\/\/carleton.ca\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/162\/Matthew_Roach_Headshot-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/carleton.ca\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/162\/Matthew_Roach_Headshot-1365x2048.jpg 1365w, https:\/\/carleton.ca\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/162\/Matthew_Roach_Headshot-700x1050.jpg 700w, https:\/\/carleton.ca\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/162\/Matthew_Roach_Headshot-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/carleton.ca\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/162\/Matthew_Roach_Headshot-scaled.jpg 1707w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Matthew Roach<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cWhen students file taxes they can get a lot of credits back from the government, which can help them either pay for their education or just help with the cost of living,\u201d says Roach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At a time when every dollar counts, the free tax clinic is a welcome relief. This year, the team completed a record 425 returns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cWe&#8217;ve helped save almost $50,000 for students and community members,\u201d says Roach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Filing taxes is an important step when accessing government benefits and services. The student group also organizes events to increase student tax literacy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cWe are helping to fill information gaps and ease their minds about getting taxes filed.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Beyond leading the association, Roach taught more than 1,500 commerce students as a teaching assistant. He was recently recognized with a <a href=\"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/provost\/2024\/04\/provost-scholar-award-recipients\/#matthew_paul_george_roach\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">2024 Provost Scholar award<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Following the completion of his undergrad degree, Roach is now enrolled in Sprott\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/sprott.carleton.ca\/macc\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Master of Accounting<\/a> program, where he will get work experience while he prepares for his CPA.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Roach encourages future Ravens to make the most of their time by getting involved in clubs on campus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cGet involved and meet new people because the time is going to go by really fast,\u201d he says. \u201cYou can keep up with your studies and take time to enjoy university.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignfull wp-image-83242 size-full w-screen ml-offset-center cu-max-w-child-max px-4 md:px-6 lg:px-12\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"899\" src=\"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/162\/Achievement-Unlocked-1600.jpg\" alt=\"A graduate&#039;s cap reads &quot;Achievement Unlocked&quot;\" class=\"wp-image-83242\" srcset=\"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/162\/Achievement-Unlocked-1600.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/carleton.ca\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/162\/Achievement-Unlocked-1600-400x225.jpg 400w, https:\/\/carleton.ca\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/162\/Achievement-Unlocked-1600-1400x787.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/carleton.ca\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/162\/Achievement-Unlocked-1600-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/carleton.ca\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/162\/Achievement-Unlocked-1600-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/carleton.ca\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/162\/Achievement-Unlocked-1600-1536x863.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/carleton.ca\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/162\/Achievement-Unlocked-1600-700x393.jpg 700w, https:\/\/carleton.ca\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/162\/Achievement-Unlocked-1600-200x112.jpg 200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n<h3 id=\"anna-karina-tabunar-master-of-arts-history-with-specialization-in-accessibility\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Anna-Karina Tabu\u00f1ar, Master of Arts, History with Specialization in Accessibility<\/strong><a name=\"4\"><\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Anna-Karina Tabu\u00f1ar is the first student to graduate with Carleton\u2019s new <a href=\"https:\/\/graduate.carleton.ca\/cu-programs\/accessibility\/#:~:text=The%20Specialization%20in%20Accessibility%20is,an%20accessible%20and%20inclusive%20society.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">specialization in Accessibility Studies<\/a>. The <a href=\"https:\/\/graduate.carleton.ca\/cu-programs\/history-masters\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Master of Arts (History<\/a>) student came to Carleton with an established career &#8211; as a journalist and founder of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.annakarinatabunar.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">a communications agency.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cMy professional work has been steeped in disability and inclusion for the past decade,\u201d she says. It has been informed by her experience living with a disability after she developed a rare variant of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.who.int\/news-room\/fact-sheets\/detail\/guillain-barr%C3%A9-syndrome\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Guillain-Barre syndrome<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignleft wp-image-92576 size-medium\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"400\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/newsroom.carleton.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/Tabunar3-400x600.jpg\" alt=\"Anna-Karina Tabu\u00f1ar, Master of Arts, History with Specialization in Accessibility, poses for a photo.\" class=\"wp-image-92576\" srcset=\"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/162\/Tabunar3-400x600.jpg 400w, https:\/\/carleton.ca\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/162\/Tabunar3-300x450.jpg 300w, https:\/\/carleton.ca\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/162\/Tabunar3-768x1151.jpg 768w, https:\/\/carleton.ca\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/162\/Tabunar3-700x1049.jpg 700w, https:\/\/carleton.ca\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/162\/Tabunar3-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/carleton.ca\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/162\/Tabunar3.jpg 958w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Anna-Karina Tabu\u00f1ar<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>During the pandemic, she was drawn to the emerging issue of reintegration of employees that suffered from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.canada.ca\/en\/public-health\/services\/diseases\/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection\/symptoms\/post-covid-19-condition.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">long COVID<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cI wanted to be able to study this issue so that I could better serve my clients with a deeper understanding of an emerging cohort of employees.\u201d says Tabu\u00f1ar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In her search for the right academic fit, Tabu\u00f1ar came across Carleton\u2019s new specialization.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cI found out that Carleton was offering this great program that would include critical disability studies and inclusive design,\u201d she says. \u201cI thought: This is exactly what I want to do.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Her final research project involved the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ottawahospital.on.ca\/en\/clinical-services\/deptpgrmcs\/departments\/rehabilitation-centre\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Ottawa Hospital Rehabilitation Centre<\/a>, which was running one of the first long COVID rehabilitation programs in Canada. Her project documented and analyzed the evolution of the program, as well as the societal factors and medical histories that shaped its roll-out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cIt&#8217;s very important to shift the conventional notion of disability as a static, stable, visible condition,\u201d she says. \u201cIn fact, the majority of people with disabilities have dynamic and invisible disabilities which shape the ways they work&nbsp;and function.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Her studies helped to complement her work outside of academia. She recently concluded an independent research project commissioned by <a href=\"https:\/\/accessible.canada.ca\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Accessibility Standards Canada<\/a> exploring episodic disabilities in the federal public service.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThis final report can help inform accessibility standards and impact federal departments, organizations and federally regulated industries,\u201d says Tabu\u00f1ar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As she prepares to leave Carleton, she underscores the importance of everyone in the community taking an active role in accessibility \u2013 both on and off campus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cAccessibility is not just about building a ramp,\u201d says Tabu\u00f1ar. \u201cAccessibility is the everyday actions that show Carleton is living the values of being one of the most accessible universities in Canada.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignfull wp-image-61129 size-full w-screen ml-offset-center cu-max-w-child-max px-4 md:px-6 lg:px-12\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"900\" src=\"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/162\/convocation-banner-cu_people_degree.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-61129\" srcset=\"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/162\/convocation-banner-cu_people_degree.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/carleton.ca\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/162\/convocation-banner-cu_people_degree-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/carleton.ca\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/162\/convocation-banner-cu_people_degree-400x300.jpg 400w, https:\/\/carleton.ca\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/162\/convocation-banner-cu_people_degree-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/carleton.ca\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/162\/convocation-banner-cu_people_degree-700x525.jpg 700w, https:\/\/carleton.ca\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/162\/convocation-banner-cu_people_degree-800x600.jpg 800w, https:\/\/carleton.ca\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/162\/convocation-banner-cu_people_degree-200x150.jpg 200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n<h3 id=\"jesukhogie-williams-ikhenoba-bachelor-of-science-neuroscience-and-mental-health\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Jesukhogie Williams-Ikhenoba, Bachelor of Science, Neuroscience and Mental Health<\/strong><a name=\"5\"><\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Attending university abroad is a drastic adjustment at the best of times. Graduating <a href=\"https:\/\/science.carleton.ca\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">science student<\/a> Jesukhogie Williams-Ikhenoba came to Carleton from Nigeria during the COVID-19 pandemic, living in residence while classes were limited to virtual sessions and campus life was drastically changed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Despite the stress, Williams-Ikhenoba was able to excel in his <a href=\"https:\/\/admissions.carleton.ca\/programs\/neuroscience-and-mental-health\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">neuroscience and mental health<\/a> studies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignleft wp-image-92578 size-medium\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"400\" height=\"449\" src=\"https:\/\/newsroom.carleton.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/DSC03583-1-400x449.jpeg\" alt=\"Jesukhogie Williams-Ikhenoba, Bachelor of Science, Neuroscience and Mental Health, poses for a photo.\" class=\"wp-image-92578\" srcset=\"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/162\/DSC03583-1-400x449.jpeg 400w, https:\/\/carleton.ca\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/162\/DSC03583-1-1400x1571.jpeg 1400w, https:\/\/carleton.ca\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/162\/DSC03583-1-300x337.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/carleton.ca\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/162\/DSC03583-1-768x862.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/carleton.ca\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/162\/DSC03583-1-1369x1536.jpeg 1369w, https:\/\/carleton.ca\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/162\/DSC03583-1-1825x2048.jpeg 1825w, https:\/\/carleton.ca\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/162\/DSC03583-1-700x786.jpeg 700w, https:\/\/carleton.ca\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/162\/DSC03583-1-200x224.jpeg 200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Jesukhogie Williams-Ikhenoba<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>When comparing programs across universities, Williams-Ikhenoba was drawn to the Carleton\u2019s acceptance of neuroscience students in their first year of studies, research opportunities and the ability to complete a co-op placement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>During his second year, Williams-Ikhenoba became involved in <a href=\"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/neuroscience\/profile\/melissa-chee\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Prof. Melissa Chee\u2019s<\/a> lab which investigates the neurobiology of obesity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cOne of the things that Carleton does really well is providing lots of opportunities for students to get involved in research,\u201d he says. \u201cI loved working in the lab because I found it was very hands-on.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cMy lab experience put the theoretical material in perspective,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Williams-Ikhenoba was included as a co-author in two publications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cI was privileged to be able to see the outcome of some of my work,\u201d he says. \u201cI\u2019m very proud of my research experience.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Through co-op, he was able to continue lab research, get experience in a counselling office and work at the Canadian Food Inspection Agency \u2013 giving him confidence on future job prospects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cI\u2019ve accumulated interesting work experience and have gotten a feel for different career paths I may want to pursue.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Looking ahead, Williams-Ikhenoba will be taking part in a summer research internship and plans to pursue opportunities in the biotech industry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Recently recognized with a <a href=\"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/provost\/2024\/04\/provost-scholar-award-recipients\/#jesukhogie_williams-ikhenoba\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">2024 Provost Scholar award<\/a>, his advice for incoming students is to set themselves up for success by taking advantage of the supports available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cCarleton seems to have a solution for even undiscovered student problems,\u201d says Williams-Ikhenoba. \u201cDon\u2019t be afraid to ask questions or ask for help when you need it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2014<br>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/newsroom.carleton.ca\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">More Stories<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>From June 17 to 21, at the Carleton University Fieldhouse, the community will come together to celebrate spring convocation. The ceremonies will honour more than 5,200 students as they receive their degrees. In celebration, we are sharing the stories of five inspiring graduates whose accomplishments and contributions highlight the smart, caring and connected community values [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":410,"featured_media":89682,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"cu_story_type":[25],"cu_story_tag":[],"class_list":["post-92567","cu_story","type-cu_story","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","cu_story_type-student-experience"],"acf":{"cu_post_thumbnail":"blueprint"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/cu_story\/92567","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/cu_story"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/cu_story"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/410"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/cu_story\/92567\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":97820,"href":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/cu_story\/92567\/revisions\/97820"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/89682"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=92567"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"cu_story_type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/cu_story_type?post=92567"},{"taxonomy":"cu_story_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/cu_story_tag?post=92567"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}