Celebrating the SLaLS Class of 2025
The Carleton community came together this week to celebrate spring convocation and honour students as they received their degrees and certificates.
This year, the SLaLS Class of 2025 includes 63 graduates across the winter and spring graduation terms. Twenty graduates received their Certificate in the Teaching of English as a Second Language (CTESL), and dozens of students across the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, the Faculty of Science, the Faculty of Public and Global Affairs, and the Sprott School of Business completed their degrees with a language minor. Several graduates in the Class of 2025 completed minors in Applied Linguistics and Discourse Studies (ALDS) and Linguistics (LING).
Faculty and staff in the School of Linguistics and Language Studies are proud of all of the students who completed their degrees.
37 BA Graduates
5 BSc Graduates
1 BJ & Linguistics Graduate
17 MA Graduates
3 PhD Graduates
Geoff Pinchbeck, Interim Director of the School of Linguistics and Language Studies, has a special message for the SLaLS Class of 2025:
“Congratulations to all our SLaLS graduates who have crossed the stage this week at convocation! Your hard work, perseverance, and dedication have led to this incredible achievement—well done! We’re proud of you and excited to see what you’ll accomplish next.”
To help us celebrate this important milestone in honour of the Class of 2025, we spoke with some of our graduates to learn more about their time with SLaLS and to find out what is in store for them next. Read more about these inspiring graduates below, and check out our photo gallery at the bottom of this page.
Natasha Baldin | Bachelor of Journalism Honours, Journalism and Linguistics
Natasha completed a Bachelor of Journalism Honours in Journalism and Linguistics, and is the recipient of a Senate Medal for Outstanding Academic Achievement.
“I’ve always been drawn to the intricacies of language, so I decided to enrol in a linguistics minor when I started at Carleton,” Natasha shares. “I quickly moved up to a double major as I became immersed in a community of passionate professors and dedicated peers within the linguistics department.”
Natasha spent her time at Carleton honing her love of grammar and linguistics through various editorial roles with the Charlatan, Carleton’s student newspaper, and was the paper’s Editor-in-Chief in her final year.
Following a brief stint as a communications writer for the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL), where she crafted game recaps and curated stat-based storylines, Natasha is now stepping into a career in journalism and has recently started a job with the Canadian Press as a summer reporter for the Ontario Bureau in Toronto.
“My studies in historical linguistics and phonetics have turned me into a better writer and will continue to be lifelong passions that extend far beyond university.”
Kanae Bessho | Bachelor of Arts Honours, Applied Linguistics and Discourse Studies and Psychology with a Concentration in Social/Personality Psychology, Certificate in the Teaching of English as a Second Language (CTESL)
Kanae completed a Bachelor of Arts Combined Honours in Applied Linguistics and Discourse Studies and Psychology with a concentration in Social/Personality Psychology. Kanae also completed a Certificate in the Teaching of English as a Second Language (CTESL).
“My experience at Carleton and in the School of Linguistics and Language Studies has been challenging and also very fulfilling at the same time,” Kanae shares. “I have met some of the most supportive faculty members and they have provided much needed resources for me to succeed.”
Kanae presented her research on rater effects in academic ESL writing assessment at the annual Honours Thesis Conference in April, and plans on pursuing a graduate program here in SLaLS to continue her research on language assessment.
“Before I start working on another degree, I have lots of trips planned this summer,” Kanae, who recently returned from a 2-month backpacking trip across Europe, shares. Kanae will be making trips to Banff, Toronto, Maine, Boston, New York City, and PEI this summer.
Katie Boehm | Master of Arts, Applied Linguistics and Discourse Studies
Katie graduated with a Master of Arts in Applied Linguistics and Discourse Studies.
“I’ve really enjoyed my time at Carleton,” Katie shares. “I especially appreciated the opportunity given to me by the M. Gaulin Travel Bursary, which allowed me to travel to present my research on ADHD and writing high-stakes papers at the American Association for Applied Linguistics 2025 Conference.”
Katie has previously worked as a language instructor and ESL course developer and is looking forward to finding her next ESL teaching opportunity.
Tan Bucktowar | Bachelor of Science Honours, Linguistics with Concentration in Psycholinguistics and Communication Differences
Tan completed a Bachelor of Science Honours in Linguistics with a concentration in Psycholinguistics and Communication Differences.
“I have loved being part of the SLaLS family,” Tan shares. “I met wonderful people here, getting to know my classmates and professors has been the highlight.”
Since wrapping up the winter term, Tan has been keeping busy baking, reading, and crafting with friends. Tan is also currently volunteering with the Free Store at the University of Ottawa and is gearing up for the store’s annual pop up event in September.
Tan will also be joining the Carleton University Art Gallery (CUAG) as an educator in residence this fall.
“As the Digital Educator in Residence I will conduct research and create Instagram content related to the exhibition and artists, and potentially host online and in person workshops.”
Kennedy Burm | Bachelor of Arts Honours, Linguistics with Concentration in Psycholinguistics and Communication Differences, Minor in Psychology
Kennedy completed a Bachelor of Arts Honours in Linguistics with a concentration in Psycholinguistics and Communication Differences and a minor in Psychology.
“My time as a Linguistics major at Carleton University has truly been amazing,” she shares. “Never did I imagine that I would be finishing up my degree with such meaningful connections with all the supportive and inspiring professors who have helped guide me throughout my journey.”
“Not only am I grateful for their mentorship and encouragement, but I’m thankful to have found such a strong sense of community among both my professors and peers.”
Kennedy is heading to Georgian College in Barrie in September to complete the Communicative Disorders Assistant graduate certificate program, and plans on applying to graduate programs in Speech-Language Pathology.
Jasmine Corona | Master of Arts, Linguistics
Jasmine graduated with a Master of Arts in Linguistics.
“During my time at SLaLS, I built a strong foundation in phonetics, phonology, and language acquisition,” Jasmine shares. “I designed and presented my MA research on the production of Spanish by Korean learners at departmental and national conferences, which helped me grow as a researcher and presenter.”
“As I wrap up my degree, I’m exploring opportunities in research, learning and development, and tech-related roles that combine language, data, and education.”
Jasmine also plans on returning to California and looks forward to building a career that bridges research and real-world impact.
Anthony Daynes | Bachelor of Arts Honours, Linguistics and Discourse Studies, Minor in German, Certificate in the Teaching of English as a Second Language (CTESL)
Anthony completed a Bachelor of Arts Combined Honours in Linguistics and Discourse Studies with a minor in German and a Certificate in the Teaching of English as a Second Language (CTESL).
“What made my journey here at Carleton memorable, was the friends I made along the way, the professors that believed in me, and the experiences not only inside the classroom, but outside of it too.”
Anthony will be sticking around for a little while longer as he is starting his MA in Applied Linguistics and Discourse Studies and hopes to continue his work on revitalizing Indigenous languages in Canada.
Aslyn Ford | Bachelor of Science Honours, Linguistics with Concentration in Psycholinguistics and Communication Differences
Aslyn completed a Bachelor of Science Honours in Linguistics with a concentration in Psycholinguistics and Communication Differences.
“My time in SLaLS has been incredibly special, and it’s bittersweet to say goodbye,” Aslyn shares. “The professors’ passion and knowledge with all the in and out of class experiences provide students with invaluable learning opportunities that personally helped shape my academic and career goals.”
“The small class sizes and supportive, approachable professors created a close-knit environment that truly felt like a family. Their guidance, advice, and reference letters were instrumental in helping me take my next step.”
Aslyn presented her research on voice onset time improvement of Spanish stop consonants by English learners of Spanish at the annual Honours Thesis Conference in April, and will be starting a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (MScSLP) program at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia in September.
Kenneth Lambo | Master of Arts, Applied Linguistics and Discourse Studies
Kenneth graduated with a Master of Arts in Applied Linguistics and Discourse Studies.
“My time at SLaLS, from undergrad to the MA program, has been a journey of self-reflection and pursuit of academic excellence,” Kenneth shares.
“I am deeply grateful to the faculty and staff who have played a pivotal role in my academic journey, providing unwavering support that made my 2 years of full-time study truly enriching.”
Kenneth is excited to announce that he will be teaching abroad at a university in Japan.
“I am looking forward to embracing the challenges of EFL teaching, armed with the knowledge imparted by the department’s innovative curriculum and incredible research,” he says.
Emma Turner | Bachelor of Arts Honours, Linguistics, with Concentration in Psycholinguistics and Communication Differences, Certificate in the Teaching of English as a Second Language (CTESL)
Emma completed a Bachelor of Arts Honours in Linguistics with a concentration in Psycholinguistics and Communication Differences and a Certificate in the Teaching of English as a Second Language (CTESL).
“I loved my time in Linguistics in Carleton,” Emma shares. “It grew my interest in all things language and connecting with people.”
“Not only were the classes so interesting but I was lucky to meet some pretty awesome people along the way.”
Emma is excited to start a new chapter at teacher’s college using what she learned at Carleton in a classroom.
Dima Zaid-Kilani | Doctor of Philosophy, Applied Linguistics and Discourse Studies
Dima graduated with a Doctor of Philosophy in Applied Linguistics and Discourse Studies. She presented her dissertation, titled “Resilience and Persistence: Unveiling the Journey of Arabic-Speaking Female Muslim Teachers in Adult ESL Education” at the Canadian Society for the Study of Education’s conference (CSSE 2025), and received the Canadian Association for Teacher Education (CATE) Graduate Dissertation Award.
“My time at Carleton’s School of Linguistics and Language Studies was defined by mentorship, community, and critical growth,” Dima shares. “I’m especially grateful to my supervisors, Dr. Gentil and Dr. Sheyholislami, and to the faculty who nurtured an inclusive, intellectually rich environment.”
“One of my proudest contributions was founding a graduate support group that fostered connection and collaboration. Being part of the vibrant graduate student community at SLaLS reminded me that even when the journey felt solitary, I was never truly alone.”
Dima has been teaching with the University of Ottawa’s Faculty of Education and continues to work on publications and policy initiatives, including contributing to Algonquin College’s strategic plan, which will be launched this month.
“My research calls for more inclusive teaching practices and centers the voices of Arabic-speaking female Muslim educators. As I reflect on this journey, one message remains clear: “You are enough.” Our voices enrich this field, our presence is power, and our persistence continues to reshape the spaces we inhabit.”
Dima strives to continue building more inclusive classrooms, institutions, and futures, and remains committed to advancing equity in language education through research, policy, and teaching.
“This milestone is only the beginning,” she shares. “I carry the lessons, relationships, and vision forward.”
Spring 2025 Convocation Photo Gallery
Celebrate recent Carleton graduates by reading through the Grad Stories.