Celebrating SLaLS Graduates
The Carleton community came together to celebrate convocation and honour fall 2025, winter 2026 and spring 2026 graduates as they received their degrees and certificates.
In fall 2025, we welcomed nine graduates to the SLaLS Class of 2025 and celebrated the inaugural graduating class of our Master of Arts in Teaching English as an Additional Language (MA TEAL) program.
This year, the SLaLS Class of 2026 includes 47 graduates across the winter 2026 and spring 2026 graduation terms.
36 BA Graduates
1 BSc Graduate
7 MA Graduates
3 PhD Graduates
Eleven graduates received their Certificate in the Teaching of English as a Second Language (CTESL), several graduates completed minors in Applied Linguistics and Discourse Studies (ALDS) and Linguistics (LING), and dozens of students across the various faculties completed their degrees with a language minor.
Faculty and staff in the School of Linguistics and Language Studies are proud of all of the students who completed their degrees.
“It is always my favourite time of year when I get to extend a hearty ‘Congratulations!’ to all our SLaLS graduates. Take the time to reflect on how your hard work and dedication have led to this special moment. All of us in SLaLS are proud of what you accomplished here and can’t wait to hear about what you achieve in the future!”
Michael Rodgers
Director, School of Linguistics and Language Studies
To help us celebrate this important milestone, we spoke with some of our graduates to learn more about their time in SLaLS and to find out what’s in store for them next. Read more about these inspiring graduates below, and check out our photo gallery at the bottom of this page for some highlights from the convocation ceremonies.
Abigail Awrey | BA Honours Major in Linguistics with a Concentration in Psycholinguistics and Communication Disorders, Minor in Psychology
Abigail graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Honours in Linguistics with a Concentration in Psycholinguistics and Communication Disorders and a Minor in Psychology.
“I had an amazing time studying linguistics and psychology at Carleton,” Abigail shared. “Learning how language and the brain are intertwined sparked my interest in pursuing a career in speech pathology.”
“I am especially grateful I got to work with Dr. Masako Hirotani in the brain laboratory, as this experience showed me the importance of language and accessibility.”
Abigail recently traveled to South Korea, Japan, New York, and Italy, and looks forward to visiting more countries in the future.
This fall, Abigail will be attending the University of Toronto for a graduate program in Speech-Language Pathology.
Leilah Bielser | BA Honours in Linguistics, Minor in Political Science
Leilah, a recipient of the University Medal in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Honours in Linguistics and a Minor in Political Science.
“My experience studying linguistics at Carleton has been everything I could’ve hoped for and more,” Leilah shared. “I’ve been incredibly lucky to spend these past four years surrounded by kind, funny, encouraging, and supportive mentors.”
“My peers, too, have been all-around lovely, and made all those early-morning classes and late-night studying sessions that much more enjoyable.”
This summer, Leilah will be working on a language documentation and revitalization project through the Carleton University Research Opportunity Program (CUROP). This year, five summer CUROP internships were awarded in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences.
“I look forward to this upcoming fall, when I’ll be starting my PhD in Linguistics here at Carleton,” she said. “Being offered the chance to pursue a PhD directly after my BA has been an absolute dream come true for me.”
“I’m beyond grateful for all the people who’ve made this possible, and look forward to the years ahead!”
Asmaa Elsharkawy | MA in Applied Linguistics and Discourse Studies
Asmaa graduated with a Master of Arts in Applied Linguistics and Discourse Studies.
“I am deeply grateful for my time at Carleton and for the support, mentorship, and encouragement I received from my professors throughout the program, especially my supervisor, Dr. Peggy Hartwick, who believed in me,” Asmaa shared. “Their guidance helped me grow as a researcher and educator and inspired me to pursue further studies in the field.”
Asmaa currently works as an ESL/EAP Professor at Conestoga College and will be starting a PhD in Applied Linguistics at York University this fall. Alongside her doctoral studies, Asmaa will be working as a Teaching Assistant and Research Assistant.
“I look forward to continuing my research on technology-enhanced language learning and to contributing to the field through both teaching and research.”
Nadine Gebharter | BA Honours in Linguistics and Discourse Studies, Minor in Forensic Psychology
Nadine graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Honours in Linguistics and Discourse Studies and a Minor in Forensic Psychology.
“When I first started my degree, I have to admit I was kind of green,” Nadine shared. “I wasn’t entirely sure what I wanted to do, so I ended up changing and adjusting my plans quite a bit during the first year and a half.”
“Despite this somewhat messy start, my time at Carleton and in SLaLS has been incredibly fulfilling and insightful. I’ve learned a lot about myself and, thanks to the support of my friends, professors, and fellow students, was able to make the most of my experience, both inside and outside of university.”
“Getting the opportunity to work as a research assistant in my final year has definitely been one of my highlights,” she said.
Nadine plans on traveling through Ontario and Quebec with her parents, to show them where she has been spending the past four years, before going back to Europe and looking for life’s next big adventure.
Hakam Ghanim | PhD in Linguistics, Language Documentation and Revitalization
Hakam graduated with a Doctor of Philosophy in Linguistics, Language Documentation and Revitalization. His dissertation was titled “Mapping the Languages of Ninawa Province, Iraq.”
Hakam started his PhD program online in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. Originally from Iraq, Hakam had the opportunity to meet his professors and peers in person when he came to Canada in 2022.
“I had a great experience during my time at Carleton University. I met great professors and nice colleagues from different parts of the world.”
“I would not say that my journey was easy,” Hakam shared, “but after all, with the support of the wonderful people I met and my professor, I was able to graduate with a PhD degree.”
Hakam is currently working as a teacher and will be working on publishing his research. He will continue to explore teaching opportunities, and hopes to teach in a university.
Hanna Harper | MA in Applied Linguistics and Discourse Studies
Hanna graduated with a Master of Arts in Applied Linguistics and Discourse Studies. Her thesis was titled “Distinctively Canadian: The Discursive Construction of Canadian Linguistic Identities in CBC Podcasts.”
“The past two years at Carleton have flown by so quickly,” Hanna shared. “I can’t believe my Master’s is coming to an end!”
“I met so many awesome people in this program doing such interesting and important work who all inspired me to push myself in my own research as well. I have loved getting to talk about language issues from so many different perspectives, and I will carry that passion with me for the rest of my life.”
Hannah looks forward to traveling in Europe with her sister to celebrate this exciting milestone.
Mariam Jamila | MA in Applied Linguistics and Discourse Studies
Mariam graduated with a Master of Arts in Applied Linguistics and Discourse Studies.
“With nearly two decades of experience as an English language educator and a PhD in Education with a TESL-focused dissertation, I came to Carleton to explore new perspectives in applied linguistics and pursue questions that continue to shape my teaching and research,” Mariam shared.
“My MA research was a critical exploration of how digital tools shape speaking anxiety among English language learners, reflecting my commitment to fostering confident and meaningful communication. I was fortunate to learn from incredibly supportive professors whose guidance expanded my thinking and inspired my on-going growth as an educator and researcher.”
Mariam will continue teaching in Canada, and looks forward to pursuing additional TESOL professional development, presenting at academic conferences, and exploring how AI can be used to enhance autonomous language learning, support teacher development, and foster more inclusive and empowering educational experiences.
Xanthi Makris | BA Honours in Linguistics with a Concentration in Psycholinguistics and Communication Differences
Xanthi graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Honours in Linguistics with a Concentration in Psycholinguistics and Communication Differences and a Minor in Developmental Psychology.
“My time at Carleton University and within SLaLS has been a challenging yet unforgettable journey that has been shaped by incredible people, meaningful experiences, connections, and personal growth that I will carry with me well beyond convocation,” Xanthi shared.
“I’m incredibly grateful for the support, encouragement, and mentorship of my professors, who not only helped me build my knowledge but also my professional perspectives as a future clinician. Their guidance has strengthened my commitment to supporting individuals with communication differences by advocating for purposeful methods of communication that reflects each person’s unique strengths, voice, and dignity.”
Xanthi will be taking a year to travel, spend quality time with family and friends, and recharge before beginning graduate studies in Speech-Language Pathology.
“I look forward to carrying this foundation with me as I step into the next chapter, continuing in a field I am deeply passionate about.”
Mar Pauls | MA in Applied Linguistics and Discourse Studies
Mar graduated with a Master of Arts in Applied Linguistics and Discourse Studies. Their thesis was titled “Gender Camaraderie: Belonging and Identity Construction for Mascs and Femmes in Winnipeg, Manitoba.”
“My experience in SLaLS has been fantastic,” Mar shared. “The faculty and staff have gone above and beyond, not only for my academic development but for my professional development as well.”
“I have had a tremendous time getting involved with the school and I am leaving feeling inspired and ready to take on my next steps!”
Mar, who currently works full-time as a researcher for The Manitoba Métis Federation, National Government for the Red River Métis, plans on pursuing a PhD.
Hamideh Poshtvan | PhD in Linguistics, Language Documentation and Revitalization
Hamideh graduated with a Doctor of Philosophy in Linguistics, Language Documentation and Revitalization. Her dissertation was titled “Linguistic Geography of Gilan Province, Iran.”
“Carleton has been my second home since 2020,” Hamideh shared. “I began my PhD with a strong desire to contribute to my ancestral homeland, Gilan Province, Iran, by documenting its rich linguistic diversity, much of which is at risk of disappearing.”
“At Carleton, I found not only the academic training I needed, but also a supportive community of mentors, colleagues, and friends who helped me turn that aspiration into meaningful research. Looking back, I am grateful that my time in the School of Linguistics and Language Studies allowed me to give back to my heritage community in a way I had always hoped to.”
Hamideh will continue this work as a Postdoctoral Fellow at Carleton University, where she will continue her research within the Atlas of Languages of Iran (ALI) project.
Fatima Ramadan | BA Honours in Linguistics, Minors in Japanese and Psychology
Fatima graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Honours in Linguistics and Minors in Japanese and Psychology.
“In my first year, fresh out of Covid, I was a BA Undeclared,” Fatima shared. “I was in at least ten clubs, a competitive club, and a varsity team, which, looking back, was a lot.”
“By the following year, I grew curious about a topic I didn’t even know existed, and on a slight whim, chose it as my major.”
“In Linguistics, I grew close to many people, and made myself a family within the Rugby team, and the Kendo team,” Fatima said.
“It has been 5 years since the start of my journey, and I can say with full confidence, that I don’t regret any of the choices to commit myself to my sport, schooling and activism, meeting new people and trying new things, without losing sight of myself and my identity.”
Fatima plans on pursuing a graduate program in Speech-Language Pathology or education, and will continue playing and refereeing rugby.
Kai Sikkema | MA in Applied Linguistics and Discourse Studies with a Specialization in Digital Humanities
Kai graduated with a Master of Arts in Applied Linguistics and Discourse Studies and a collaborative Specialization in Digital Humanities.
Kai started a graduate degree after completing the Accelerated Pathway during their undergraduate studies in Applied Linguistics and Discourse Studies here at Carleton University.
“I am very grateful to have had this opportunity to further develop my research and analysis skills, and for the important friendships I have made through the program,” Kai shared.
Kai looks forward to taking some time to work and travel before pursuing a PhD.
Photo Gallery
Celebrate recent Carleton graduates by reading through the Grad Stories.