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Claudia Diaz-Diaz joined the Faculty of Education as one of our newest faculty. She is excited to join 51ÉçÇøºÚÁÏand looks forward to meeting colleagues, exchanging ideas and seeing what develops. Read about Claudia’s professional and personal background, the focus of her research, and her plans and aspirations here.

Q: Could you please tell us about your background?

Before I joined the Faculty of Education at SFU, I worked as an Assistant Professor in Leadership Studies at the University of Victoria. I completed my PhD in Educational Studies at UBC, which allowed me to reflect deeply on my experiences as an educator and researcher. I was born and raised in Chile, where I collaborated with women’s grassroots organizations on non-formal education initiatives and managed educational and poverty reduction programs for children and youth. I have been living in British Columbia for 15 years, a period that has enabled me to learn from Indigenous authors and educators, as well as Black and authors of colour, transforming my understanding of education, research, and community-engaged scholarship. Like most academics, I spend much of my time in front of my computer reading, writing, and participating in Zoom meetings, but in my free time, I enjoy kayaking and hiking as often as I can. 

Q: What are the key areas of your research, especially in the context of shifting policy, curriculum, and pedagogical practices?

Throughout my trajectory, my research has explored the role of pedagogies in social transformation. In Chile, I worked alongside women’s grassroots organizations to support community development after 16 years of dictatorship, when the survival of social organizations was under significant threat. Their work aimed to engage others in participation and community change to rebuild their social fabric and sense of purpose moving forward. Their goal was to support the next generation of children and youth. This explains why my early scholarship focused on childhood studies. During my master’s and doctoral studies, I became more aware of how colonization contributed to the erasure of Indigenous histories, knowledges, and ways of understanding the world in the past and present. Taking a place-based approach led me to reflect deeply on the importance of engaging with land literature to better understand the current climate landscape. I am interested in supporting community-based projects that challenge inherited colonial and patriarchal thinking and behavioural patterns. That is why my current research continues to examine pedagogies, but now with women’s grassroots organizations working on climate and gender justice in Chile. Amplifying grassroots organizations’ knowledge is vital for policy impact and even curriculum change in formal education, whether in K-12, post-secondary, or adult education.

Q: What attracted you to 51ÉçÇøºÚÁÏEducation?

That was the first question I was asked during my initial interview for this position. My response was straightforward. I was attracted to SFU’s community-engaged focus because I wanted to get involved in projects that support communities in British Columbia. Many students who choose the Faculty of Education bring unique backgrounds and expertise to classrooms within BC’s educational settings. This diversity opens up opportunities for learning and potential collaborations based on the needs of the communities where we live. I’m also eager to learn from and work with colleagues who are making a significant impact both internationally and locally.

Q: Are there any plans/aspirations you would like to share with our community?

Yes! I’m currently leading an SSHRC-funded project titled Pedagogies for Climate and Gender Justice with women water protectors in Chile. I’m looking for students interested in participating as research assistants. There’s a lot to do, including creating a project website, data analysis, and knowledge mobilization initiatives. I’m also part of a feminist network of women’s museums where other projects are beginning to take shape. I’ll be circulating ads for research assistants in September, and I hope my colleagues will help me spread the word.

I love receiving emails from colleagues saying hi and inviting me for coffee. I’m excited to join 51ÉçÇøºÚÁÏand look forward to meeting colleagues, exchanging ideas, and seeing what develops. Thank you!