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Next week, Tiffany Jiazhen Woo will graduate from the School of Interactive Arts & Technology with a Bachelor of Arts. Tiffany shares her experience in SIAT, what it's like to complete a directed study with one our professors, and a little advice for students starting at SIAT!

Tell us about yourself.

My name is Tiffany Jiazhen Woo, and I graduated with Double Minor in Contemporary Arts as well as Interactive Arts and Technology (SIAT) within the Faculty of Communication, Art and Technology at SFU.

Why did you choose SIAT for your studies?

I chose SIAT because the program is structured to allow for creative exploration while building robust technical skills. During my time here, I was even able to conduct an independent field study under the directed studies program. SIAT offers the freedom to experiment while maintaining a disciplined specialization in the fields of media art and design.

While completing your degree at SIAT, you also did a directed study with Associate Professor Gabriela Aceves-Sepúlveda. Could you share some of your experiences from that study?

I proposed a directed study with Professor Gabriela Aceves-Sepúlveda after completing two exchange terms at Seoul National University in South Korea and Kyoto University in Japan. While in Japan, I became fascinated by a community cafe in a niche Kyoto neighborhood, where residents organized a non-profit space and various activities to support one another and foster a multicultural community.

When I shared this with Professor Aceves-Sepúlveda, she enthusiastically agreed to guide my field research. Over the course of a two-term directed study, we developed a short film and a term paper highlighting these local dynamics and mutual aid activities. Using a Research-Creation methodology, the project served as a case study for community development within sustainability studies.

How did your studies in SIAT fit into your future goals, and what is next for you?

SIAT laid the foundation for me to explore my core interests and equipped me with the essential skills needed to manage complex projects and academic research. Next, I will be entering graduate school at Kyoto University. I plan to expand my community study project into an extensive research initiative aimed at building a framework for sustainable community building, while continuing to use research-creation to share my findings and evoke meaningful conversations.

What was the highlight of your SIAT academic career?

The absolute highlight of my SIAT career was the directed study with Professor Gabriela Aceves-Sepúlveda, alongside my exchange terms in South Korea and Japan. SIAT did not just teach me the curriculum; it provided incredible opportunities to explore the world and discover my purpose. As I step into further graduate research, I will always cherish my memories at SIAT and how the program helped me find my passion at the intersection of research and the arts.

Do you have any advice for students starting their degree at SIAT?

I would say the first two years are all about laying a solid foundation and taking the time to find your direction. Immerse yourself in your courses and complete as much work as possible to build up a strong portfolio. Once you have a clearer sense of direction and know what you enjoy, you can start looking into internships or exchange programs like I did, which allow you to explore the world and meet inspiring people. Most importantly, put yourself out there and actively engage with your classmates, professors, and the wider community. Everyone here is uniquely talented. Always try your best to carve out your own path, one that brings you fulfillment and allows you to follow wherever your passion leads!