Students in the UBC Master of Journalism program are selected through a competitive application process in their second year of studies.
Michelle Ghoussoub is a multimedia journalist who has reported in Canada and the Middle East with a focus on politics and human rights. Prior to her graduate education at the UBC School of Journalism she worked as a freelance journalist in Beirut, Lebanon. Her work has been featured in The Daily Star Lebanon, Now Lebanon, Beirut.com, TV5 Monde International and CBC Politics. She holds a BA in Political Science and International Relations from the University of British Columbia. Michelle is currently a research assistant at the Global Reporting Centre.
Codi Hauka is a multimedia journalist focusing on the development of virtual identity within culture and technology. She holds a BA in International Relations and History from the University of British Columbia, where she has spent many, many years pursuing higher education. This past summer she interned as a production assistant at OpenCanada. Her work has also been featured in the 10 and 3, and in Schema Magazine as a foreign correspondent based out of Japan. In addition to being a passionate storyteller, Codi is an aficionado of jar-ensconced snacks.
Jon Hernandez is an award-winning journalist and filmmaker at the UBC Graduate School of Journalism, specializing in B.C. forestry and local arts and culture. His work has appeared on CBC.ca, CBC Radio, Exclaim, and the Tyee. He is a recipient of the 2015 Jack Webster Student Journalism award, and his work has been nominated for a Canadian Online Publishing Award. Jon completed a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy at UBC and has planted nearly a half-million trees throughout Alberta’s Peace River Country. On a Thursday night, you can find Jon at a fine karaoke establishment belting out the smooth sounds of Bob Seger.
Mike Lakusiak is a multimedia journalist focused on using new technologies and platforms for strong storytelling. Mike has worked in various capacities at daily and community newspapers as well as in the technology sector. Recently he has contributed to several news innovation projects and been a producer for CBC Radio in Vancouver. He also enjoys rebuilding late model Japanese cars and throwing himself down mountains on bikes and snowboards.
Peter Mothe is a multimedia journalist and a graduate student at the University of British Columbia’s School of Journalism. As a journalist, he’s interested in telling many different stories, but eventually hopes to show how climate change is affecting some of the world’s most vulnerable communities. Peter’s work has been published in CBC Aboriginal, the Georgia Straight, Vancouver Weekly, EDGE YK in Yellowknife and the literary blog Escritores del Mundo. Born in Brazil but raised in Argentina, he holds a BA in History from Webster University in St. Louis, Missouri. He’s also a passionate traveler and artist.
Ahmed Nazar Najdat is an Iraqi-Canadian multimedia journalist and filmmaker. Ahmed is passionate about uncovering universal stories, especially among marginalized communities. He has reported on the local implications of the Syrian refugee crisis, indigenous issues and arts and culture. Ahmed holds a Bachelor of Arts in film production, and integrates his technical skills into his journalism. He has also worked as a social media expert as part of major research projects at UBC and been nominated for national journalism awards. His work has appeared on CNN Arabic, Goal.com, and CBC Aboriginal. He thrives on exploring different cultures and ideas.
Konstantine Roccas is a Greek-Canadian journalist who specializes in European affairs, politics and conflict. He has reported on everything from sports, to relationships and everything in between. He did a Double Major at Simon Fraser University where he received his B.A. in International Relations and History and a certificate in Hellenic Studies. He spent this past summer working as a field producer for NPR in Greece and had a ringside seat to the unfolding social and economic calamity. His work has appeared in the Georgia Straight, NPR, Ekathimerini and in Arbitrage Magazine. He is currently a second-year graduate student at the UBC School of Journalism and enjoys eating half a kilo of Greek yogurt every day.
Natalie Walters is a second-year Master of Journalism student at the University of British Columbia. She has experience in print, online, radio and television journalism and spent this past summer interning at CBC Radio One, The Current, in Toronto and with the CBC’s international bureau in London, England. She completed her Bachelor of Arts at McGill University in History and English Literature and spent one semester abroad at the University of Melbourne. Natalie was born in Germany and has a keen interest in travel and telling international stories about identity and culture.
Daisy Xiong is a second year student at the UBC Graduate School of journalism. She is originally from China, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Broadcast Journalism. She is interested in intercultural and immigration reporting, and her work has appeared on CBC Radio. She also has great passion in audio and video production. She has interned for CBC The Current, Global National News, Global Mandarin and China Central Television. She is currently a co-producer for CiTR, UBC’s student radio station.
Emily Blake is a multimedia journalist completing her master’s at UBC’s Graduate School of Journalism. Her work has appeared in The Tyee and the Vancouver Courier and she was a production intern at CBC’s Day 6. She is also a senior producer of News 101 on CiTR 101.9FM. Her areas of specialization include gender, human rights and ethics. Emily holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Development from the University of Guelph. Emily is passionate about stories that demonstrate the human condition and aspires to be a radio producer. She loves a good podcast and has never met a cat that she didn’t want to pet.