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I am a Canadian researcher, educator, and learning scientist specializing in student agency and the mediating role of online learning technologies and social media on student success, mental health, and well-being. As the Director of the ALIVE Research Lab at the University of British Columbia I study agency ‘unbundled’ from formal learning contexts including social media, online and virtual immersive environments.

I am also a two-time heart transplant recipient, heart failure survivor, and co-founder of the HeartLife Foundation of Canada whose mission is to engage, educate, and empower the voices of those living with heart failure.

Please check out my profile and contact me if you have further inquiries.

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I am an Associate Professor in the Faculty of Education at the University of British Columbia and Director of the Assessment for Learning in Immersive and Virtual Environments (ALIVE) Research Lab.

My research focuses on transforming learner agency in the postdigital era by integrating advanced technologies with critical pedagogy to innovate educational practices. I lead groundbreaking projects that utilize immersive virtual environments and game-based learning, actively engaging students in shaping their own educational experiences. My aim is to empower students to take control of their learning by setting goals and making informed decisions. Additionally, I tackle significant social issues such as equity and digital access. My work is essential in developing educational frameworks that equip learners to navigate and excel in the complexities of the 21st century.

my research is funded by

The University of British Columbia
Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada
Canadian Institutes for Health Research
Canadian Heart Function Alliance

SCHOLARSHIP

RESEARCH

My research contributes to interdisciplinary scholarship by addressing fundamental questions regarding the nature of scientific inquiry across various fields. It explores the impact of this inquiry on the democratization of knowledge and the enhancement of human agency.

TEACHING

Empowering individuals to actively engage in the learning process turns my courses, mentorship, and community engagement into lived experiences, making them more responsive, reflexive, dynamic, and collaborative.

COMMUNITY

Following my heart failure diagnosis, subsequent surgeries for an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD), and a Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD), I embraced the role of a public health advocate. Having undergone two heart transplants, I also co-founded the HeartLife Foundation of Canada.

documentary.

THIS IS MY STORY

My Broken Heart is a feature-length documentary shot over 5-years.  The documentary follows the lives of Jillianne Code, Mark Wilson, and Cody Halfpenny as they face the challenges of heart transplantation. 

Exploring the journey from end-stage heart failure, LVAD, heart transplantation, and organ rejection, My Broken Heart is an unflinching look at the possible complications and consequences of organ transplantation. 

social wall.

Achievement Unlocked 🇧🇪 Beer heaven.

Achievement Unlocked 🇧🇪 Beer heaven. ...

On August 22nd these two kids Ken Code and Judith Code celebrated 54 years together! Check out the engagement photos below. A couple of babies 🙃❤️ Cc Susan Kreil Shannon Roberta L Malin

On August 22nd these two kids Ken Code and Judith Code celebrated 54 years together!

Check out the engagement photos below. A couple of babies 🙃❤️

Cc Susan Kreil Shannon Roberta L Malin
...

Helping. #academiclife #transplantlife #phdchat

Helping.

#academiclife #transplantlife #phdchat
...

Had my annual 🫀 transplant check up. After everything that has transpired since the age of 28 it is always thrilling to hear that everything is good. #ItsAboutLife @HeartLifeCanada

Had my annual 🫀 transplant check up. After everything that has transpired since the age of 28 it is always thrilling to hear that everything is good. #ItsAboutLife @HeartLifeCanada ...

Good morning! Another day, another mug, another 💊 or several 😝 My heart beats because of my #donor so I make sure to take my meds out of respect for their gift. #TransplantLife #HeartLife #LifeInHearts #HeartWarriorQueen #AcademicLife #DisabledAcademic #GratefulHeart

Good morning! Another day, another mug, another 💊 or several 😝

My heart beats because of my #donor so I make sure to take my meds out of respect for their gift.

#TransplantLife #HeartLife #LifeInHearts #HeartWarriorQueen
#AcademicLife #DisabledAcademic #GratefulHeart
...

Workin’ Not on my own PhD but I have several students who are. So, it feels like it sometimes. So proud of my team. #academiclife #phdlife #phdjourney #transplantlife #ubc #socialscience #education

Workin’
Not on my own PhD but I have several students who are. So, it feels like it sometimes.
So proud of my team.

#academiclife #phdlife #phdjourney #transplantlife #ubc #socialscience #education
...

Good morning, September. ☀️🍁

Good morning, September. ☀️🍁 ...