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SFU Staff
Communications and Events Coordinator

Sylvia Traphan was looking for ways to inform her professional interests as a front-line worker, which led her to pursue a Master of Arts (Course Intensive) in Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies at SFU. 

During her time at GSWS, Sylvia made commendable research contributions, adding to the knowledge around diverse experiences and history of 2SLGBTQ+ folks in Vancouver. In a Feminist Theory class, she interviewed a participant from a emerging lesbian group that took part in the ‘IndoCanadian Women’s Conference’ held in 1971. This interview has now been officially added to the SFU Archives. 

In addition, she also researched and wrote about the overrepresentation of Indigenous children in Canada’s child welfare system; from which she went on to develop a training workshop for her professional colleagues outside of SFU. 

Sylvia’s recommendation to make the most of a graduate degree? “Get to know your fellow students, participate in department and GSS (Graduate Student Society) events, and make GSWS your home at SFU. You will be made welcome!”


Sylvia will be graduating this fall with a Master of Arts (MA) in Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies (GSWS). She completed the course intensive track of the GSWS MA program, known as MACI. The MACI program offers students interdisciplinary study in feminist theory and methodology with opportunities for directed readings and research. The program also focuses on professional development with Field Studies in an area of the students’ choosing. 


This story was originally published on the Gender Sexuality, and Women's Studies website on October 20, 2020.