Our instructors

Tiffany Timbers

Tiffany Timbers, PhD, is an assistant professor of teaching in the UBC Department of Statistics, and Option Co-Director and an instructor for the UBC Master of Data Science (MDS) program. After obtaining her doctorate in neuroscience at UBC in 2012, Tiffany carried out data-intensive postdoctoral research in behavioural and neural genomics at Simon Fraser University. During this time, she also gained valuable experience teaching computational skills to students and scientists through her work with Data and Software Carpentry, the SFU scientific programming study group, and teaching a course in computation in physical sciences at Quest University. Learn more about Tiffany on her personal website.

Fenneke Tjallingii-Brocken

Fenneke Tjallingii-Brocken works with purpose-driven leaders and organizations to create conscious workplace cultures that enhance internal effectiveness and external engagement. With over 20 years of experience in mindfulness and a systemic coaching approach, she helps clients navigate challenges, build resilience, and achieve their goals. Known for her deep connection with clients, she specializes in leadership coaching, team coaching, mindset, communication, and stress management. She holds multiple certifications, including Professional Certified Coach (ICF), and is an expert in fostering conscious leadership and self-discipline.

Ricardo R. Trujeque

Ricardo Trujeque (he/him), BCom, MSM, is an entrepreneur and dedicated educator with a 25+year career at the intersection of technology, communications, and education.

Ricardo has co-founded several software as a service (SaaS) companies that span digital media content production/distribution, marketing automation, language assessment, disaster resilience assessment and, currently, immersive environments for training and education. He has led ideation, planning and product management working closely with teams across operations, marketing, software development, sales, and operations bringing transformative solutions to market. He has also worked as a consultant for several private and public organizations internationally.

A renowned course author and seasoned lecturer, Ricardo has been a long-time collaborator with UBC, contributing to the creation of cutting-edge educational programs and content. Since 2021, he has spearheaded the development and delivery of highly successful programs at UBC Extended Learning, focusing on AI, Data Management & Analysis, Digital Transformation, Cloud Strategy, Digital Media, and Simulation. These programs have attracted nearly 500,000 student enrolments, underscoring their impact and popularity.

Eric Tung

Eric Tung has an MA in English from UBC and has been teaching at UBC since 2004. As a Principal Consultant at Prolepsis Consulting, Eric designs and delivers customized business, proposal, and technical writing workshops to numerous organizations, including engineering, construction, and consulting firms. In addition to writing workshops, he also designs and delivers custom courses on leadership development, business transformation and change management, strategic communications, customer service, presentations, facilitation, negotiation, sales, team building, train-the-trainer, and other workshop topics.

In addition to training, Eric is also a Senior Change Management Consultant, where he advises firms on large-scale organizational-wide changes. He has extensive experience leading and implementing transformation programs and projects, and works with both internal staff and external customers to assess and support organizational readiness. Eric coaches staff across all levels and works extensively with both public and private sector organizations.

Sinan Uluc

Pheroze Unwalla

Alejandra Urizar

Jennifer Van Evra

Jennifer Van Evra has been working as a Vancouver-based freelance writer for over a decade. Her work has appeared in many publications, including The Globe and Mail, Equinox, Mother Jones, Elm Street, Canadian Wildlife, The Georgia Straight, Vancouver magazine and The Vancouver Sun. She also works as a producer, reporter and broadcaster with CBC Radio. Jennifer won the UBC Continuing Studies John K. Friesen Excellence in Teaching Award in 2013.

Shelley-Anne Vidal

Stephen Wade