Our instructors

Socorro Esther Dominguez Vidana

Socorro Esther Dominguez Vidaña (She/her) holds a Master of Data Science degree from UBC and is a data scientist I at University of Wisconsin. She facilitates Programming in Python for Data Science and Introduction to Machine Learning at UBC-ExL. She has an extensive experience in data analysis and computational methods, particularly in the geosciences. She has made significant contributions to the Neotoma Paleoecological Database, focusing on improving data accessibility, integration, and analytical workflows for global ecological and paleoenvironmental research. Her work involves developing innovative approaches to managing and analyzing large datasets, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration. With a strong foundation in research and teaching, Socorro applies data science techniques to enhance scientific understanding and decision-making. She is passionate about creating efficient, impactful solutions to complex data challenges in scientific and technical domains.

Dinorah Dugas

Dinorah Dugas has been teaching Spanish with UBC Extended Learning for 28 years with excellent evaluations from her students. Dinorah is currently the head instructor for the Spanish program and assistant for curriculum development. She is an enthusiastic language teacher who loves her work just as much as the first day and keeps exploring and creating new ideas in the field. Dinorah believes that each student in her class is important and deserves her respect, encouragement, and the very best she has to offer.

View all current Spanish courses.

Sara Elder

Sara Elder, BA, MA, PhD, is Adjunct Professor at the Institute for Resources, Environment and Sustainability at UBC, and Senior Policy Advisor at the International Institute for Sustainable Development. She holds a BA in International Relations, and an MA and PhD in Resources, Environment and Sustainability from UBC.

Sara has over a decade of experience leading applied research and advisory work on sustainability, inclusive development and global value chains in Canada, Africa, Latin America and Asia. She specializes in translating complex systems research into actionable strategies for policy and practice, and has advised governments, organizations and companies on strengthening equity and advancing climate and sustainable development goals. She designs and conducts learning programs to build leadership capacity in sustainability and climate action and has published on sustainability education. She previously held roles with the United Nations and the BC Ministry of Agriculture’s Climate Action Team.

Evelyn Encalada Grez

Evelyn Encalada Grez, Ph.D is Latinx/Global professor, community organiser, and researcher currently based in the traditional territories of the Squamish, Tsleil-Waututh, Kwikwetlem, and Musqueam nations (Burnaby, BC). Her doctoral degree is in Social Justice Education from the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education of the University of Toronto. Evelyn has worked in El Salvador, Nicaragua, Guatemala, and Honduras with the Central American Network in Solidarity with Maquila Women and with the Workers Support Centre in Puebla, Mexico.
She is a founding member of the award-winning collective, Justice for Migrant Workers (J4MW) that has promoted the rights of migrant farm workers in Canada since 2001. As a result of her affiliation with Rural Women Making Change, a CURA-SSHRC project based at the University of Guelph, she was invited to the United Nations to speak about her community work with Mexican migrant farmworker women for International Rural Women's Day.

Additionally, Evelyn was the lead Travelling Faculty for a global university teaching US students throughout India, Senegal, Jordan, Nepal, Chile, and Brazil. For three semesters she was also the Academic Director of a social justice, cultural identity, and local development study abroad program in her city of birth, Valparaiso, Chile. Her work has been published in academic journals and she has also mobilized her research and community work through film and art projects to reach broad audiences. Evelyn is driven by her immigrant working class experiences and committed to decolonializing and transformative pedagogies.

Brock Endean

Brock Endean is a change facilitator and founder of RedPier Consulting, working at the intersections of climate justice and community development. Based in rural BC, he supports communities in navigating climate change in ways that are grounded, imaginative, and relationship-driven.

With over 15 years of experience working across Canada, and contributions to international forums including at the United Nations, Brock brings a perspective shaped by deep local relationships and broader systems awareness. He has worked alongside Indigenous Nations, local governments, and non-profits to support community-led approaches that are responsive to place, history, and lived experience.

Brock is known for blending strategy with storytelling, design with dialogue, and curiosity with care. Whether facilitating gatherings, curating festivals, or mentoring leaders, his intention is the same: helping communities reflect on the stories they tell themselves and have agency in those they want to cultivate

Socorro Esther Dominguez Vidana,

Robert Farkasch

Robert Farkasch, PhD, is a lecturer in the Department of Political Science at the University of British Columbia. He teaches courses in international political economy, international relations and understanding terrorism.

Heidi Feenstra

Sandra Fennings

Sara Fera