Our instructors

Matthew Connell

Matt Connell has extensive experience teaching various subjects among several age groups. He taught ESL for kindergarten through high school in South Korea for almost ten years. Following this, he earned his Master of Data Science at the University of British Columbia, became a  teaching assistant for graduate students to learn the statistical programming language R.

 
He has continued his passion for teaching and data science through his work as a Data Analyst and Software Engineer, as well as teaching courses on the Data Science Toolbox and Data Visualization.

Dianne Cook

Travis Czech

Travis Czech is an EC-Council Certified Ethical Hacker and Network Defender who serves as an instructor for UBC Extended Learning. Balancing roles as a solutions and security architect alongside his work as a business and technology consultant, he teaches across a broad spectrum of disciplines, including cybersecurity, software development, ethical hacking and data engineering. Notably, he specializes in training Data, Software, Security and Systems Engineers to major defense contractors and global consultancies, including Leonardo, KPMG and Sopra Steria.

Travis’s entrepreneurial journey began with a business dedicated to mentoring seniors in technology and helping small enterprises establish their digital presence. During his 14-year career in the Canadian Armed Forces, he honed crucial leadership skills, discipline and instructional methodologies—all while continuing to manage and grow his technology ventures. Since transitioning from the military, Travis has shifted his focus to education and mentorship.

Today, his consulting and educational initiatives include partnering with Indigenous communities to implement IT and security strategies, while guiding the safe and effective adoption of AI. Committed to sharing his expertise broadly, Travis is also the author of several technical books, including Cyber Security: Rust for Ethical Hacking, Cyber Security: Python for Penetration Testing and Cyber Security: Incident Response Plans.

Maura Da Cruz

Maura Da Cruz brings extensive experience to her work in organizational development, leadership development and program design as a Learning Consultant and former lead of UBC Coaching Services. As a master certified coach, and external coach with UBC Coaching Services, Maura’s multidimensional and holistic approach facilitates leaders, managers, and individuals in transition to create audacious goals while creating authentic, vibrant and fulfilling lives. Maura is passionate and dedicated to supporting individuals and work teams tap into their strengths and natural abilities to achieve exponential and sustainable results. A trained practitioner in Appreciative Inquiry, Maura has effectively facilitated leadership, team development, strategic planning, and strengths-based programs for a wide spectrum of work groups and professionals ranging from executives, senior managers, academic heads, emerging leaders and front-line staff.

Taslim Damji

Kelly Davidson

Hugh William Davies

Valentin Deransart

Jennifer Diamond

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.