News

Claudia Ruitenberg appointed as Academic Director, UBC Vantage College

We are delighted to announce the appointment of Dr. Claudia Ruitenberg as the new Academic Director of UBC Vantage College. Claudia is currently Associate Professor and Graduate Advisor in the Department of Educational Studies. In addition to her undergraduate and graduate teaching experience and her research in philosophy of education, she brings experience in curriculum development and student advising. Claudia came to Canada as an international student and this personal experience informs her keen interest in international education.

Vantage Student Check-in: Luke Lu on Building Robots, Drones and Learning in Kelowna

Growing up in Lianyungang, China, Luke always had a natural aptitude and interest in the field of engineering. Nowadays, Luke can be found assembling and programming drones in his spare time as he progresses through the second year of his Electrical Engineering degree. It comes as no surprise then, that his favorite superhero growing up was the engineer Tony Stark, aka Iron Man. Having started his Engineering degree in UBC’s Vantage One program, Luke is now in his second year. Not one to shy away from extracurricular activities, he is currently also part of the UBC Orbit Club; a group with the mission to design and launch a satellite. Read on to hear his story!

Vantage Student Check-in: Rachel Souza on Confidence, Friendships and Burgers

It takes a lot to say goodbye to the comfort zone of the small city of Limeira, Brazil, but for Rachel Souza, the decision came easy. After experiencing life in Quebec during a high school exchange, Rachel knew Canada was the place she wanted to pursue university. One semester into the Vantage One program, she’s fallen in love with UBC’s campus, found the confidence to speak up, connected with her professors and created a supportive community of friends. Read on to find out what she’s up to!