Dr. Jessica Leonora Whitehead is the Media Lab Director at The Centre for Sound Communities and brings a blend of scholarship and practical experience in film and media studies to the role. She holds a position as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Communication and Languages at Cape Breton University, specializing in media and screen cultures. Her scholarly publications range from studies of Canadian urban and small-town exhibition practices to the history of Hollywood productions in Canada and the impact of diasporic cinema on the Canadian film industry. Her research has been featured in publications ranging from the Canadian Journal of Film…

Dr. Sheila Christie is an Associate Professor of English and Drama at CBU. Her research and artistic practice includes dramatic literature, fanfiction, stage management, and applied theatre (particularly theatre for social change). She is dedicated to helping students, community members, and fellow researchers develop the skills and experiences they need to make the world a better place and foster hope in the face of local and global challenges. As of July 1, 2021, Dr. Christie left her post (a three-year term) as Associate Director at The Centre for Sound Communities to take on a new role as Chair of the…

DARENE ROMA YAVORSKY • Communications, Editing & Creative Design Art, literature and music were the lens through which Darene began to see the world from an early age, and the focus intensified into a passion and synchronous occupation as her career has unfolded. Production management for an advertising agency and a software-writing firm; newspaper and magazine editing; freelance work for government, industry, educational institutions and charitable organizations ~ leading to her formation of The Word & Image Studio where creative pursuits have made her an affiliate of Access Copyright, The Canadian Copyright Licensing Agency under three categories: writer, publisher and…

Research assistant Brady Doucette says, “I am currently in my Master of Education in Sustainability, Creativity, Innovation, and was the first Indigenous graduate from the Bachelor of Arts and Science Environment program here at Cape Breton University. I have resided on campus for nearly a decade and have loved being a part of such a diverse community which has lead me to opportunities such as being involved with The Centre of Sound Communities! My goal is to someday become a cultivator of learning opportunities from a Two-eyed Seeing* perspective.” *Etuaptmumk is the Mi’kmaw word for Two-Eyed Seeing:  “learning to see…

Eric Escudero has collaborated as a research assistant with Dr. Marcia Ostashewski and The Centre for Sound Communities on various projects since 2020, including his role as project manager for the release and promotion of Bala, Lassana Diabaté’s CD of balafón music recorded and produced at The Centre for Sound Communities. As currrent Research, Engagement, and Education Lead, Eric’s responsibilities encompass research and asset creation, curation, and dedicated support of community-engaged projects and educational initiatives. Originally from São Paulo, Brazil, Eric attained his Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication and Multimedia from the Pontifical Catholic University of São Paulo. Subsequently,…

“I am Selina Kibanda, a lab and research assistant at The Centre for Sound Communities. Recently, I participated in the CSC’s African workshop that was taking place around Sydney. As part of my role, I was able to film, take pictures, teach, and choreograph for others to learn. I also had the opportunity to participate in the CSC’s Tea with the Elders event, helping with the preparations, and engaging in conversation with lovely people. I am working on a Bachelor’s degree in Community Studies at Cape Breton University. I’ve always been passionate about the arts, particularly in theatre and performance. I’ve…

Amira Monsiba Wusa Manga is a dedicated Administrative and Finance Officer at The Centre for Sound Communities, where she excels in managing project budgets and streamlining office operations for efficiency. Currently a student at Cape Breton University, Amira is pursuing a Postgraduate Diploma in Business Management, building on her Bachelor of Science in Administration with a specialization in accounting from the University of Ghana Business School. Originally from Ghana, West Africa, Amira brings a rich blend of international experience and a deep commitment to fostering community through her studies and work.

Research Assistant Victoria Mury says, “I’m in my final semester of my Bachelor of Arts Double Major in Philosophy and Psychology at Cape Breton University. I’m from Richmond County and Isle Madame, and grew up step dancing which I’ve done for 11 years. I’ve competed in competitions through out the Maritimes and have travelled to Disney World in Orlando, Florida with my dance group, ‘The Island Steppers’, to showcase our dancing. I’ve always had a deep love of music:  I’m a self-taught musician, playing guitar, mandolin and ukulele and would love to eventually learn the fiddle as well. “With my…

    Research Assistant Tugi Ngochi is a Bachelor of Business Administration student, majoring in Marketing at Cape Breton University. Tugi is a passionate dancer and singer with a background in ballet, now focusing on contemporary, Afrobeat and traditional dance. Tugi is an experienced performer, a choreographer, and teacher of dance for children. She is also skilled in videography and content creation.

Mark Lenini Parselelo is an Ethnomusicology Ph.D. Candidate at Memorial University, Newfoundland and Labrador. His research interests are in Dance and Music. Mark has been involved in curation, performing, and artist management in the Nairobi music industry. Since moving to Newfoundland for his studies he has been actively involved in the Newfoundland music industry, performing East African folk tunes at festivals and events around the province. He is also been part of juries for music awards and grants in Newfoundland. Mark is currently the LAB Manager and Project Co-ordinator at The Centre for Sound Communities.