As an Academic Skills Instructor, Kyle works closely with students to refine the academic skills needed to succeed at university. These appointments are tailored to the students’ needs and can be either in-person, virtual, or asynchronous. Appointments focus on a wide breadth of topics but typically address concerns in areas such as writing, time management, or study skills. Kyle loves seeing the different students that come to academic skills and the perspectives they bring to their studies. He also has a passion for the MLA citation style and the way language contributes to inclusivity in our lives.

Kyle came to Trent University in 2019 as a doctoral student in Cultural Studies after receiving his master’s degree in English from the University of Toronto. Since then, he has had the opportunity to work with students across a breadth of disciplines as a teaching assistant until joining Otonabee College as an Academic Skills Instructor in Summer 2024. Outside the office, Kyle enjoys spending time with his family, bookbinding, and hearing a good (or very bad) pun.

Sumiko started her Trent journey in 2012 as a student in forensic science where she completed a B.Sc.FS. She continued her Trent education by earning an M.Sc. in Environmental and Life Science in 2018. Upon graduating, she joined the Forensic Science Department at Trent where she instructed and supported courses in forensic science, law, and science communication.

Sumiko believes that University is an opportunity for students to build foundational skills they can use regardless of that path they are on. One of Sumiko’s favourite things about working with students is helping them recognize how the skills they are learning in the classroom are transferable between courses, programs, and beyond Trent. In her spare time, Sumiko enjoys reading fiction, cooking, and spending time outdoors.