Meet Your Academic Directors

Matthew Tse

Matthew grew up in Richmond, BC and completed his BBA in Honours Finance and Operations Management at Simon Fraser University. Having worked and studied in Hong Kong and Vancouver, he has come to UBC to continue his love-hate relationship with “raincouver” weather. When he’s not confined in the dungeons of the lawbrary or volunteering with the Asia Pacific Law Club, Matthew can be found biking the seawall, relaxing at the symphony (especially if it’s Rachmaninoff) or just frolicking around town with a cup of bubble tea in hand. Matthew looks forward to another fantastic year at UBC Law and would welcome any solicitations for exchanging appropriate academic or non-academic wisdom, liberally and generously defined.

Sabrina Spencer

Born and raised in Alberta, Sabrina got a BA in Economics from the UofA before moving to Vancouver to spend a few years working in banking and CSR. Two days before starting her 1L adventure at UBC Law, Sabrina moved back from Toronto after finishing a Master in Environmental Studies (Planning) at York. When not attending Women’s Caucus, ELG events, working on her PBSC placement or playing dodgeball with Team Law, you can usually find her running, yoga’ing, procrasti-baking or treehugging!

Larissa Dziubenko 

Larissa grew up in the suburbs but always considered herself a Vancouverite. She holds a BA in Anthropology and Japanese from the University of British Columbia. Before starting law school at UBC, Larissa taught English in Japan, worked in admin at BC’s insurance regulator, and tried really hard to suppress her travel bug with a trip to Europe (it didn’t work). When she’s not caught up with something law school related Larissa loves to spend her time baking, watching crime dramas, and skiing or hiking depending on the season.

Jennifer Choi

Jennifer grew up in Kamloops, British Columbia. She holds a B.Sc Hon. and a Ph.D in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, with a Minor in Medieval Studies, from the University of British Columbia. Her Ph.D. research focused on proteins involved in chromatin architecture, and gene regulation. Having been at UBC for a “long-time”, she can confirm that there used to be a time at when a person could park at UBC for only $2.50 for the entire day. When she is not stuck reading something law related, Jennifer can be found cooking, yoga’ing, or singing opera.

  Josh Abaki

Josh is originally from Kenya. He has a BSc in Microbiology and Immunology with a minor in Political Science. Such a natural combination, eh! He loves the science and always been passionate about the law! When he’s not playing/coaching soccer in my free time, then he’s probably watching soccer…or checking the scores. And if there’s no soccer game…the Colbert report or a game of badminton will do!

  Dustin Chelen

Dustin was born in Calgary, attended University in Edmonton, and now resides just off-campus at the University of British Columbia. He has an undergraduate degree specializing in mathematics, which means he’s socially awkward but excellent at calculating the tip on the bill. In the time not dedicated to reading, Dustin enjoys running, eating, and following politics. He’s representing the small groups of GEE and PRIE this year on Academic Council.

  Megan O’Neil

Megan was born and raised in Vancouver before moving to New York to pursue a degree in Hotel Administration at Cornell University. Megan comes to UBC Law in hopes to further her education and broaden the future opportunities she may have in the business and hospitality world. An avid basketball player, Megan looks forward to playing with fellow law students on the Dead Precedents Basketball Team at UBC, along with enjoying some hiking and adventures with the UBC Law Outdoor Club. Outside of law school, Megan loves to go skiing up at Whistler, travel, and hang with family and friends.

Erica Zacharias

Erica grew up on Saltspring Island, BC. She holds a BA in Art History from Brown University and an MA in Art History from UBC.