About

Vanessa Chan (陳詠珊) is a Dual Master of Archival Studies and Library and Information Studies student at UBC. Her Bachelor of Arts was in English Language and Literature major with a minor in Asian Canadian and Asian Migration studies.

As a second generation Chinese-Canadian settler growing and creating on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səl̓ilwətaɁɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) people, Vanessa is interested in multifaceted and interdisciplinary storytelling, particularly through the use of archival work. She spent most of her undergraduate career supporting students in mentoring and coaching programs, and focuses her efforts in making people feel heard and seen in various ways. Vanessa is excited to go into a career that will let her explore histories, community work, and education at various levels.

Outside of academics and work, Vanessa is an absolute nerd about crafting, stationery, tabletop roleplaying, and productivity. Below is a gallery of just a few of the projects she’s created for herself or family and friends.

Purple ice cream on napkin-wrapped waffle cone (left) and pineapple bun (right) polymer clay charms. — Food-inspired polymer clay charms

Polymer clay turtles stacked on top of each other. The turtle with the colours of the bisexual pride flag sits under the turtle with the colours of the pansexual pride flag. — Polymer clay turtles in the colours of the bisexual and pansexual pride flags.

A lich figurine holding a bloody mace leans forward, a cape flowing behind it. — A hand-painted figurine of a lich.

A "Happy Holidays" card with a dog with an antler headpiece sitting with a gift box. — Hand-drawn holiday card done with pen and pencil crayons.

These passions and hobbies sometimes make appearances in her coursework and portfolio; begin exploring here!

Crafting: “How-to Take Two” (2 Minute Video Assignment for ACAM 350)
Tabletop Roleplaying: In Their Shoes (Game set during the 1907 Race Riots created for HIST 485)