Carrianne Leung Named Barker Fairley Distinguished Visitor in Canadian Culture

Writer and educator Carrianne Leung has been appointed Barker Fairley Distinguished Visitor in Canadian Culture at University College for the 2020-21 academic year.

She holds a doctorate in sociology and equity studies from OISE/University of Toronto. Her debut novel, The Wondrous Woo, was shortlisted for the 2014 Toronto Book Awards. That Time I Loved You (2018), a collection of linked stories inspired by her childhood in Scarborough, was shortlisted for the Toronto Book Awards, longlisted for Canada Reads, and was considered one of the best fiction titles of 2018 by CBC Books. Her work has also appeared in The Puritan, Ricepaper, The Globe and Mail, and Prairie Fire, among other publications.

During her doctoral studies at U of T, she was a teaching assistant in UC’s Canadian Studies program. “It was a valuable experience that introduced me to UC's impressive students, rich scholarship, and respect for cultural production. I look forward to returning in my new capacity and hope to contribute to the dynamic environment at UC,” she says. 

As writer-in-residence, she will be available to meet with students for one-on-one mentoring sessions on all forms of writing. She will also participate in the College community and events.