Meet our faculty & sessional instructors

Gabriela Birnfeld Kurtz joined the School of Communication at the University of the Fraser Valley in 2025 as an Assistant Professor. Her teaching and research explore the intersections of social media and game studies, with a focus on experiential learning, storytelling, and inclusive communication practices. Gabriela is a researcher affiliated with the DaVInt (Data Visualization and Interaction) Lab at the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, where she investigates how data visualization, interactivity, and digital interfaces shape user experience and communication in online environments.

Gabriela holds a Ph.D. in Communication and Information from the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul in Brazil, where her award-winning dissertation examined gender-based violence in video game narratives. Her current research investigates how social media platforms and games influence identity, culture, and engagement across global digital spaces.

Before joining UFV, Gabriela taught at Douglas College, Langara, University Canada West, and Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul. She also brings over a decade of experience in digital marketing across Brazil and Canada, specializing in B2B strategy, entrepreneurship, digital engagement, and brand storytelling. Her teaching and industry contributions have earned her recognition, such as the QS Reimagine Education Award in 2021.

Originally from Porto Alegre, Brazil, Gabriela brings a global perspective to her classrooms, encouraging students to critically explore technology, media, and communication.

Ph.D. Communication and Information, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (2020)
M.A. Social Communication, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (2015)
B.A. Social Communication - Advertising, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (2012)

Voting member, Vision to Reality Foundation (Vancouver)

My teaching philosophy is grounded in empathy, innovation, and a genuine commitment to student growth. I first discovered my passion for teaching out of necessity, but it quickly became my purpose. Over the years, I’ve cultivated inclusive, student-centered classrooms where connection, creativity, and active learning thrive. I believe students learn best when they feel seen and supported, so I strive to build strong relationships and foster safe learning environments. I’m especially drawn to experiential learning and using digital tools to enhance engagement in courses related to communication, digital marketing, and entrepreneurship. For me, teaching is a reciprocal journey—I remain grounded as my students take flight. I’m motivated by their transformation and growth, and I see it as my role to help them discover their potential and leave the classroom ready to make a difference (and, of course, having fun along the way).

Social Media and Digital Marketing
Professional Communication 
Intercultural Communication
Public Relations and Strategic Communications

Social Media and Society
Games Studies
Gender Studies
Decolonial Studies

Nacional Council of Cientific and Technological Development (CNPq) of Brazil ($ 32,000), Support to Network Projects with Brazilian Researchers Abroad (CNPq/MCTI/FNDCT Nº 22/2024). Research member. Topic: Playful-communicational environments as a locus of consumption and power: development of a monitoring tool for online games and an AI-based process for testing.

Kurtz, G. B., Carraro, S. P., Teixeira, C. R. G., Bandeira, L. D., Müller, B. L., Tietzmann, R., Silveira, M. S. and Manssour, I. H. StreamVis: An Analysis Platform for YouTube Live Chat Audience Interaction, Trends and Controversial Topics. DOI: 10.5220/0013446200003929 In Proceedings of the 27th International Conference on Enterprise Information Systems (ICEIS 2025)- Volume 2, pages 630-640 ISBN: 978-989-758-749-8; ISSN: 2184-4992

Sanvido, P. H. M., Kurtz, G. B., Teixeira, C. R., Wagner, P. P., Leuck, L. P., Silveira, M. S., ... & Manssour, I. H. (2021, July). PeakVis: a Visual Analysis Tool for Social Network Data and Video Broadcasts. In 2021 IEEE 45th Annual Computers, Software, and Applications Conference (COMPSAC) (pp. 418-427). IEEE.

Kurtz, G. B., Carraro, S. de P., Teixeira, C. R., Tietzmann, R., Manssour, I. H., & Silveira, M. S. (2025). Flying chairs, heated takes: a discourse analysis of audience comments on the São Paulo Mayoral debate across five major YouTube news channels. Annual International Conference on Digital Government Research, 26. https://doi.org/10.59490/dgo.2025.989

Macedo, T., Kurtz, G., Becka L: “Esports Culture in South America” In: Jenny, S.E., Besombes, N., Brock, T., Cote, A.C., & Scholz, T.M. (Eds.). (2024). Routledge Handbook of Esports (1st ed.). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003410591

Macedo, T., & Kurtz, G. (2021). Who hasn't dreamed of being a video game player? Coloniality, precariousness, and work of hope in Free Fire. Contracampo, 40(3), 01-23.http://doi.org/10.22409/contracampo.v40i3.50495

Falcão, T., Macedo, T., & Kurtz, G. (2021). Conservatism and toxic masculinity in gamer culture: Approaching Magic: The Gathering. Matrizes, 15(2), 251-277. https://doi.org/10.11606/issn.1982-8160.v15i2p251-277