Student Feature: Hibaq Mohamed Jama, Winner of the Dean’s Graduation Award in Historical Studies

History
Hibaq Jama, student and Boris Chrubasik, Chair

The Department of Historical Studies is pleased to congratulate Hibaq Mohamed Jama as the 2025-2026 recipient of the Dean’s Graduation Award in Historical Studies. Hibaq completed a Double Major in History and Communication, Culture, Information and Technology (CCIT). Read below to hear about Hibaq's time in the department and at UTM, including getting involved on campus and advice for incoming students. 
 


1. What were some of the most impactful courses and experiences during your time at UTM?

I found the experiential learning courses I took to be some of the most impactful experiences in my undergraduate career. This year, I had the amazing opportunity to participate in HIS498Y5: Internship in History with Professor Mairi Cowan and HIS499Y5: The Historical Crossbow Archive, a Research Opportunity Program (ROP) with Duncan Hill and Professor Cowan.

These courses were truly transformative in my experience as a history student and helped me find my footing within the professional and academic worlds by giving me a glimpse into what it’s like. Working as a student intern at the Oakville Museum and a student researcher for my ROP allowed me to put all the skills and training I’ve learned as a history student into practical settings.

On top of that, the flexibility of these courses also allowed me to apply my studies as a Communication, Culture, Information & Technology (CCIT) student to the practice of history, which I found incredibly valuable as its allowed me to tap into the interdisciplinary nature of historical studies. Recognizing theories of technology at play in Oakville’s history of invention and developing 3D crossbow models as learning tools were both wonderful experiences that I’m grateful to have had!

I originally came to UTM with an interest in pursuing communication technology studies and to explore my passion in history. Seeing what it would be like to combine both interests in any capacity has always been a goal of mine, and I believe these courses helped me achieve that.

2. What student groups were you involved in and how did they contribute to your time at UTM?
 
Getting involved in student groups allowed me to create new connections while learning what it took to bring research events to life. During my time here, I became an Events Associate for the UTM Undergraduate Research Students' Association (UTM URSA) and the Research Development Director at the UTM Humanities and Social Sciences Research Initiative (UTM HSSRI).
 
Whether it was taking the lead in organizing a research panel or simply helping with details like directing attendees, it gave me a newfound appreciation for the work that goes into these events I enjoyed going to as a student. It also opened doors by allowing me to meet professors and other student researchers across disciplines. 
 
Overall, these experiences helped me learn how to move through the academic and professional worlds while discovering more about my interests.
 
3. What are your future plans post-graduation?
 
I’m looking to get my foot in the door with new positions, whether that’s working in user experience (UX) design, marketing roles, or museum and archival work. I’m definitely planning to go to graduate school and possibly study information science! I would also like to continue pursuing research roles in the future.
 
4. Do you have any advice for students beginning their studies at UTM?
 
Make good use of the office hours your TAs and professors provide, and don’t be afraid to talk to them or ask questions. I think the beauty of office hours is not just getting to talk about the course itself, but other professional or academic related topics, or simply just common interests!
 
Some of these talks led to great opportunities, with some professors introducing me to the history internship program, student journals to publish my work in, or even open job and volunteer positions that I may be interested in applying to based on what I’ve discussed in our conversations. I found these conversations definitely gave me the courage to explore these opportunities and to get more involved in university life by making connections across departments, peers, and mentors!

 

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