Irina Yushvaeva is a professor in the Esthetician diploma and Esthetics & Spa Therapies advanced diploma programs. She has a medical degree with a specialization in gynecology. Ms. Yushvaeva’s master’s and further medical research were focused on ovarian cancer and organ-saving approaches to gynecological surgeries. She is a holder of seven scientific patents and an author of 13 scientific publications on gynecology.
Ms. Yushvaeva is also a Seneca alumna; she graduated with high honours from the Esthetics & Spa Therapies program and received the Governor General’s Academic Medal for the highest academic standing. She is certified with a Comité International d'Esthétique et de Cosmétologie (CIDESCO) diploma in beauty therapy. Her CIDESCO thesis Structural Changes in the Skin During Menopause was published in Zurich.
Her teaching journey started in 2001 at Odessa State Medical University in Ukraine. As an associate professor, Ms. Yushvaeva developed a curriculum for medical interns and led them in conducting scientific research in gynecology. At Seneca, she combines her medical background with current esthetics curriculum to deliver a multi-faceted learning experience in all her classes. As a case writer for the Seneca Case Development Centre, Ms. Yushvaeva is contributing her years of diverse teaching expertise to student success and integrating current digital technologies and approaches to engage students in active learning. She assumed the role of a Faculty Champion to the School of Fashion with converting their courses to online delivery and familiarizing themselves with digital education technologies.
Ms. Yushvaeva’s close-knit connections with the esthetics industry have not only kept her up to date with the latest industry developments but also led her to be featured on the Chantel Guertin website and to secure a role as a judge for the Canadian Spa and Wellness Awards.