Aphrodite Bouikidis

I am a graduate student in the Urban Studies program. My research focuses on the role of physical spaces in the ability of a Neighborhood House to adapt and contribute to community resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic emergency. I have 10 years of experience working on urban resilience, social innovation, diaspora engagement, and democratic governance. I worked with the City of Thessaloniki to develop and implement a city resilience strategy, launched Ashoka Greece, and served as an expert practitioner in urban policy programs with city leaders and experts from cities in the U.S. and Europe.

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO COME TO SFU?

I learned that there is an excellent Urban Studies program, and appreciate that SFU is an engaged university and a changemaker campus.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR RESEARCH OR YOUR PROGRAM TO A FAMILY MEMBER?

I am researching how physical spaces - indoor facilities and outdoor spaces - affect the ability of social-purpose or community organizations to support community capabilities through emergencies.

WHAT ARE YOU PARTICULARLY ENJOYING ABOUT YOUR STUDIES/RESEARCH AT SFU?

Learning about a range of interrelated issues and disciplines, getting to know and learning from amazing faculty, fellow students and alumni, and the opportunity to do independent research while staying connected with the SFU and wider community.

HAVE YOU BEEN THE RECIPIENT OF ANY MAJOR OR DONOR-FUNDED AWARDS? IF SO, PLEASE TELL US WHICH ONES AND A LITTLE ABOUT HOW THE AWARDS HAVE IMPACTED YOUR STUDIES AND/OR RESEARCH.

Summer 2020 Graduate Fellow with SFU's Community Engaged Research Initiative (CERi)

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR PROGRAM/POSTDOC POSITION TO SOMEONE STILL SEARCHING FOR A PROGRAM OR POSTDOC POSITION?

I like this Urban Studies program because it brings together research, critical thinking, practical considerations, and connections with community partners, and there are a variety of university and community engagement opportunities.