Lena Price

Political Science master's student in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences

Tell us a little about yourself, including what inspires you to learn and continue in your chosen field

I am a settler of Russian, English, and Irish descent. I grew up within the territories of the Ktunaxa, Sinixt, and Sylix peoples, also known as Nelson, BC. I relocated to the territories of the Lekwungen and WSÁNEĆ peoples, also known as Victoria, BC, to complete my undergraduate degree in Political Science at the University of Victoria. During this time, I developed my passion for community care and mutual aid that centres grounded feminist principles, spending my time collaborating with organizations such as Divest UVic and Community Food Support. These experiences have inspired me to continue pursuing my curiosity about how we can best care for those in our communities.

Why did you choose to come to SFU?

I had the opportunity to work with my supervisor, Dr. Genevieve Fuji Johnson. Additionally, SFU’s Community-Engaged Research Initiative (CERi) and Community Scholars Program provide important opportunities for researchers to build reciprocal relationships with individuals, groups, and organizations both within and outside of the institution.

How would you describe your research or your program to a family member?

Broadly, I am interested in studying the ways in which state funding impacts the organizational structures of queer/feminist community groups. Importantly, I ground my work in feminist research principles. Alongside drawing from my own experiences, I strive to work using a community-engaged framework.

What three (3) keywords would you use to describe your research?

Community-engaged; critical; intersectional

How have your courses, RA-ships, TA-ships, or non-academic school experiences contributed to your academic and/or professional development?

Most of my work is informed by conversations and experiences I have had while working with community organizations, nonprofits, and with individuals who have taught me important lessons about how to care for one another. In particular, I am grateful for my time working with the Squamish Nation as a program coordinator. Additionally, volunteering with the WISH Drop-In Centre Society has shaped the way I engage in community-based research. Finally, much of my learning has taken place in informal settings; at community gatherings, protests, demonstrations, and over coffee/tea.

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

I am the recipient of the Canada Graduate Scholarship - Master’s award, provided by the Government of Canada’s Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council. I am grateful for this grant, and hope that my work contributes to our larger understanding of state-NGO relationships.

Contact Lena:lena_price@sfu.net