Hi, I'm Jessica. I'm a Master's student at SFU. I'm an East coast transplant, having lived in Ontario and Quebec.

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO COME TO SFU?

I was living and working in Montreal when I was applying to grad schools. I was looking for a change of scenery from the Eastern Canada I was highly familiar with. The mountains and ocean of Vancouver called to me. I applied to SFU because it has a strong reputation as a national leader in graduate and undergraduate education. The tuition rates in BC are also much lower than back East which made it a more affordable choice.

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

I research parental perceptions and attitudes towards adolescent substance use. I do so because the family climate around substances can often set the tone towards children's substance use across the lifespan. Parental attitudes and actions are both important, and the former foregrounds the other. This research may help parents better understand how to communicate with their adolescent children about substances. I hope my research contributes to safer substance use and more positive family relationships.

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

I am happy to have the opportunity at SFU to pursue research that I find compelling. My supervisory committee assists me as needed, but does not try to set the agenda. I enjoy the autonomy studying at SFU offers. As well, at SFU I have had ample opportunity to teach in undergraduate settings, as a Teaching Assistant and as Sessional Instructor. Teaching is as important to me now as my research, and I do not think that I would have had such ample opportunity to explore instruction at a different school. I have SFU to thank for jump starting my instructional career.

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 have received the Barbara Ethel Tuck Scholarship over the last two years. This award has been transformational. It has allowed me to focus less on finances and more on producing top quality research and providing high quality instruction.

Contact Jessica: johunter@sfu.ca