I am a first year Masters student in Sociology. I have a passion for learning and am always seeking to broaden my ways of knowing and understanding. I have an interest in inter-group relations, specifically that of power dynamics around race, gender and social economic status. School to me, and especially graduate school is a way for me to step outside of my comfort zone, to delve into deeper thinking that challenges my preconceptions. Within graduate school I hope to not only learn more, but to gain a new understanding and way of learning.

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO COME TO SFU?

I chose SFU as it has a reputation as a critical school of thought that fosters growth through a strong connection between faculty and students. Specifically I chose SFU as I wanted to work closely with a supervisor that cared for my success as both an academic and an individual person.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR RESEARCH AND/OR PROGRAM.

My Masters research is centred around the social construction of gender concepts. Specifically I am interested in how preconceived social constructs of gender, such as a critical hegemonic masculinity, fosters an inability to adapt to social institutions and expectations (norms).

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

Within SFU I am currently enjoying the close connection to my peers, colleagues, and mentors. Within SFU I am given to opportunity to not only learn from a wide range of individuals, but to work with, and learn alongside these people in a collaborative fashion.

HAVE YOU BEEN THE RECIPIENT OF ANY MAJOR OR DONOR FUNDED AWARDS?

Special Graduate Entrance Scholarship.