My name is Liam Daher. I hold a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) from Carleton University, with a concentration in accounting and a minor in economics. My work experience includes roles with the federal government, in the Office of the Superintendent of Bankruptcy, the not-for-profit sector, with the Business + Higher Education Roundtable, and the post-secondary environment as a Teaching Assistant at Carleton University. My most recent role with the Business + Higher Education Roundtable included managing the claim submission and reporting process for the organization’s federally funded work-integrated learning (WIL) initiative, which aims to create 44,000 WIL experiences annually across Canada by 2022. Additionally, I have experience as a volunteer notetaker, and enjoy golfing and reading!

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO COME TO SFU?

In addition to studying within an institution that prioritizes student participation, it is a privilege to learn from such a dedicated and impactful faculty, whose positive influence extends beyond the school and into several orders of government.

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

SFU’s Master of Public Policy equips students with a toolkit that permits the ability to identify a policy problem, communicate it succinctly, and provide all relevant background and analytical considerations before presenting options with how best to proceed. This process involves understanding the central societal objective(s) being sought in addressing a given policy problem, as well as the secondary impacts pursuing said objective could have on other societal or government objectives. Students are also trained in the political and economic foundations of public policy in Canada, as well as quantitative and qualitative research methods. Finally, each cohort has the opportunity to complete a co-op placement where their studies are brought to life in a professional setting, as well as an advanced capstone thesis project during the second half of the program under the guidance of a faculty member. 

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

In addition to working with an enthusiastic and engaged cohort, the School of Public Policy’s faculty and administration have made every effort to ensure that the transition to remote learning has not compromised our educational experience. This has created an environment conducive to both learning and contributing, and I am excited to continue!

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.

Yes. The British Columbia Graduate Scholarship. This award has helped ease the financial burden that comes with pursuing a graduate degree, which has permitted a much greater focus on the program's assigned coursework.

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

If you are looking for a challenging program rooted in addressing topical problems that balances collaboration with independent work – alongside an engaged cohort and dedicated faculty – the Master of Public Policy at SFU should be on your radar. Anchored in practical, hands-on coursework and research, the skills you will develop throughout the program will equip you with a sound foundation in comprehensive policy analysis and a toolkit transferrable beyond the classroom and into other professional or academic endeavors.

Contact Liam: liam_daher@sfu.ca