Sydney Brown

I graduated  with my bachelors from SFU in 2020 in Honours Criminology. During my undergrad, I had the opportunity to gain research experience through writing my undergrad thesis as well as through different volunteer positions. These experiences taught me a lot about research and contributed to my decision to get my Masters. My primary research interest is in socio-legal studies, specifically looking at the politicization of law.

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO COME TO SFU?

I chose to come to SFU because I like the faculty. Having done my undergrad here, I had great experiences working with some of the faculty that I wanted to continue with. The Criminology department also has faculty who are studying very different topics and from different perspectives which allows me to learn about a variety of issues.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR RESEARCH AND/OR PROGRAM.

I am studying the politicization of human trafficking laws. The politicization of law is examining how the beliefs and morals of politicians take precedence over research when creating laws. My research will focus on the intersection of human trafficking legislation and the Temporary Foreign Worker Permits (TFWP) and their effects on migrant workers’ experiences with labour exploitation. I will critically analyze the laws that regulate the TFWP and Criminal Code sections regulating human trafficking, to determine how the law creates vulnerability and the impacts on migrant workers. I endeavour to bring more attention to the issue of labour exploitation and to advance recommendations for changes in the way the government regulates human trafficking and migrant workers.

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

I enjoy the flexibility that the Masters program courses offer. I have the opportunity to learn and improve my understanding of course concepts, while allowing me to focus my coursework on my area of interest.

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

I received the British Columbia Graduate Scholarship and SSHRC CGS Masters Scholarship. These scholarships has allowed me to focus on my research and to take on a heavier course load than I would otherwise have been able to do.

Contact Sydney: sydney_brown@sfu.ca