Nancy Chan

Urban Studies master's student in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences

My time with SFU began with an undergraduate B.A. in Communication Studies. After immersing myself in the communications profession for the past 10 years working for government agencies such as Fraser Health, Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, and now currently the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia, I found myself extremely curious about and passionate about the urban issues that I was coming across through my work. I would often ask myself questions such as, "Is this the right decision? How did we come to this conclusion?" What started as a curiosity led to enrolling in SFU's Urban Studies Master's program. I am passionate about helping fight climate change and helping build healthier, happier communities and hope to one day be able to directly contribute to those efforts through a planning or research-related role.

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO COME TO SFU?

I chose to come to SFU because of the Urban Studies program. I liked the interdisciplinary nature of it and allowed me to pursue part-time studies while working full time. The courses were also interesting to me and I had heard so many great things about the program.

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

Currently, my research is focused on investigating the barriers to implementing policies and programs to improve air quality and reduce environmental inequity related to truck traffic-related air pollution exposure along the Clark-Knight Corridor, one of Metro Vancouver’s busiest truck routes. This specific case study brings to light insights applicable to the entire regional road network and highlights the importance of considering the interconnections between transportation planning, land use planning, public health, sustainability, governance, economic development, goods movement, and policymaking.

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

I'm really enjoying the opportunity to dive into a research topic that I'm passionate about. Knowing that I am helping shine a light on an issue that I feel is overlooked by policymakers is motivating.

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.

SSHRC CGS-M: Joseph Armand Bombardier Canada Graduate Scholarship-Master’s Research grant issued by the Lambda Alpha International Land Economics Society Downtown Vancouver Association Graduate Award in Urban Studies for outstanding academic excellence Joy de Cosson Graduate research Fellowship in Sustainable Transportation

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

For me, feeling passionate about my research and study topic was extremely important. Go with what you're curious and passionate about! That's what keeps you going when the road feels tough.

Contact : Lnc@sfu.ca

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