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"Ranjani is dedicated, curious and resourceful without ever loosing her astounding empathy. She has transmuted her experiences as a lawyer, fighting for women's rights, into becoming a passionate Gender, Sexuality and Women's Studies scholar. She is an inspiration of strength and determination for all that have the privilege to know her."
- Carolina Almeida Coutinho
Ranjani Jagannath
Gender, Sexuality and Women Studies master's student in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
I am a lawyer turned inquisitive student. I have worked in corporate law for most of my career and decided to switch to Arts to pursue my interest in Women’s Studies. I hope to combine my legal background with feminist studies and work in the non profit sector.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO COME TO SFU?
I loved Vancouver when I first visited in 2019. After working in a law firm in Los Angeles for a year and a half, I was yearning to be a student again. SFU has an excellent department in women studies with an interdisciplinary perspective of course options and that was what attracted me to the university.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR RESEARCH OR YOUR PROGRAM TO A FAMILY MEMBER?
I’m working on a variety of issues that affect minorities in society and hope that my learning will contribute to a better world for young girls and women.
WHAT ARE YOU PARTICULARLY ENJOYING ABOUT YOUR STUDIES/RESEARCH AT SFU?
I love the course structures, they are very discussion oriented and peer learning based. The cohort is amazing and full of energetic and curious minds. My faculty are very flexible with helping us gain an interdisciplinary perspective and combine our research interests based on our backgrounds.
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 received the Grace Wordsworth MacInnis Graduate Award when I entered the program. The award has definitely allowed me to pursue the program without anxiety about my financial situation. It has given me the space to delve into what I truly love and enjoy my graduate program for the pure love of the subjects rather than having to deal with what would impress upon my resume.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR PROGRAM/POSTDOC POSITION TO SOMEONE STILL SEARCHING FOR A PROGRAM OR POSTDOC POSITION?
If you are curious, open minded, love research, and more than anything want a program where you can grow personally (with your views and opinions) this is it!
Contact : ranjani_jagannath@sfu.ca