Student Profile: Robyn Chan

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

I work in civic and community engagement and believe strongly in the power of community to make things happen. I have a Bachelors Degree in Political Science and am pursuing my Masters in Urban Studies.

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO COME TO SFU?

I chose SFU and the Urban Studies program because I wanted to dig deeper into the ways cities have been built and how we can make change for the better. It was also important that I could take classes part-time because I have a young family at home.

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

I am interested in ideas about place-based activism. My research is focused on people's attachment to place - specifically their neighbourhoods - and how they can work together within those places to challenge broader systems like inequity and the financialization of housing.

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

I have had really incredible professors in Urban Studies who have encouraged me to dig deeper into my interests and challenged me to think outside the box. I have also met amazing fellow students and love learning more about what they are researching.

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 am the recipient of:

• Canada Graduate Scholarships - Master's
• Michael Geller Graduate Scholarship in Urban Development
• Urban Studies Alumni Award for Community Engagement
• Graduate Fellowship

Additional Links

• LinkedIn