Lauren is a sonic researcher, sound media producer, and a Master's student at Simon Fraser University in Vancouver, Canada. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Media Production at Ryerson University in Toronto, Ontario, where she completed a specialization in audio production and sound media. She has worked on numerous radio shows and podcasts during her time in University which has translated into exciting working opportunities at SFU and beyond. Lauren's research aims to merge her Anishinaabe lineage with acoustic ecology, exploring soundscapes through the lens of Indigeneity and colonization. Outside of her scholarly work, Lauren is a musician, artistic creator, environmental & social activist, and avid baker.

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO COME TO SFU?

Simon Fraser University has an impressive lineage of sound scholars and sonic research initiatives. In particular, I consider the World Soundscape Project and R. Murray Schafer to be key components that sparked my interest in sound media research. As an emerging scholar in this field, I was drawn to SFU for its history and its current sonic researchers, such as my advisor Dr. Milena Droumeva. I am thrilled to work alongside such impressive communication scholars and to be a part of this community.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR RESEARCH AND/OR PROGRAM.

My research aims to explore how noise cancelling headphones alter listening techniques and affect our perception of soundscape as a personalized space rather than communal space. Specifically, I aim to bridge Indigenous perspectives within soundscape research and methodology to consider how such techniques are controlling via surveillant practices and mediated listening.

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

I am enjoying the many opportunities available to graduate students while undertaking research at SFU. Not only do I have a fantastic supervisor and committee, but I have also been able to work alongside many other faculty in roles such as a Teaching Assistant, Research Assistant and Student Advisor for the CEED Community Podcast. These roles have allowed me to grow as a scholar, creative, and individual in many ways. I also aspire to be a professor one day, and as such I value these opportunities greatly.

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

SSHRC CGS Masters Scholarship