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"SFU’s School of Communication offered the type of program and research opportunities I was looking for, as well as the opportunity to move to Vancouver."
Philippa R. Adams
Communication doctoral student in the Faculty of Communication, Art and Technology
I am a PhD Candidate in SFU’s School of Communication, studying the gendered social media discourses about female-led superhero films like Captain Marvel. Writing my dissertation during the pandemic has included taking up gardening and getting matching sweatshirts for myself and my dog. Previously, my Masters research was on the production process on the television series Battlestar Galactica, and before that my background was in Political Science.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO COME TO SFU?
SFU’s School of Communication offered the type of program and research opportunities I was looking for, as well as the opportunity to move to Vancouver.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR RESEARCH OR YOUR PROGRAM TO A FAMILY MEMBER?
At this point in my studies I actually have my family pretty well trained to explain my research to others! But I would say that the way we experience, understand, and talk about movies is political, especially when it comes to how people talk about women-led films on social media sites.
WHAT ARE YOU PARTICULARLY ENJOYING ABOUT YOUR STUDIES/RESEARCH AT SFU?
My colleagues and students have been the best part of my studies at SFU. In my time at the School of Communication I’ve taken classes with wonderful peers and had the opportunity to work as a Research Assistant and Research Manager at Dr. Peter Chow-White’s GeNA Lab. While a part of the lab I have been able to work on multidisciplinary research projects with colleagues from different fields and departments, as well as with industry partners and stakeholders on a number of different topics.
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.
In my time at SFU I’ve been fortunate to be supported by several awards. My Masters degree research was supported by a SSHRC Joseph-Armand Bombardier CGS Award and my PhD research has been supported by a four year SSHRC Doctoral Fellowship as well as the Provost Prize of Distinction from SFU. Most recently, I was awarded the Asper Graduate Fellowship in Communication.
Contact : pippaa@sfu.ca