Graduate
[Student Abstracts]
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Real Carriere
Policy Studies PhD student
Ryerson University
Real Carriere is a PhD candidate in the Policy Studies Program at Ryerson University. He holds a Master’s of Public Administration from the Johnson-Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy at the University of Regina.
He is currently employed as a Senior Policy Analyst in the Treaty Governance Office at the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations (FSIN). While at the FSIN Real has been the lead researcher on projects that increase capacity of First Nations governments and further the self-government/nation building process in First Nation governments across Saskatchewan and Canada.
He has also maintained a keen interest in the non-profit sector. He is currently organizing a not-for-profit organization that aims to increase the numbers of Aboriginal Language speakers across Canada and foster leadership in isolated Aboriginal communities.
His current research interests include leadership theory, First Nation governance, Intergovernmental Relations (First Nations and Canada), Canadian Aboriginal Polices (impacts and effectiveness), the labour market in First Nation communities, poverty alleviation, power relations in society, and international relations.
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Rebecca Hii
Policy Studies PhD student
Ryerson University
Rebecca Hii is a PhD candidate in the Policy Studies Program at Ryerson University. She earned a Master of Arts degree in Immigration and Settlement Studies from Ryerson University, as well as an Honours Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the University of Waterloo.
Rebecca was most recently employed at the YMCA of Greater Toronto as the Outreach/Liaison Coordinator for the Client Support Services (CSS) Program, a Citizenship and Immigration Canada-funded program which provides empowerment case management supports to government-assisted refugees living in Ontario. In this role, she enjoyed serving as Chair of the CSS Youth Network, Content Manager of the program’s social media pages, as well as a senior member of the YMCA’s Newcomer Services Global Awareness Team. As a master’s student she worked as a research assistant for Ryerson University/Joint Centre of Excellence for Research on Immigration and Settlement (CERIS) and as a graduate student intern for the Department of Canadian Heritage. She has also worked extensively as a research assistant for various departments and programs at the University of Waterloo, York University and the University of Toronto.
Her research interests include refugee resettlement outcomes, global migration and forced displacement issues, refugee health, education and employment policies and programs; refugee youth engagement, and social inclusion and civic engagement of immigrants and refugees.
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Ron Branker
Policy Studies PhD candidate
Ryerson University
Ron Branker is a PhD candidate in the Policy Studies Program at Ryerson University. He holds a Master of Arts degree in Public Policy and Administration from Ryerson University, as well as Master of Science and Bachelor of Science (Honours) degrees in Economics from the University of the West Indies.
He is currently employed as a Policy Advisor in the Employment and Labour Policy and Program Development Branch of the Ontario Ministry of Labour. A former employee of the Ontario Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration, Ron also has over a decade of public sector experience as an Economist with the Government of Trinidad.
He has also maintained a keen interest in the non-profit sector and has volunteered at a Canadian not-for-profit organization working to support marginalized women in developing countries. His current research interests include immigration policy, the labour market, employment standards, vulnerable workers, poverty alleviation, gender issues, power relations in society, third world politics, international trade and the political economy.
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Faisal Haq Shaheen
Policy Studies PhD candidate
Ryerson University
Faisal Haq Shaheen is a PhD student in Policy Studies at Ryerson University, based in politics and public administration focus. He holds a B.Sc. from the University of Toronto, an M.B.A. from York University and an M.A. from Ryerson University. Faisal’s management and policy experience is based in the environmental technology and water utility sectors.
His thesis research examines arrangements between local governments and non profit organizations in providing basic services to the informal sector in the mega cities of South Asia. Participatory research on the shelter and water/sanitation experiences from Chennai, Delhi, Dhaka, Karachi, Kolkota and Mumbai; analyzes the restricting and enabling factors of service delivery in the slums of urban South Asia. ‘Bottom Up’ state – non for profit service delivery counters the policy priority of top down national poverty alleviation policies, which are diluted by market forces.
In addition to municipal management and governance, his research interests include sustainable development and the relationship between trade, economics and environment across South Asia with a focus on Pakistan. His international experience extends to project work with the UN, ADB, WB, IDRC and DFID and other INGOs. He currently serves as a Visiting Research Associate with the Sustainable Development Policy Institute in Islamabad, Pakistan.
Some his recent policy research and peer reviewed publications include:
- Khan, S.R., 2009, ‘Regional Trade Integration and Conflict Resolution’, Routledge Press, New York, NY.
- Chapter 1 - Brown, O., Khan, S.R. and Shaheen, F.H., 2009, ‘Introductory Chapter and Background Paper’
- Chapter 4 - Khan, S.R., Yusuf, M., Shaheen, F.H. and Tanveer, A., 2009, ‘Regional Trade Agreements in South Asia: Trade and Conflict Linkages’
- Chapter 6 - Khan, S.R., Shaheen, F.H. and Yusuf, M., 2009, ‘Managing Conflict through Trade: The Case of Pakistan and India’
- Shaheen, F.H. and Khan, S.R., 2009, ‘Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) in Forestry: Implementing Strategy’, in – “Peace and Sustainable Development in South Asia: Issues and Challenges”, Oxford University Press, Karachi, Pakistan
- Shaheen, F.H., 2009, ‘Labour Relations in South Asia: Impacts of NGOs on Civil Society Collectivism’, in “Peace and SD in South Asia: Issues and Challenges”, Oxford University Press, Karachi, Pakistan
- Shaheen, F.H., 2008, ‘Balancing Market Induced Inequity – The Need for a Sustainable Fisheries Policy’ in “Missing Links in Sustainable Development – South Asian Perspectives”, Sustainable Development Policy Institute and SAMA Publishers, Karachi, Pakistan
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Ann De Shalit
Policy Studies PhD candidate
Ryerson University
B.A. Hons., MSW
Social Policy
I received an Honours Dbl. Major Interdisciplinary B.A. in Philosophy & Law and Society and a Masters of Social Work from York University. My Masters project focused on the patriarchal, moral order, capitalist, and colonial agendas framing many anti-trafficking responses, such as Bill C-45, and their impact on women's experiences. My current research is an extension of the former, with special attention to women's narratives, the impact of policy on women's lives, and responses to human trafficking that accommodate female migrant workers' needs.
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Jacqueline Young
Policy Studies PhD candidate
Ryerson University
My name is Jacqueline Young and I am a Policy Studies PhD student at Ryerson University. I completed my undergraduate degree in Computer Science at Queen’s University and my Master of Spatial Analysis (MSA) at Ryerson in the Department of Geography. My Master’s MRP is entitled Neighbourhood-level Planning for Newcomer Health Services: The Role of Maps and Indicator Standardization, which is available in the department. Under the supervision of Dr. Claus Rinner my research interests lie in the use of maps and multi-critieria decision-making for influencing health policy. My focus is on exploring what types of maps and implementation practices are needed to successfully incorporate maps into the policymaking process (decision-making process). In addition to my research I am a research assistant in the Ryerson School of Early Childhood Education and a teaching assistant in the Department of Geography.
I am currently the Policy Studies Graduate Student Association President (2010-2011). In 2009-2010 I was the coordinator and financial director of the GEOIDE Summer School, held in Calgary, Alberta. In 2008-2009 I volunteered with the Ryerson Student Union Community Food Room, and acted as the Secretary of the MSA Graduate Student Association. I have attended and presented at numerous conferences, including the GEOIDE Annual Scientific Conference in 2009 and 2010, the AGILE International Conference on Geographic Information Science in 2010, CAGONT in 2009, and the Annual Nursing Research Day at Ryerson in 2009.
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Colin Phillips
Policy Studies PhD student
Ryerson University
Colin Phillips is a doctoral student in the Policy Studies program at Ryerson University. He holds a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Toronto. He was also admitted to the degrees of Bachelor of Social Work and Bachelor of Arts in Social Development Studies at the University of Waterloo.
Colin has served as a Policy and Community Engagement Consultant for an organization that promotes accessibility and independence for individuals with communication disabilities, as well as being a political advisor to candidates for public office. However, much of his work has centred on affordable housing and developing programs that assist those who are experiencing homelessness.
Issues related to housing and homelessness continue to be the focus of Colin’s research. He is particularly engaged in investigating homelessness as experienced by different marginalized communities and its impact on a future national housing strategy in Canada. Other research interests include: drug policy and harm reduction, queer policy and the experiences of queer youth, community engagement in the policy development process, and structural social work theory.
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Sean Hillier
Policy Studies PhD student
Ryerson University
Sean Hillier is a PhD candidate in the Policy Studies Program at Ryerson University. He holds a Masters of Arts degree in Critical Disability Studies and a Double Major, Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science & Law and Society from York University.
He is currently active in several not-for-profit organizations within the Greater Toronto Area that have a local, national and international reach. An advocate for human rights and equality, Sean aims to bring greater information to the general public regarding both First Nations people and LGBT issues.
His current research interests include First Nations policy and development, health policy with an emphasis on Aboriginal Peoples and the LGBT community and how the constitutional division of powers affects policy development and services within First Nations Reserves.
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Meghan Joy
Policy Studies PhD student
Ryerson University
Meghan Joy is a PhD candidate in the Policy Studies Program at Ryerson University, specializing in Public Policy and Administration. She holds a Master’s of Science in Planning from the University of Toronto where she specialized in Social Planning and obtained a certificate in Community Development. In addition, she has completed a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Development Studies from McGill University.
Meghan has worked as a Competition Law Officer for the International Affairs Divisions of Industry Canada’s Competition Bureau. As a Master’s student, she conducted an internship with the United Way Toronto and collaborated with them to prepare her Master’s thesis on their community development work in Toronto’s priority neighborhoods. Meghan has recently worked as a facilitator on two citizen engagement processes, one regarding regional strategic planning and the other on hospital patient-oriented care. She is an active volunteer with the Toronto Women’s City Alliance, working to ensure that the needs and priorities of women enter onto the municipal political agenda.
Meghan is interested in the shifting relationships between government and the Third Sector, social and immigration settlement policy, urban inequality and place-based poverty reduction. Her research interests also focus on civic engagement and participatory policy and planning techniques.
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Beth Martin
Policy Studies PhD student
Ryerson University
Beth Martin holds a Master of Social Work degree from McGill University, a Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) degree from Carleton University, as well as a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree in European Studies and Modern Languages from the University of Manchester.
As a former employee of the Canadian Red Cross and international delegate for the International Committee of the Red Cross in the Restoring Family Links program she has experience in case work and program evaluation research in Canada, Liberia and Sierra Leone. She was also a long term volunteer with a settlement organisation in Ottawa, supporting refugee families as they settled in Canada. Her current research interests include the impact of family separation on the lives of migrants, Canadian immigration policy and implementation, and lived experiences of family class immigration.
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Marco Mostarda
Policy Studies PhD student
Ryerson University
Originally from Winnipeg, Policy Studies PhD Student Marco Mostarda holds, with distinction, a BA Honours in Political Science from the University of Winnipeg and a Master of Public Administration from the Joint Master’s Program of the Universities Manitoba and Winnipeg where he majored in Canadian public policy. He has coauthored two Evaluation Framework Reports for a Winnipeg-based social services agency’s youth afterschool program. Lauded for their originality and insight, these reports provided youth afterschool program managers and key policy stakeholders both quantitative- and qualitatively-based measurement instruments intended to improve program delivery, efficiency, and effectiveness.
Prior to joining the Policy Studies PhD Program at Ryerson University, he held teaching assistant and research assist positions for both the University of Manitoba and the University of Winnipeg, and has also worked for nearly a decade as a salesperson for a prominent, Winnipeg-based pre-owned vehicle dealership.
Broadly speaking, his academic interests are in the role of non-profit and nongovernmental organizations in the policy process and more specifically, the policy role of think tanks. Though still in its preliminary planning stages, his doctoral dissertation will seek to broaden our policy knowledge of Canadian think tanks, a subject-matter that although established has surprisingly remained largely underdeveloped in the scholarly literature.
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Nelson M. Palacio
Policy Studies PhD candidate
Ryerson University
Research Interest
Title: Integration of low-skilled workers: An economic and social approach. The case of Canada compared with Spain, France and Germany.
The research intends to explore the possibility of integrating low-skilled workers in Canada. By integration is meant the possibility of having a path to permanent residence, access to settlement programs together to the actual welcoming of the host community towards the newcomer.
During the last 10 years, Canada has significantly increased its use of temporary foreign labour. Many come to work in high-skilled jobs (jobs that require postsecondary education). Many also come in large numbers to work in low-skilled jobs. As it is the case of many countries in the First World, Canada increasingly becomes temporary-foreign-labour dependent.
Whereas workers in the high-skilled range come with paths to permanent residence, competitive salaries and some with the possibility to bring their families, low skilled do not have a path to permanent residence, have low wages and cannot bring their families. The agricultural sector uses a significant number of low-skilled workers.
Low-skilled workers come under conditions that allow them to work only with one employer. While some changes have been done to monitor employers, still complains at the level of human rights continue to be raised.
The differences in labour conditions between high and low skilled are based on the economic model of immigration. Canada’s immigration system is based on preferences for human capital. Immigrants with education seem to represent a higher return to the economy than low-skilled immigrants. Moreover, low-skilled seem to represent a higher risk to become a social burden than high-skilled.
The use of low-skilled labour is not exclusive of Canada. Spain, France and Germany have been using foreign low-skilled labour for years. Although most of these countries have had, and still have, difficulties integrating immigrants, it would be worthwhile to explore policies, laws, and practices in those countries that may contribute to the debate in the Canadian case.
The research will use positivist, interpretative/postmodern, critical theory and critical realism approaches.
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Chiara Compenschi
Policy Studies PhD student
Ryerson University
From online volunteering (Murray & Harrison, 2002) to open philanthropy (Surman, 2007), the mainstreaming not only of Web 2.0 technologies but of the very values that underpin the 'social web' is having powerful effects on the way civil society is organizing to affect change. Despite reports denouncing the lamentable effects of a civic engagement crisis (Brunsting & Postmes, 2002), scholars like Bennett have been documenting the rise of a kind of citizenship that is “actualizing” rather than “dutiful” (2008). In the social economy in particular, an emerging movement of 'creative communities' is reclaiming the idea of well-being by shifting the emphasis from economic advantage to the shared quality of the commons (Meroni, 2007). Within this framework, what I refer to as 'place-based creative problem-solving' (PBCPS) is empowering residents to become decision-makers over their own environment, creating enabling frameworks for enhanced participation both in the public sphere and at the institutional level (Camponeschi, 2010). Place-based initiatives are multiple and multifarious, ranging from the establishment of community gardens to the design of policies and services in concert with institutional representatives (Manzini, 2005). As this innovative approach to civic engagement continues to gain momentum, the pressure for policy-makers to 'open up' their decision-making processes is growing, and therefore presents a unique opportunity to investigate how a strategic use of web-based social networks might lead to more efficient and representative governance offline, as well as to examine who or what is excluded from participatory processes and why.
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Leslie Nichols
Policy Studies PhD student
Ryerson University
Leslie Nichols is PhD candidate in the Policy Studies department at Ryerson University. She holds a Master of Arts in Work and Society from McMaster University. As well, she holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) with distinction in Women and Gender Studies and Historical Studies from the University of Toronto.
Leslie’s research interest focuses around labour market policy, particularly Employment Insurance (EI). She hopes to critically examine how Canadian working women, who have been recently or are unemployed, understand and negotiate their relationship to current EI policy, specifically the hours required to receive the benefits.
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Bobby Cameron
Policy Studies PhD student
Ryerson University
Bobby Thomas Cameron holds an MA degree in Public Policy and Administration from Ryerson University and a Bachelor of Arts in History (Honours) and Political Studies from the University of Prince Edward Island. His MA paper examined asylum policy in the European Union with a particular focus on 'open' detention/accommodation centres. Currently he is in the immigration stream of the Policy Studies program and his is research is looking at asylum policy in Canada and the way in which it impacts children whom are seeking asylum.
As a volunteer he has engaged in community-based agricultural projects in Kenya as well as a literacy development project at a refugee centre in Malta. Most recently he was in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia teaching at a technical college. From his national and international experiences, Bobby has been the recipient of the Red Cross's 2010 Young Humanitarian Award; Ryerson University's Dan McIntyre Human Rights Award; and McGraw-Hill Ryerson Publisher's Integrity, Engagement and Achievement Award. Currently he is working as a Coordinator at the Ryerson Centre for Immigration and Settlement (RCIS) and also serving as a GA for Stephen Lewis and Chris Gore's undergraduate course on the Millennium Development Goals.
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Claire Askew
Policy Studies PhD student
Ryerson University
Claire Askew is a PhD candidate in the Policy Studies Program at Ryerson University. Claire completed her undergraduate degree in English and History at McMaster and her MA in Women’s Studies at Simon Fraser University.
Claire’s dissertation is an action-oriented project that studies indigenous traditional food knowledge and nutrition education in BC elementary, secondary and post-secondary schools as a tool to transmit indigenous cultural knowledge, improve literacy about nutrition, and improve personal health. Her other research interests include community based research, globalization and increasing income disparity; women’s health, unhealthy eating, and body image; and mental health and addiction.
Claire is currently employed as the Literacy Coordinator at the Native Education College (NEC) in Vancouver, BC and is the coach of the NEC Night Hawks Basketball Team.
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