My research is being conducted in the Department of Secondary Education at the University of Alberta under the guidance of Drs. Max van Manen and Catherine Adams. Rather than my having chosen the University of Alberta, it is easier to say that the University of Alberta chose me. Given the nature of my research, few University departments have the broad range of expertise it requires. Just as I began to consider returning to school, providence led me to meet Drs. Max van Manen and Catherine Adams. I found in these two amazing educators and researchers, as well as in their department colleagues, the expertise and support I required.
The Meaning of Being a Killam Scholar:
I am honoured to be a Killam Scholar not once, but twice over. In addition to awarding me Izaak Walton Killam Predoctoral Scholarlarship and the Dorothy J. Killam Memorial Graduate Prize in support of my doctoral research, the Killam Trusts also supported my Master’s research in Social Anthropology while I attended Dalhousie University between 2001 and 2003. To have my work recognized once by the Killam Trusts was wonderful; to have it recognized twice is truly incredible.
Like many graduate students, my ability to attend school is largely dependent on scholarships. The financial support provided by the Killam Trusts is only surpassed by the recognition their award provides my work. My ability to pursue my doctoral research is deeply indebted to the Killam Trusts.
