Editor’s Note: As we celebrate Mi’kmaq History Month in October, celebrating Indigenous culture and contributions, we're proud to introduce some members of our community.
Third year honours health student Kylie Curnew excelling at StFX
Pursuing a career in epidemiology with a goal of working in Indigenous health is one of the goals of Kylie Curnew, a third-year honours Bachelor of Arts and Science (BASc) in Health student from Hughes Brook, Newfoundland.
Already, she’s been the successful recipient of a Natural Sciences and Research Council of Canada (NSERC) USRA undergraduate research grant, and she is working as a research assistant with faculty in both the StFX Rankin School of Nursing and the StFX Biology Department.
Ms. Curnew says the BASc in Health program was what initially drew her to StFX.
“Coming out of high school, I knew that I wanted to work in healthcare, but I didn’t have a specific career goal in mind. This drew me to the health program because I figured it would be a good way to explore potential career paths. The health program also intrigued me because of its interdisciplinary approach. I liked that the program not only examined health from a biological standpoint, but also a social and humanistic standpoint. This really stood out to me. The uniqueness of the health program coupled with the welcoming nature of StFX, the tight knit community, and the small class sizes, sold me on StFX.”
She says her experience has been great so far.
“I absolutely love the health program and I am so glad I chose X. I have had a lot of amazing academic opportunities at StFX that I would not have had elsewhere. I have also been able to explore and learn more about myself throughout my time here. I cannot imagine where I would be right now if I hadn’t chosen X.”
RESEARCH EXPERIENCE
Ms. Curnew has already been involved in research work, with both biology professor Dr. Russell Wyeth and StFX Rankin School of Nursing faculty, Dr. Cathy MacDonald in nursing.
She was also the recipient of an NSERC USRA undergraduate summer research award, which provided $7,500 in funding for 16 weeks of research work.
“I work with Dr. Russell Wyeth on his biofouling project. For some background knowledge, biofouling is the growth of organisms on underwater structures,” she says.
“It can be problematic for shipping, fishing, and other industries as it increases the weight and drag of a ship, can lead to an increase in greenhouse gas emissions, can transport invasive species, and can even impact the functionality of some underwater structures. In the Wyeth Lab, we study non-toxic antifouling treatments. For one of our projects, we partner with a Nova Scotian company Graphite Innovation and Technologies (GIT). They send us samples of their non-toxic antifouling coatings and we test them in local waters. We take weekly photos of the growth, and we analyze them to determine the best antifouling treatment. Another one of our projects is centred around the use of ultraviolet light. We apply different exposures of UV-C light to a housing that is placed in water. Through weekly analysis, we determine a threshold of UV-C exposure needed to reduce biofouling. We have also been working on a way to quantify biofilms which are the microscopic organisms that make up biofouling.”
FACILITATORS, BARRIES TO INDIGENOUS STUDENT SUCCESS
Ms. Curnew also works with Dr. Cathy MacDonald on a project that examines the facilitators and barriers to Indigenous student success at StFX.
“In this project, I interview past and current StFX students from Paqtnkek about their experiences as an Indigenous student at StFX. The goals of this project are to better understand the quality of supports available to Indigenous students, to develop evidence-based practices to increase student success, and to contribute to the current state of knowledge related to practices and policies that inform Indigenous student success. Hopefully, this project will bring about change and make StFX a more welcoming place for Indigenous students.”
Ms. Curnew says she is the first person in her family to attend university so getting this experience is very important to her. “Having a university education, as well as research experience, is going to greatly impact my future and I am excited to see where it takes me.”
IMPORTANT TO ACKNOWLEDGE, LISTEN, RESPECT
As we celebrate Mi’kmaq History Month, and move towards reconciliation, she says it is incredibly important that we acknowledge, listen, and respect Indigenous culture and history.
“Colonization has worked hard to strip culture and history from Indigenous people, and many are still suffering the consequences. It is important to celebrate Mi’kmaq History Month and to shine a spotlight on the culture and history because it prevents us from losing our culture. It also allows others to learn and reflect upon the extreme hardships Indigenous people have had to face which is a necessary step in the movement towards reconciliation.”
Is there anything she’d recommend people do to learn more or educate themselves?
“My biggest word of advice would be to listen to Indigenous people across Canada and what they have to say. There are many resources out there to develop a better understanding of the injustices faced. Reading books from Indigenous authors, watching films, reading the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Reports, listening to talks hosted by Indigenous people, learning about the Indian Act, understanding treaties, and taking courses centred around the history of Indigenous people in Canada are all great ways to expand your knowledge and learn more.”
EDUCATION IMPORTANT AS MOVE TOWARDS RECONCILIATION
Ms. Curnew says there has definitely been progress towards reconciliation. “In recent years, a lot more people have become aware of the assimilation that the colonial structure forced upon Indigenous people and the horrifying impacts it is still having today.
“Education is important in moving towards reconciliation, however, there is a lot more to be done to fully achieve reconciliation. At StFX specifically, I believe there should be more resources and support in place for Indigenous students. There are often systemic barriers and inequalities that Indigenous students must face to get a university education. Although some supports are in place, more are needed to ensure student attendance and retention.
“It is also important to have Indigenous culture represented on campus. Having unifying activities such as powwows and sweat lodges, having Indigenous food and art, and having courses about Indigenous culture and history taught by Indigenous instructors are all things I would love to see on campus.”
