From understanding the implications of Nova Scotia’s transition from private to public childcare to looking at the transition from university to workforce for Black international female students, eight StFX students took on important research projects this summer as recipients of the Centre for Employment Innovation (CEI) Research Mentorship awards.
The eight students—Ana Maria Bejarano-Martinez, Sebastien Charles, Allison Hancock, Sarah McKnight, Lidet O’Connor, Cassidy Pettipas, Kali Regenvanu, and Kaytland Smith—each received $7,500 for 16 weeks of summer research.
Kaytland Smith, a third year student from Smithfield, NS, is researching the implications of Nova Scotia’s transition from a private to public childcare model on women as owner and providers of childcare in Nova Scotia.
This project aims to explore this conflict between childcare providers and the province of Nova Scotia as a case study for transitioning from private to public services in the childcare sector. This is a critical policy area and one that remains particularly important in Canada, especially as later provincial and territorial signatories of the policy are beginning their foray into the policy logistics and plans, she says.
LEARNING WHAT LIGHTS YOUR SPARK
“As a student you spend a fair amount of time during your undergrad trying to figure out what really lights your spark. I've always known there were key areas of interest that I wanted to learn more about but understanding how I wanted to explore those topics and areas can be confusing,” Ms. Smith says. “Through being given access to research funding and opportunity it's allowed me to explore the research side of my degree and determine if that is an avenue I wish to pursue. Further is the opportunity to grow and learn from experts in the field. My supervisor, Dr. Rebecca Wallace, has been an unending resource and guide through this entire process. Without the CEI funding I would not have been able to learn from her and expand my knowledge as both an academic and a researcher. This opportunity is more than just a summer job, it is the opportunity to set my direction for the remainder of my career.”
Ms. Smith says while she was given the opportunity to learn about the nuts-and-bolts of research and academic work, she was also better able to understand the impact this work has on the research subjects.
“The women we have been working with have all expressed gratitude for the work we are doing. They've explained that prior to our research project they didn't feel anyone was listening or taking their concerns seriously and by us undertaking this project we are validating their feelings, opinions, and experiences. One of my greatest takeaways is not to undervalue the impact your research can have, either positive or negative, on those associated with the research topic. I think this was an invaluable lesson that will continue to move with me through the remainder of my education and career.”
INDIGENOUS ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Cassidy Pettipas, a fourth year joint honours business and economics student from Antigonish, NS, conducted research investigating how Indigenous entrepreneurs are navigating the Canadian cannabis industry following the passing of the Cannabis Act. She and her supervisor, Schwartz School faculty Dr. Opal Leung have been working on a case study on Red Market Brand, an Indigenous-run cannabis brand that joined the mainstream industry.
“We wanted to explore the barriers to entry that they have faced. The Indigenous Peoples have not been given the same economic opportunity as non-Indigenous Canadians because they were not consulted on the decision-making matters involved in the Act. There is a lack of recognition that has yet to be resolved by the Government of Canada, regardless of the Review of the Cannabis Act that was supposed to be done in October 2021,” she says.
“It has been incredible to have the opportunity to work alongside Dr. Leung throughout my summer. I was able to get started on my research for my honours thesis that I will be completing this spring. Hopefully, my experience researching Indigenous law will be helpful in my future endeavors. I will be applying to the University of Victoria's JD/JID program, a first of its kind law degree that specializes in Indigenous matters and provides first-hand field work experience.
“My research has provided endless amounts of learning opportunities in so many ways. I feel more prepared for my future studies, for writing academically and to get started on my career. I am thankful that I am privileged enough to be surrounded by so many brilliant staff and students at StFX. It is amazing to learn from each other.”
REFUGEE NEWCOMERS RESETTLING
Sarah McKnight of Auburn, NS, a fourth year sociology student, conducted research under the supervision of Dr. Norine Verberg (Department of Sociology) on her study, the Economic Transitions of Refugee Newcomers Resettling in Rural areas of Nova Scotia.
Using the method of in-depth interviews, Dr. Verberg explored how volunteers help refugee newcomers make employment transitions in rural Nova Scotia. “My research on this project included doing a general literature review to learn more about the world of refugee resettlement in Canada, and then two targeted literature reviews that address findings from the study,” says Ms. McKnight. “The first literature review focused on the experience of adult refugee newcomers seeking adult education related to finding work, including accessing appropriate English as an Additional Language (EAL) instruction and getting Canadian certificates that are required to work in the area of employment held prior to coming to Canada. The second literature review focused on what we have learned about factors contributing to successful economic integration of former refugees in Canada.
“I have also conducted data analysis on these topics with the purpose of working with Dr. Verberg to develop resources that can be shared with refugee resettlement volunteers and refugee newcomers.”
She says the opportunity the Centre for Employment Innovation gave her has been an amazing learning experience. “It has helped me further develop my academic skills, pushed me to think more critically, and allowed me to develop more connections here at StFX and in Antigonish. I have met with faculty and students involved in research and I was able to attend meetings with refugee resettlement volunteers to learn more about their work and how our project can help newcomers make a meaningful transition into the economy. It has been so incredible to work with and get to know better.”
She says she plans to pursue a second degree in social work, and this has helped her finetune her area of study.
UNDERSTANDING TRANSITIONS FOR INTERNATIONAL BLACK WOMEN
Lidet O'Connor of Hampton, New Hampshire, a fourth year honours Women's and Gender Studies student taking a subsidiary in psychology, worked on a study looking to assist and understand the transition from university to employment among international students who identify as Black women at StFX. “Our understanding of this transition will be effective in illuminating the resources that are and aren’t in place to support this group’s successful adjustment into the workforce. Support such as, career resources and mentorship opportunities are of special interest within St. Francis Xavier University. In addition, there are deeper factors that are being examined here that make this research incredibly important to the subject of race and gender. Research within this specific research topic is limited and I look forward to adding to what is already know so that we can better support all students in one of the more stressful transitions as a departing college student.”
Ms. O’Connor, who is supervised by Dr. Rachel Hurst, says it means many things to be selected to do summer research. “This opportunity has allowed me to improve my research skills, make connections with my peers on a deeper level, strengthen my professional relationships with my teachers through the support of the advisor position, as well as continue to help me see the world through an intersectional lens. Most importantly, however, having this opportunity has allowed me to dig deeper into the transition from university to employment through the experiences and perspectives of Black international women at StFX- a minority experience that is not well understood/documented.”
