Katherine Cullen receives SSHRC Undergraduate Research Grant

Katherine Cullen, a fourth year Geography student, recently received a SSHRC undergraduate research grant and will be working with Professor Gita Laidler this summer.  Her work is on the Northern Communities Research Development Initiative “Qanuittumik takuvit?(What do you see?)” project.  She will develop a comprehensive literature review of the issues raised in the Rankin Inlet and Gjoa Haven, Nunavut workshops that were conducted as part of this project in December, 2009 and February, 2010.  In addition, she will be encouraged to develop a small independent research project within these community-identified priority areas to look into a few issues in greater depth.  Alongside this work, she will also  i) help with compiling and refining a bibliographic database already under construction to support more streamlined research and referencing for Professor Laidler and graduate students; ii) edit/organize multi- media files associated with Dr. Laidler’s community-based research; iii) search the national archives for relevant materials to either community priorities or her project; and, iv) additional administrative or logistical tasks as needed.

Katherine is excited about gaining valuable research experience in preparation for her undergraduate thesis work this coming year and is also considering pursuing a Master’s degree.