By Lori Tarbett
Jihan Abbas (sociology and anthropology) and Rebecca Mugford (psychology) are two of the recipients of the Vanier Graduate Scholarship which was introduced in the 2008 Federal budget and created to strengthen Canada’s ability to attract and retain the world’s top doctoral students. It will encourage partnerships, promote world-class excellence and help brand Canada as a leader in higher learning, research and science and technology development.
Jihan Abbas has both personal and professional experience in the field of disability and equality rights. She was the former director of research and policy for Independent Living Canada and now serves on the board of directors for ARCH Disability Law Centre. Her research interests include disability and the labour market, social policy and inclusion and exclusion. Her graduate work aims to build a more inclusive society.
Mugford is finishing a master’s degree at Carleton and will begin the PhD program in psychology next year. She is researching public attitudes towards the effectiveness of correctional interventions.
More information about the program is available at http://www.vanier.gc.ca/vppo-pvsu-eng.shtml