Congratulations to PhD Graduates Amanda Klassen and Rachel McNally!
Please join us in congratulating LERRN researchers, Dr. Amanda Klassen and Dr. Rachel McNally, who were awarded Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees in Political Science at last week’s convocation ceremony.
Amanda’s dissertation, titled, “A Feminist Approach to the Study of Norm Implementation in the Global Refugee Regime”, uses a feminist geopolitical approach to examine the emergence and local implementation of global norms relating to the protection of refugee women and girls. Her work helps to explain power dynamics at different spaces, scales, and timeframes by drawing on non-Western perspectives and decentering the state.
Rachel’s dissertation, titled, “Advocating for Admission: United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Diplomacy on Behalf of Refugees with Disabilities, 1951-2011”, draws on archival documents to examine how UNHCR strategically and persistently advocated for the resettlement of refugees with disabilities from 1951 to 2011. She was also awarded the Senate Medal for Outstanding Academic Achievement.
Both thesis projects were supervised by Dr. James Milner, Project Director of LERRN.
Beyond their academic achievements, Amanda and Rachel have both made invaluable contributions to LERRN. Over the years, they have supported numerous LERRN research, training and knowledge mobilization initiatives – the publication of LERRN’s Working Papers Series, conducted and published research studies, and taken on leadership roles in LERRN’s Cross-Cultural Fieldwork Training course. Their work has left an enduring impact on the project, and we look forward to following their continued contributions to research, policy, and practice in the years ahead.
Reflecting on their time with LERRN, Rachel and Amanda shared:
“Because LERRN places such a strong emphasis on collaboration with partners in the Global South, and on the inclusion of refugee voices, I believe that working with LERRN was a great opportunity for me to apply my research interests and expertise in a practical way.” – Amanda Klassen
“I am grateful that I had the opportunity to contribute to such a meaningful partnership during my master’s and PhD. It was an amazing professional development opportunity for me.” – Rachel McNally
Rachel will be beginning a new position as the Research Coordinator for UnborderED Knowledge, a SSHRC-funded Partnership Grant at the University of Ottawa.
As they embark on new roles and opportunities, we wish them continued success in all their future endeavors.
Congratulations, Amanda and Rachel!