Congratulations to our recent graduates! Here we would like to introduce you to some of our recent BA, MA and PhD graduates, and highlight some of their experiences at Carleton. We have started off with a slideshow of our faculty and students on convocation day. Be sure to scroll down to find out more about our graduates and their experiences at Carleton.
BA graduates
MA graduates
PhD graduates
BA Graduates share their stories:
 Randall Germain, Kipling Moors, Peter Andrée Kipling MoorsBA (HONS) Political Science, Concentration International Relations & World Politics; Minor History Honours Research Essay (HRE): A State of Lawfare: An Assessment of the Enforcement of Global Constitutional Environmental Rights “Starting my undergrad from home during Covid, it was sad to miss out on that typical residence experience, although my GPA, and my liver, definitely thanked me. Despite this, I have nothing but good things to say about my time at Carleton. Political science at Carleton is full of great professors. Randall Germain, who taught me in three separate political economy courses, stood out as a being equally knowledgeable and hilarious, always making class a good time. In my third year, I was lucky enough to spend a semester in Australia. It was an amazing ride that gave me a wider experience both academically and personally. Special shoutout to one of my law professors at the University of South Australia, Jennifer McKay, who spurred my interest in the highly politicized area of environmental litigation which eventually formed the basis of my honours research essay. In my final year I was proud to work with the Enriched Support Program at Carleton as an academic coach. This position was extremely fulfilling for me personally, but also exposed me to how great the wider Carleton community is. Special shoutout to Beth Hughes and Natalie McInnis for all their work with the program and being amazing bosses. Last, I’d like to thank Peter Andrée, who was involved in the majority of my highlights as a Carleton student, including the yearly trips to Temagami, and meeting him in Aotearoa / New Zealand to assist in a Wānanga at the University of Otago. I’m most thankful for his guidance on my research essay, where he walked the difficult tightrope of encouraging me to pursue my interests while simultaneously keeping my goals realistic. I couldn’t have asked for a better supervisor. My Carleton experience has me feeling well prepared to pursue a legal career in the future, but importantly I had a really great time with some amazing people.” |
 Mingwei Qin Mingwei QinBJ Journalism and Political Science Honours Research Essay (HRE): Breaking Record: How Media Coverage of Indigenous Candidates in the 2021 Federal Election Presents Bias “I chose Carleton for its esteemed reputation as a leading hub for media and political studies in the country, offering unparalleled resources to nurture my ambition of becoming a political journalist. My learning journey in PSCI has been wonderful, marked by encounters with exceptional professors and peers who have impressed me deeply. In particular, I would like to mention my participation in the Honours Research Essay (HRE) project, where I completed a research paper under the supervision of Professor Erin Tolley analyzing biased media coverage of Indigenous candidates in the 2021 federal election. This is the first time for me to undertake such a large and in-depth research project, which expanded my academic horizons and deepened my commitment to political journalism and communication. What I have learned is incredible, and I sincerely recommend to all PSCI students. Looking ahead, I have received an offer from Columbia University’s School of Journalism. Starting this fall, I will continue to pursue my passion in New York City, which is also rich in humanities, media and political resources. Academics and journalism are both my passions, and I thank Carleton University for making them possible.” |
 Sadaf Khatri Sadaf KhatriBA (HONS) Political Science; Minor Psychology Honours Research Essay (HRE): A Lens on Liberty: Media Coverage of France’s Face veil Ban in the New York Times “My journey at Carleton University as a Political Science (Honours) major with a minor in Psychology has been incredibly rewarding and transformative. I came to Carleton because of its strong social science reputation and vibrant, inclusive community. The faculty’s dedication and expertise have been evident from the outset, offering me invaluable insights into political theories and practices. One of my most memorable experiences was conducting my HRE research titled “A Lens on Liberty: Media Coverage of France’s Face veil Ban in the New York Times” under the supervision of Dr. Gopika Solanki. This project allowed me to delve deeply into issues I am most passionate about and provided me with critical research skills. The support and mentorship I received from Dr. Solanki and other faculty members were instrumental in shaping my academic path. Graduating with this degree signifies a significant achievement and a steppingstone towards my future goals. It has equipped me with analytical and research skills, as well as a profound understanding of political systems and human behavior. My immediate plan after graduation is to pursue a career as a policy analyst, where I hope to apply the knowledge and skills I’ve gained to make a meaningful impact. Carleton has not only been an academic institution for me but a community where I’ve grown both personally and professionally. I am grateful for the experiences and opportunities I’ve had here, and I look forward to staying connected with this incredible community as an alumna!” |
 Taina Roberts and Randall Germain Taina RobertsBA (HONS) Law and Political Science, Concentration in International Relations Honours Research Essay (HRE): The Political Economy of Agriculture in Jamaica in the late 17th Century, the Post-Independence Period and Present Day: Where Do We Go from Here “After attending a spring open house, I fell in love with the campus and the opportunities Carleton offered. Since accepting my admission, I have truly enjoyed my time here. Embracing the university experience entirely, I immersed myself in various extracurricular activities and academic leadership roles that enriched my journey. I actively participated in AIESEC, Black Students in Public Affairs, the European and Russian Studies Society, and the Political Science Society. I also hosted a workshop at the SOAR Leadership Conference and worked for CUSA as the Business Administrator. I developed a deeper understanding and appreciation for academic administration as Student Senator for Public Affairs and my involvement with the Senate Review and the Senate Executive Committee. My co-op terms provided practical insights and skills, deepening my understanding of my majors and demonstrating how to apply my degree in real-world contexts. These experiences also helped me build a strong professional network. Completing my Honours Research Essay in Political Science under the guidance of Professor Randall Germain was pivotal. His support was instrumental in my success, and a tutorial in Law honed my research and writing skills. These research-based components prepared me for my future career endeavours. Graduating with this degree represents the culmination of years of hard work, growth, and invaluable experiences. I met some amazing life-long friends and mentors, discovered my passion, and developed the necessary skills to fulfil my purpose. My immediate plans include leveraging my skills and network to pursue a career where I can make meaningful contributions in the food security and economy arenas.” |
 Scott Bennett, Urooj Akram, Steve White Urooj AkramBA (HONS) Political Science, Concentration in Public Affairs and Policy Analysis; Minor Economics Honours Research Essay (HRE): It’s Not Foreign to Me: Evaluating Canadians’ Attitudes Towards International Trade Policy “A couple of years ago, I did not think I would be holding a political science degree. I was on a pre-med track, but had a last minute change of heart after learning about the political science program at Carleton University. Growing up in a household that was invested in discussing current affairs and parliamentary proceedings, I was always attentive to politics. My decision to pack my bags and pursue this degree was reinforced by Carleton’s beautiful campus, the prospect of spectating Question Period on the Hill between classes, and of course, the world-renowned faculty offering a diversity of courses ranging from international security to elections to media strategies. As I look back, my fondest university memories all had to do with political science, whether that was staying up late in the MacOdrum library to read Leviathan with my friends, to finding the perfect button-up for my first-time embassy visit with the Carleton International Relations Society, to helping organize student seminars on political philosophy during my joint internship with the Department and Institute for Liberal Studies. I would like to give a special shout-out to Professors Stephen White and Scott Bennett, whose expertise, time, and interest in my research work fostered within me essential data analysis skills and the ability to effectively conduct foreign policy research. Under their wings, I completed a comprehensive study on how much Canadians value the country’s trade policy using survey responses I learned to re-code during the fourth-year polimetrics course. These are the very skills that I carry forward in my career today as a Trade Policy Analyst with Global Affairs Canada, which is also position I was fortunate enough to have attained through Carleton’s co-op program. For anybody who is considering starting their own political science journey, I could not recommend Carleton any more strongly. I believe Carleton Political Science offers a unique blend of academic and workplace experience, and each year is full of discovery. I think everybody’s journey here will be as fruitful and exciting as mine was.” |
 Yumna Nummer Yumna NummerBA (HONS) Political Science, Concentration in International Relations; Minor Professional Writing “Reflecting on my undergraduate experience as a Political Science student at Carleton, I am filled with gratitude and pride as I think about how much I have grown as an individual. Throughout my program, my professors exposed me to political theory, decolonization, and other topics that I have become passionate about. They taught me to step out of my comfort zone and encouraged me to do the research I wanted to do even if it was different than the norm. They truly encouraged individual thought and new contributions, and that shaped my development as a young political scientist. My experience at Carleton was not only enriching because of my classes and professors. I was honoured to be an active member and leader of one of the largest student clubs on campus, the Carleton University Muslim Students’ Association (CUMSA). My time serving the CUMSA provided me with a beautiful community of students that I will continue to cherish for years to come. Thinking about how far I have come, I realize the immense privilege that I have had as a university student. I realize this even more when I think about the many bright Palestinian students who have been unjustly robbed of the chance to graduate and contribute to their communities. Knowing this, I am committed to channeling my positive experiences at Carleton into benefit to others. I look forward to continuing my studies at Carleton in the fall for my MA Political Science, where I will continue to learn, think critically, and contribute to the community around me.” |
 Maddy Magee and Randall Germain Madison MageeBA (HONS) Political Science, Concentration International Relations “I came to Carleton eager to learn and gain experience under policy professionals and academics. My professors and other faculty were just as eager to teach and share their wealth of knowledge with us. Not only did the quality of education set me up for success both professionally and academically, but my co-op terms spent working amongst policymakers and researchers provided me with the necessary real-life experiences to complement my coursework. I will cherish my time at Carleton as a tremendous learning opportunity where I forged relationships with my peers and with a number of professors that I look up to academically. The knowledge I possess as the result of the past four years is undoubtedly worth the hard work put into this degree. The amazing memories here sparked the beginning of a lifelong journey into everything global politics. I am happy to say I have met some of my favourite people at Carleton and look forward to what the world has in store for me after this unforgettable first chapter of adulthood.” |
 Erika Fernandez Erika FernandezBA (HONS) Political Science, Concentration in International Relations; Minor in Criminology & Criminal Justice Honours Research Essay (HRE): A View from Above: US Drones in War “The reason I chose Carleton University was initially because of its Criminology and Law programs which offered a capital advantage and courses which interested me. However, within my first semester I took one political science course (World Politics with Professor Ettinger), and almost immediately became fascinated in wanting to understand and work within politics. Towards the end of my first semester of my first year, I decided to switch my major to political science after taking only one course, and it proved to be a great decision. From first to fourth year, my professors had a passion for teaching and created an environment that made me want to learn more about international political organisations. Various and tailored courses in political science and other disciplines (such as Race in Medicine and Transatlantic Security Issues) allowed me to complete an HRE research project and find pathways to graduate school. For instance, in my third year, I took a course called digital criminology which looked at the broader use of technology and its impact in governance, politics, and policing. This course was the beginning of me wanting to explore technology’s role in society and led to my HRE topic of how US military drones progress throughout the Gulf, Afghanistan, and Iraq Wars. By my fourth year, I decided to continue studying in a field that combined my interests in politics, technology, and international relations and found myself applying to master’s programs in public health and global security and cybercrime. Ultimately this degree at Carleton has helped me map out my future after graduation, by allowing me to pursue post-grad at NYU for a master’s degree in Global Security and Cybercrime.” |
|
Vinh NguyenMA Graduates share their stories:
 Liam O’Brien Liam O’BrienDual MA in Political Science, Carleton University and the University of Lucerne, Switzerland Master’s Research Project (MRP): Reconsidering the Role of Identity-Defined Community Organizations in HIV Prevention “My time at Carleton University has been transformative and enriching, marked by a deep engagement with complex political issues and invaluable learning experiences. My decision to pursue graduate studies at Carleton was driven by the university’s vibrant academic community and the Dual MA partnership with Universität Luzern. Throughout my MA, I have had the privilege of learning from faculty members whose expertise and mentorship have profoundly shaped my research and academic growth. My coursework and research have consistently pushed me to explore the intersections of sociology and political science, particularly focusing on systemic power and inequality. One of the highlights of my academic journey was my Master’s Research Paper, which critically examined the conflation of identity and risk within Vancouver’s community-based HIV response. This research not only deepened my understanding of public health policies but also reinforced the importance of interdisciplinary approaches in addressing societal challenges. Studying at Universität Luzern as part of the Dual MA program provided a unique international perspective, enriching my academic experience with diverse viewpoints and fostering a broader understanding of the political science discipline itself. Interacting with students and faculty at both institutions has been immensely rewarding, as these exchanges have sparked insightful discussions and collaborative learning opportunities. I am proud to graduate with these degrees from Carleton and Luzern and am excited to build from these experiences as I begin my PhD in Political Science this fall, right here at Carleton.” |
 Stefan Klietsch Stefan KlietschMA in Political Science “My time at Carleton University was a welcoming and intellectually enriching experience. A long period of time had elapsed between the completion of my undergrad and my overdue graduate studies, and yet I did not find my age gap with other students to diminish the Carleton learning environment and peer support opportunities for myself. From pub nights to panels to potlucks, the Carleton faculty and fellow students created a positive environment matching that of any of my best workplaces. All my instructors were fair in their grading of myself and left me with some memorable experiences. The learning was stimulating enough that at times I wished that I could enroll in even more courses! The co-op program at Carleton was also supportive and more accessible than I remember my undergrad co-op program to be. I was privileged to work a year as a student at Public Safety Canada, itself also a welcome and encouraging setting that I hope to return to in the future. I made many new fiends in my time on campus, and they will be missed. Within the foreseeable future, I plan to apply my political studies to help inform the constitutional development of some political parties.” |
 William Walters and Megan Hicks Megan HicksMA in Political Science Master’s Thesis: Bio-graphing Secrecy Subjects: The Case of The Quiet Canadian “As I reflect on the last two years, I am incredibly grateful to the faculty and other students who have added to my academic experience. Special thanks to my supervisor William Walters and my fellow research group members for their support and insights. Reflecting on what I hoped to do during my MA, I realized that many of those goals happened. One of my main goals was to conduct research in another country. Through SSHRC funding, I was able to visit the Churchill Archives Centre at Cambridge University. This opportunity shaped my research but also influenced me as a researcher. And, I hope to have more of these opportunities in the future. When I returned to university to finish my undergraduate degree during the pandemic, little did I know that a few years later I would be graduating with a MA in Political Science. Or that I would be returning to Carleton in the Fall of 2024 to start a PhD in Sociology. I’m looking forward to applying the many things I’ve learned during my MA as I expand on my research on secrecy and its connection to the genre of biography.” |
PhD Graduates share their stories:
 James Patriquin and Randall Germain James PatriquinPhD in Political Science Doctoral Thesis: The Technologies of Global Governance: Money, Finance, and Power in the Era of Digital Currency “The first thing that appealed to me about studying politics at Carleton was the diversity of its faculty, not only in terms of their national, ethnic, and linguistic backgrounds, but in the diversity of thought I could see in their work. Everything I had learned about politics as an undergraduate student could be sorted into neat little boxes like realism or Marxism. But the operation of power is enigmatic precisely because it does not always conform to tidy concepts or structural logics, because individuals are endowed with agency and powerful individuals possess an agency that is uniquely determinative. At Carleton, I came to think about power in a way that joins its formally institutionalized motions with the informal, the familial, and the insurgent rhythms of social transformation that elude traditional analysis. With the encouragement of my professors, especially Randall Germain, I was equipped to explore the operation of power in areas such as monetary and financial governance where its significance is often and dogmatically denied. I also learned the importance of listening, self-care, self-awareness, and of rejecting the cynicism that typically surrounds the arts. What I learned throughout my graduate studies is not strictly speaking vocational, or a means to any particular end, but rather, a way of living, a means to engage, to discover, and to become the sort of hopeful and creative thinker that is always in demand. For me, the most crucial step in this direction was being able to embrace multiplicity and the value that different perspectives bring by attuning knowledge to surprise and correction, and in recognition that the world consists of many moving parts the sum of which is not always or exactly as it seems.” |
 Shireen Hassim and Godfrey Nkongolo Godfrey NkongoloPhD in Political Science Doctoral Thesis: Citizens’ Empowerment through NGOs and their Participation in Local Governance in Tanzania “I was drawn to Carleton University by the caliber of the faculty and the alignment of their areas of research and expertise with my own academic interests. The faculty’s commitment to exploring complex issues intersectionally – particularly, the nexus of politics and international development in the Global South – resonated with me and my research goals. Under the supervision of Professor Hassim, my doctoral research delved into the relationship between civil society organizations and citizens’ political empowerment in Tanzania. Professor Hassim, and the members of my doctoral committee, Professor Macdonald and Professor Rutherford, provided invaluable guidance and insights throughout my studies. Their collective expertise enriched my research journey, challenging and stretching me along the way. Overall, the Department of Political Sciences fostered a culture of mutual respect and learning that allowed me to test and develop my ideas in a supportive environment, and ultimately equipped me to successfully complete my program. I will forever remain grateful for the unwavering support I received from both the faculty and the department staff, especially Brookes Fee. Their encouragement and mentorship and support have profoundly shaped my academic path.” |
 Will Little Will LittlePhD in Political Science Doctoral Thesis: Reason, Hierarchy, and Political Stability in the English Enlightenment “I came to the Department of Political Science at Carleton University in 2017 after finishing my MA in Philosophy. Moving from a philosophy to a political science department was challenging as most of the faculty and many of my peers were engaged in unfamiliar and intimidating research. However, I almost immediately found some sort of footing working with members of the department researching political theory and the history of political thought. My research was nurtured and guided by many faculty members, most of all Marc Hanvelt, and I consider myself quite lucky to have had them all as resources throughout my doctorate. Now that I have graduated, my plans are to continue teaching and researching. Next academic year I will be teaching at Carleton’s Arthur Kroeger College of Public Affairs and working hard to turn my dissertation into a book.” |