From empowering future educators through STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) literacy to exploring perspectives of Muslim newcomer youth in Ontario schools, dynamic work is underway at Brock to better the field of education.

Diverse research and creative activity in the Faculty of Education (FOE) took the spotlight March 13 at an event that saw faculty members and graduate students share their work on a range of topics with the University community.

Kaschka Watson, Assistant Professor of Educational Studies, highlighted his collaborative research practice with a participant that explored their lived experiences as gay men growing up in Jamaica.

Watson’s duoethnography research framework used a series of guiding questions to prompt self-reflective dialogue with his participant, resulting in three emerging themes: eradicating internalized homophobia; establishing belonging through biological and chosen family; and disrupting discriminatory behaviour through advocacy.

“These themes serve to inspire readers and provide strategies for navigating the pain and challenges of homophobia faced by LGBTQIA+ individuals in Jamaica and across the Caribbean,” Watson said.

Assistant Professor Dane Marco Di Cesare, who specializes in literacy, digital technology and special education, shared his research addressing how sexual and gender diverse youth (SGDY), face significant social challenges affecting their mental health.

“Frequently, these youth engage with digital technologies as a means of resilience to find affirming, safe spaces,” Di Cesare said. “My research examines the video game playing experiences of SGDY youth from Canada, Mexico, Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States, and the impact of these experiences on their identity development and overall well-being.”

Research Assistant and PhD in Educational Studies candidate Simranjeet Kaur shared her research in critical visual literacy based on studies conducted in a marginalized slum of New Delhi.

“My research aims to guide policy-makers and practitioners to develop context-specific tech literacy practices in Southeast Asia,” she said.

Organized by the Office of Associate Dean, Research and Graduate Studies, the event included poster presentations, three-minute talks and engaging discussions.

Associate Professor Joyce Mgombelo, Associate Dean of Research and Graduate Student Services, said it was an honour to help share the deep insights of FOE researchers with the Brock community while also celebrating the University’s 60th anniversary.

“Innovative research, collaboration and themes of equity and inclusion are woven into the fabric of the Faculty of Education, enrichening the learning environment here at Brock — and beyond — as our researchers continue to have global impact in the field,” Mgombelo said.

At the event, FOE awards celebrating research excellence were announced by Dean of Education Mary-Louise Vanderlee:

• Outstanding Faculty of Education Graduate Student Awards: Lindsey Detta, Master of Education, and Krystyna Henke, PhD in Educational Studies
• FOE Early Career Research Award: Mohammed Estaiteyeh, Assistant Professor of Educational Studies
• FOE Distinguished Research Award: Nancy Taber, Professor of Educational Studies

Detta said it was an honour to win a research excellence award and showcase her master’s research on teaching the arts outdoors.

“It was valuable to speak with others at the event about new ideas while gaining new insights,” she said. “It was inspiring to learn what other researchers are up to as we all work toward the same goal — the best education for all children.”

In addition to the research celebration, the FOE has invited researchers to share their insights through a new public lecture series.

The final instalment in the speaker series will be presented by Indigenous Educational Studies faculty members Professor and Director Sheila Cote-Meek and Assistant Professors Jeannie Martin and Sherri Vansickle.

The talk, Honouring Indigenous Knowledges in Research in Community Research, will explore Indigenous Research Methodologies through the cultural practices and traditional teachings embedded in two distinct regalia: the Ribbon Skirt and the Gustowah Haudenosaunee Men’s Headdress. For more information and to register, please visit ExperienceBU.