MA past students

Pronouns: he/him

Home University: Waterloo

Email: malizada@uwaterloo.ca

Education: BA (Hons) Tourism and Parks Management, Waterloo

Supervisor: John Sbardellati

Murad graduated from the University of Waterloo in 2018, receiving an Honours BA in Toursim and Parks Management (Faculty of Health) and a Minor in History. He is interested in foreign policy, security studies, political risk analysis and modern military history. His research will focus on the NATO policy concerning Canada and the North-West passage, and the establishment of the Arctic Command.

Speaking multiple languages fluently, such as Azerbaijani, Russian, German and Turkish, Murad also likes linking primary sources to the existing research in English. He is also interested in topics like post-World War I democracies in the Caucasus and Eastern Europe, Soviet history, and Turkish foreign policy within the NATO framework. Outside of school, Murad's hobbies include historic re-enactment, community engagement and heritage preservation. He intends to write a thesis.

Home University: Waterloo

Email: m35ander@uwaterloo.ca

Education: BA (Hons) History, Waterloo

Supervisor: Troy Osborne

Malcolm's research interests focus around the social history of early modern Europe and specifically Britain, although they sometimes shift outside of the period or to economic and political history as well. Some previous research topics include the effects of the alcohol trade on British drinking establishments, the historiography of the Thirty Years War, the presentation of African culture in 19th century British freak shows, and the social control policies of the Cromwellian Protectorate. He completed an Honours BA in History at Waterloo in 2020, along with a minor in Anthropology. In his free time, Malcolm plays video games, takes care of his dogs, runs a Dungeons and Dragons game for his friends, and tries to nail down an actual, defined research focus. He intends to complete a Major Research Project (MRP).

Pronouns: he/him

Home University: Laurier

Email: baay0610@mylaurier.ca

Education: BA (Hons) History, Laurier

Social Media: Search for Jihad Baayoun

Supervisor: Blaine Chiasson

Jihad's interests lie in the Middle Ages and in Asian history. He was awarded the SSHRC scholarship for research into the Satsuma Rebellion but decided to change topics to the Mongolian invasion of Japan under Khublai Khan. He is extremely passionate about history. He says, "I am fortunate to work as an RA under Dr. Chiasson and as a TA for Dr. Chris Nighman and Alicia McKenzie." For hobbies, he recently gained an obsession with Charmed Aroma candles and puzzles and had a 3,000 piece puzzle framed. He intends to complete a Major Research Project (MRP).

Home University: Laurier

Email: carl3210@mylaurier.ca

Education: BA (Hons) Medieval and Medievalism Studies and History, Laurier

Supervisor: Chris Nighman

Liam's research interests are primarily focused on England during the Late Middle Ages, especially the second half of the fifteenth century. He is drawn most often to the social and political history but has recently been attracted to the naval and maritime history of this and later periods. He also has a keen interest in Finnish history though is not yet fluent enough to delve into it. Liam intends to complete an Major Research Project (MRP).

Home University: Laurier

Email: chap9560@mylaurier.ca

Education: BA (Hons) History, Guelph

Supervisor: Leonard Friesen

Kyle will work on a Major Research Project (MRP) in Soviet Ukrainian history, with Dr. Friesen as his supervisor. He is particularly interested in collectivization's effect on Ukrainian national identity during the Five-Year Plan of 1928-1932. He notes that it was not until the collapse of the USSR in 1991 that previously classified documents became much more accessible. "This topic is important to me because much research still needs to be done. Ukrainian identity continues to remain a contentious subject, and I hope that my research can contribute to this ongoing debate," he says.

Pronouns: he/him

Home University: Laurier

Email: chur2660@mylaurier.ca

Education: BA (Hons) History & Political Science, Laurier

Supervisor: Adam Crerar

Noah's proposed research will focus on the analysis of Canadian culture, sport and popular culture through the lens of the 1972 Summit Series. The research aims to answer questions about important cultural themes to Canada in the 1970s and the Cold War. Those themes include the English-French tensions, Canadian impressions of nationalism and identity, Canada-US relations and how Canadians saw themselves on the international stage. Other research interests include non-indigenous perceptions of Indigenous acts of resistance in the Canadian context. Noah intends to complete a Major Research Project (MRP).

Pronouns: she/her

Home University: Laurier

Email: dunc5250@mylaurier.ca

Education: BA (Hons) History, Laurier

Supervisor: Tarah Brookfield

Jessica completed her Bachelor of Arts Honours in History with a minor in Global Studies from WLU in Spring 2021. She is interested in Canadian social history, with a focus on women and gender. For her research, Jessica intends to conduct an oral history project related to Canadian women in the latter half of the 20th century. In her free time, Jessica likes to dance, watch movies, and spend time with friends and family. She intends to complete a Major Research Paper.

Home University: Laurier

Email: fran8400@mylaurier.ca

Education: BA (Hons) History, Laurier; BEd, Western.

Supervisor: Leonard Friesen

Jessica graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in History in 2013, and a Bachelor of Education in 2014. Since then she has been teaching at the elementary and high school levels. She is excited to return to Laurier to complete a Major Research Paper (MRP) under the supervision of Dr. Len Friesen. She intends to focus her research on the Russian intelligentsia of the 20th century, with a particular look at the writings of of Alexander Solzhenitsyn.

Pronouns: she/her

Home University: Waterloo

Email: jgergal@uwaterloo.ca

Education: BA (Hons) English-Rhetoric, Media, Professional Communication & History Co-op, Waterloo

LinkedIn: jacqueline-gergal-175918186

Supervisor: Steven Bednarski

Jacqueline Gergal graduated in the spring of 2020. Continuing with her MA at the University of Waterloo, Jacqueline focuses on Medieval and Early Modern Climate and Environment. Within this area, Jacqueline examines the relationship between consumerism, environment, and culture to understand how people have been altering natural environments to suit a variety of their needs and desires. Understanding the relationship between the birth of consumerism in the late Medieval period and environmental degradation allows for historians to understand trends and relations to climate change and anthropocentrism in the modern day. She intends to complete an Major Research Project (MRP)

Home University: Laurier

Email: gibo2490@mylaurier.ca

Education: BA (Hons) History, Mount Allison

Supervisor: Tarah Brookfield

Mihai Giboi is an MA student from Wilfrid Laurier University. Originally from Romania before immigrating to New Brunswick in 2009, he obtained his BA from Mount Allison University, where he majored in History and double minored in Political Science and Philosophy before his admittance into the Tri-U History Graduate Program.

In a broad sense, Mihai's research interests include Cold War history, political history, along with the history of conflict and genocide. The topic of his MRP will analyze the issue of Canadian Arctic sovereignty during the Cold War by examining the Canadian Rangers' role in maintaining national control amid concerns regarding American presence in the region. He firmly believes that because of climate change, the relevance of the Arctic in international politics is growing as the availability of natural resources and new shipping routes increase. Currently, as several nations stake their claims over the region, Mihai hopes that his MRP will assist in shedding light over the Canadian Rangers’ maintenance of national sovereignty in the Arctic.

Home University: Waterloo

Education: BA (Hons) History & Business, specialization in Global Interactions, Waterloo

Joe's research interests are in Canadian History, Military history, the appeal and accuracy of historical video games. His Master's Research Project centers around the Canadian soldiers during the Second World War who participated in airborne operations. He looks most at the First Canadian Parachute Battalion, and analyzes the way that they were presented to Canadians, during and after the war, as the elite. To do this, he looks into the contextualized use of Paratroopers by other militaries during the Second World War, as well as to representations of the Canadian Army as a whole to the contemporary public.

Upon completing his MA program, he says, "I intend to pursue law and continue to study how different cultures and nations interact over time, and if all goes to plan, eventually put it to good use in the world."

Home University: Waterloo

Email: a5good@uwaterloo.ca

Education: BA Arts and Business in History, Waterloo

Supervisor: Geoffrey Hayes

In addition to a major in History, Anna completed her Waterloo Arts and Business degree with a minor in English. One of her main interests is the psychological impacts of warfare in the First World War with a particular focus on local history/microhistory. This interest stems from a personal connection to the First World War as Anna's great grandfather fought in the war alongside his Canadian comrades. Although he survived the war, Anna says, "I never had the honour of meeting him. I think each family deserves to know about the sacrifices made by their loved ones during the war, and I would like to unearth some of the stories that were never told." Anna intends to complete a Major Research Paper (MRP).

Pronouns: she/her

Home University: Waterloo

Email: m24hamil@uwaterloo.ca

Twitter: @MeganAHamilton

Education: BA (Hons) History, Laurier

Supervisor: Geoffrey Hayes

Megan completed her Honours Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in history at Wilfrid Laurier University in 2021. The first half of her degree was completed at Okanagan College in British Columbia. Her interests include war and memory, Canadian military history, and the World Wars. Megan’s current research focuses on Canadian war and society in the twentieth century, particularly the Canadian experience of the Second World War. She feels that the complexity of wartime makes for endless research opportunities from various perspectives. She was an undergraduate research assistant at the Laurier Centre for Military, Strategic, and Disarmament Studies, and works at local museums during the summer breaks. Aside from her academic pursuits, she is a group fitness instructor, a retired National Team rhythmic gymnast, and an avid traveler. She intends to complete a Major Research Paper (MRP).

Home University: Guelph

Email: khillyer@uoguelph.ca

Education: BA (Hons) Psychology & History, Guelph

Supervisor: Stuart McCook

Kehlar Hillyer studies under the guidance of Dr. Stuart McCook. Her current research is focused on the political and legal ramifications of the 2001 anthrax crisis in the United States under the broader topic of bioterrorism preparedness. Kehlar balances her academia through competitive softball, hockey, and theater while attending to her Newfoundland Labrador at home. Upon completion, she is intending to continue her interest in law and policy at law school. She intends to complete a thesis.

Home University: Waterloo

Education: BA (Hons) Political Science & History, specialization in International Relations, Waterloo

Supervisor: Alex Statiev

James' thesis is on the use of Enhanced Interrogation, and Torture, in Counter Insurgency Operations. After graduationa, he will most likely go Ottawa for an Intelligence job, or seek work in the Department of National Defence. He is also considering a doctorate on the Cold War's military technology and doctrine development. Outside of academia, he keeps himself fit, and has a hobby of marksmanship. He says, "My supervisor, Dr. Alexander Statiev, specializes in the social aspect of warfare and Counter Insurgency, so I'm very lucky to be working with someone from the field."

Pronouns: she/her

Home University: Waterloo

Email: tmdjeoff@uwaterloo.ca

Education: BA (Hons) History & English, Waterloo.

Supervisor: Gary Bruce

Taylor's research interests include book and literary history and looking at history through the lens of literature. Specifically she is interested in Scottish/British History and how Scottish/British history can be understood through its literature. She intends to complete an Major Research Project (MRP).

Home University: Waterloo

Email: hajohnson@uwaterloo.ca

Education: BA History, MacEwan University

Supervisor: Greta Kroeker

Holly is a recent graduate from MacEwan University receiving her Bachelor of Arts in History. She was one of the featured students for the graduating class of 2020. She says, "I am excited to begin my MA in History at the University of Waterloo through the Tri-University program." Her area of study primarily focuses on European sexual history and changing ideologies regarding sex, sex crimes, and marriage in the early modern period. She intends to complete a thesis.

Pronouns: he/him

Home University: Laurier

Email: john5930@mylaurier.ca

Education: BA (Hons) History, Laurier

Supervisor: Blaine Chiasson

Oliver's research interests include Anglo-Chinese relations in the nineteenth century, Hong Kong print and media culture during the British occupation, and the emergence of a distinct Hong Kong Chinese identity adjacent to the mainland Chinese identity. His work will mainly focus on Chinese language newspapers printed in Hong Kong, using them to identify the trends of intellectual heritage present in the movements for Chinese independence in 1911 and 1949. In earnest, this works aims at revealing the complex layers of multi-cultural interaction in a highly diverse global trade hub as well as its impact on the surrounding states. Outside Chinese history, Oliver's research interests include legal and economic history across the British empire and Europe in the seventeenth, eighteenth, and nineteenth centuries as well as fine arts and European languages.Oliver intends to complete an Major Research Project (MRP).

Home University: Waterloo

Education: BA (Hons) History, minor in Curatorial Studies, Ryerson

Elaine's research interests include, public history and contemporary US domestic social history, including fashion history, business history and popular culture. Her thesis project is a study on fashion history, particularly the evolution of street wear and consumer culture, and will incorporate digital public history with an online exhibit. After completing her MA, Elaine hopes to work as a curator and write popular history books.

Pronouns: she/her

Home University: Waterloo

Email: r2manes@uwaterloo.ca

Education: BA (Hons) History, Minor in German Studies, McMaster

Twitter: @rachelmanes_

Supervisor: Marlene Epp

Rachel Manes' research focuses on the experience of German immigrants in North America after World War II. She previously completed her BA in History with a Minor in German Studies at McMaster University. Other research areas of hers include: German 1920s Expressionist Film Movement, Holocaust legacy, and the immediate post-war years in Europe. In her spare time, Rachel is often found reading, writing, or cheering on her favourite soccer team, FC Bayern Munich.

Home University: Waterloo

Email: k2laycoc@uwaterloo.ca

Education: BA (Hons) History, Guelph

Supervisor: Dan Gorman

I am a graduate of the University of Guelph with a BA in History and a graduate of the University of Waterloo with a MA in History, with a specific focus on 19th century British history. My thesis, supervised by Professor Dan Gorman, examined the uses and extent of the British national identity alongside the competing English, Scottish, Irish, and Welsh identities in the British Isles in the 19th century. I have also previously worked on the SSHRC funded project Hotels in History with Professor Kevin James, which looked at the governmental use of hotels during the Great War. My research interests are varied, ranging from the European Classical period to Medieval India to Global Colonialism, but focus on Canadian and British social and political history, as well as Canadian Indigenous history. I intend to utilize my skills and knowledge to examine Canadian social plurality and identity alongside contemporary issues.

Home University: Guelph

Email: bmcbri05@uoguelph.ca

Education: BA History, Athabasca

Supervisor: Catharine Wilson

Britta's research focuses on the 1937 inmate riot at Guelph Reformatory and the impacts of that event upon Ontario prison reforms. Her great-uncle was an inmate-participant in the riot, and some of his writings from the reformatory have led her to look at prison-farm riots as forms of labour unrest, rather than as destructive criminal acts. Her decade-long career as a floral designer specializing in funeral work has led to a broader interest in the history of cemeteries and funerary practices in Canada. She balances her academic career with creative hobbies, such as cross-stitching, crocheting, and DIY projects. Britta intends to complete a Major Research Project (MRP).

Pronouns: he/him

Home University: Laurier

Email: mcco5740@mylaurier.ca

Education: BSc Chemistry and History, Laurentian

Supervisor: Susan Neylan

Nathaniel received his Bachelor of Science with a Double Major in Chemistry and History at Laurentian University. After starting with a Specialization in Chemistry, a History elective sparked a love for history, and a switch to a double major was the clear next step. Nathaniel focuses on the relationship between Indigenous Peoples and religious communities. His Undergraduate research paper looked at the Baptist Convention of Ontario and Quebec and their relationship with Indigenous Peoples in the 1960s. Nathaniel intends to complete a Major Research Paper (MRP).

Home University: Laurier

Email: oake1680@mylaurier.ca

Education: BA (Hons) History, Laurier

Supervisors: Mark Humphries

Emily graduated from Laurier with an Honours BA in History with an English Minor and a Research Specialization Option.

Emily's proposed MA research will examine the relationship between soldiers and their horses in the Canadian Expeditionary Forces during the First World War in her SSHRC-funded MA. This topic combines her love of learning about Canadian and military history with her interest in animals. Outside of academics, Emily spends most of her free time riding and training curly horses. She intends to complete a Major Research Project (MRP).

Home University: Guelph

Email: doklikah@uoguelph.ca

Education: BA History, University of Cape Coast, Ghana

Twitter: @OforiOklikah

Supervisor: Femi Kolapo

Desmond Oklikah is an MA History graduate student at the University of Guelph. His research interest includes the Ghanaian diaspora in North America, the political economy of digital agriculture in Africa/Ghana, and food securities. His MA thesis focuses on cultural identity and expression among Ghanaian immigrants in Toronto, 1980s-2000.

Pronouns: she/her

Home University: Guelph

Email: bpayer@uoguelph.ca

Education: BA (Hons) History & Medieval Studies, Laurier

Supervisors: Susannah Humble-Ferreira

Brittney is a SSHRC-funded MA student in the graduate History program. She graduated from Wilfrid Laurier University in 2019 with a BA in History and Medieval Studies as well as a minor in English and in Spanish. Brittney's research interests include the intersections of magic and religion and the wider sociopolitical impacts of cultural movements in late medieval continental Europe. In life outside of academia, she enjoys reading fantasy novels, creative writing, and learning new languages. She intends to complete a Major Research Project (MRP).

Pronouns: she/her

Home University: Laurier

Email: plan4150@mylaurier.ca

Education: BA (Hons) History, Research Specialization, Laurier

Supervisors: Eva Plach

Steph's research interests include Holocaust and memory studies, Eastern Europe, UNRRA, and Jewish-Polish relations. Her MRP will examine the wartime experiences of Polish-Jews in France over the course of WWII to break away from traditional historiography of Vichy concerned with the machinery and politics of the regime. 

Pronouns: she/her

Home University: Waterloo

Email: nkmaesil@uwaterloo.ca

Education: BA (Hons) History & Legal Studies

Supervisor: Andrew Hunt

Nicolette Silva's research focuses on how film and pop culture cross over into the discipline of historical study. She examines how films reflect and shape the cultures, time periods, and societies that produce them. She is a fan of the video essay format, and finding new and innovative ways to communicate history to the public. Nicolette believes film can be an intriguing and engaging way to spark interest in history as an academic discipline. She intends to complete a Major Research Project (MRP).

Home University: Guelph

Email: hsotomay@uoguelph.ca

Education: BA (Hons) History, Guelph

Supervisor: Norman Smith

Hilary is writing a thesis on adaptations of The Ballad of Mulan, comparing depictions of Mulan as woman and citizen to their political and cultural contexts. She previously completed BA in Honours History at the University of Guelph, though she was originally an Anthropology major. Her research interests include the history of mental health in the Victorian era, popular culture, revolutions and insurgencies, gender and sexuality, and Asian history, with particular emphasis on Chinese and Filipino history. Other academic interests include Art History and Philosophy. Outside of the University, she loves gardening, YA fantasy novels, building Gunpla and her Nintendo Switch.

Pronouns: she/her

Home University: Waterloo

Email: gawagena@uwaterloo.ca

Instagram: gillian_wagenaar

Education: BA (Hons) History and Digital Arts Communications, Waterloo

Supervisor: Steven Bednarski

Gillian graduated from the University of Waterloo in 2021, receiving a BA in History with a minor in Digital Arts Communications. With a general interest in social history - from early modern gender and sexuality to the personal lives of Canadian soldiers during the First World War - her thesis is focused on the intersection of poetry and politics in Victorian England. Specifically, she will be tracing the life and poetical works of Samuel Steer, a nineteenth-century radical Liberal accountant from Exeter, Devon, through the lens of microhistory. With several years of experience working with and interpreting history for the general public, Gillian's goal is to make the past more accessible; the stories of individuals, after all, are what make history come alive.

Pronouns: he/him

Home University: Laurier

Email: warr4250@mylaurier.ca

Education: BA (Hons) English & History, Laurier; BEd, Western

Supervisor: Adam Crerar

Jared Warren is returning to Laurier for his MA in History. His research interests include Canadian history, World War I, and the history of the British Empire. He completed his BA in History and English at Laurier in 2017, followed by two years at Western University for teachers' college, where he obtained his BEd in 2019. He is employed as an occasional (supply) high school teacher with the Waterloo Region District School Board. He intends to complete a Major Research Project (MRP).