Meet Daphne Duruoha! Daphne is originally from Nigeria, but came to 杏吧原创 last fall from Berlin, Germany to pursue a Master of Arts in Legal Studies. Daphne is currently wrapping up the first year of her program and will be pursuing the Major Research Essay (MRE) stream going into the second year of her program.

Daphne is the recipient of this year’s Chet Mitchell Memorial Award in Law, which is given annually to a deserving student enrolled in the Master of Arts program in Legal Studies. Daphne was nominated by several faculty members who all had incredibly positive things to say about her academic skills, intellectual curiosity, and collegiality.

What led you to pursuing your MA in Legal Studies at 杏吧原创?
The interdisciplinary and interpretive nature of the MA here at 杏吧原创 is what drew me in. For my undergrad, I did an LL.B. and specialized in International Law. A lot of that was helpful for familiarizing with doctrinal legal provisions and their applications, but I knew that if I wanted to truly make an impact in the legal field, I needed to understand the law differently. How it works in everyday life, how it has come to be what it is, how it is interpreted (even resisted), and how it shapes our social and material realities. So far, the MA has really delivered on that. It has strengthened my research and writing skills, and I鈥檝e especially enjoyed the qualitative sidemof it. I love writing (creative non-fiction in particular) so learning how to translate that into academic research has been exciting. That鈥檚 not to say I鈥檓 not sometimes close to fainting in the process (haha), but it has definitely equipped me and nudged me out of my comfort zone.

Tell me more about your research, and what do you hope to gain out of it by the time you complete your degree?
My current research looks to capture marginalization from a more nuanced perspective. I鈥檓 working on developing a concept I鈥檝e called Legal Perpetuities. To put it simply, it looks at how the law can contribute to forms of marginalization that persist across generations, and how this affects certain groups, keeping them structurally dispossessed within social systems. Theorizing in the manner that I look to approach it can be very delicate, so
while I鈥檓 consulting on the possibilities of that idea, I鈥檓 also developing research on emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, and how optimism around these technologies shapes the law. By the time I complete my degree, I really hope to have stretched my intellectual capacity. How I interpret and apply law and policies, as well as how I write about it.

What advice would you give to incoming students?
If I had to give any advice, it would be not to underestimate the value of faith and consistency. I鈥檝e had quite a long journey getting here, and sometimes I wonder how different things would have been if I wasn鈥檛 consistent with my choices and didn鈥檛 trust them with God. I鈥檇 also say, speak up. In Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie鈥檚 speech titled Never
Admire Quietly, she says to speak, speak freely, speak kindly. Because human beings are fragile and life is fleeting. I take this advice with me into academia and often encourage everyone not to be afraid to sound silly, too
knowledgeable, or even a bit awkward. We are here to explore and grow, and that only really happens when you
participate fully. Engaging in classes, sharing ideas and taking part in activities will help you make the most of your experience at 杏吧原创 (and possibly, really have fun while at it).

Are you interested in learning more about our graduate programs? You can find more details here!

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Meet Janakan Muthukumar! Janakan is pursuing a PhD in Legal Studies under the supervision of Professor Sean Richmond. Janakan is the recipient of this year鈥檚 Transformation Scholarship for Graduate Students.

1. What led you to pursue your PhD in Legal Studies at 杏吧原创?
杏吧原创’s Department of Law and Legal Studies stood out to me for its interdisciplinary ethos and commitment to tackling real-world legal and policy issues with intellectual depth. My academic and professional background sits at the intersection of international law, security, and human rights鈥攁reas that the department not only embraces but leads in. I was particularly drawn to 杏吧原创’s emphasis on critical legal scholarship, the faculty’s diverse expertise, and the department鈥檚 culture of mentorship and public engagement. After speaking with several faculty members and current students, I knew it was the right place to develop my ideas in a rigorous and supportive environment.

2. Tell us about your research, and what you hope to gain out of it by the time you complete your degree.
My research examines how, if at all, international law influenced Canada鈥檚 nuclear weapons policy between 1957 and 1984. While Canada鈥檚 nuclear history has often been studied through strategic or political lenses, I focus on the legal dimension鈥攁nalyzing how international legal norms were understood, debated, and invoked by Canadian policymakers during key moments of decision-making. This includes not only disarmament and non-proliferation treaties, but also broader principles such as sovereignty, collective self-defence, and humanitarian law. Drawing on archival materials, diplomatic correspondence, and theoretical frameworks like interactional international law, I explore how law shaped Canada鈥檚 nuclear trajectory鈥攏ot as a rigid constraint, but as a set of norms that helped define Canada鈥檚 identity, legitimate its policies, and navigate alliance obligations under NATO and NORAD.

By the time I complete my degree, I hope to produce not just a historical account, but a meaningful intervention in how we think about the role of law in shaping national security policy. My goal is to demonstrate that international legal norms鈥攅ven in areas as politically charged as nuclear weapons鈥攁re not peripheral, but central to how states like Canada define their choices, justify their actions, and project their identities. I also hope my work contributes to broader conversations about the future of disarmament, the credibility of international legal commitments, and the responsibilities of middle powers in upholding a rules-based international order. At a time when global arms control is under strain, I believe understanding the legal foundations of past restraint can help us imagine new paths forward.

3. What advice would you give to incoming students?
Graduate studies can be both rewarding and overwhelming, so my first piece of advice is to embrace the long view鈥攔ecognize that scholarship is a process, and it鈥檚 okay to not have everything figured out at the start. Build relationships with faculty and fellow students; 杏吧原创鈥檚 community is rich with people who are generous with their time and ideas. Also, carve out space to read widely and critically鈥攅ven beyond your discipline. Some of the most meaningful breakthroughs come from unexpected places. Lastly, don鈥檛 underestimate the value of self-care and setting boundaries鈥攖his work takes stamina, and so does taking care of yourself along the way.

Are you interested in learning more about our graduate programs? You can find more details here!

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Meet Gurleen Bhatti! Gurleen is heading into the second year of our MA Program and is completing a thesis under the supervision of Dale Spencer.

Gurleen is also the recipient of this year’s Chet Mitchell Memorial Award in Law! This award is given annually to a deserving student enrolled in the Master of Arts program in Legal Studies and is nominated by faculty members teaching in the graduate program. Gurleen was nominated by several faculty who all had incredibly positive things to say about her academic skills, intellectual curiosity, and collegiality.

Read more below on Gurleen’s experience in our department.

What lead you to pursuing your MA in Legal Studies at 杏吧原创?

I was drawn to the critical and interdisciplinary lens that many of the legal studies faculty at 杏吧原创 are committed to. This is something that was important to me personally, as well as my approach to the area of research I was interested in. And, after a year, I can safely say they did not disappoint! The emphasis on the complexities of the legal field and meaningful social transformation has been challenging and engaging. One of the other reasons I chose this program is because I feel like I found my place and purpose in academia, so I wanted to be a part of and learn from exceptional and progressive scholars.

Tell me more about your research, and what do you hope to gain out of it by the time you complete your degree?

My MA thesis focuses on policing. More specifically, I am examining police accountability and how the Ontario Special Investigations Unit conducts its investigations of complaints. Police oversight in Canada is an area that very little is known about, both academically and to the public. By the time I complete my degree, I am hoping to become a better learner, a well-rounded researcher, and take advantage of the opportunities that come with being a grad student in this space.

What advice would you give to incoming students?

My advice for incoming students sounds cheesy but it鈥檚 true: follow your passion. Lean into the conversations and topics that interest you 鈥� take the time to understand why they interest you and what kinds of research you would be excited to contribute to. I would also say that self-discovery goes hand in hand with community. Be part of the academic community you鈥檙e in 鈥� whether it be through departmental events, panel discussions, or getting involved in the larger 杏吧原创 student body. These will be a big source of inspiration, commitment, and joy, especially because academia can sometimes be a very isolating experience. But it does not have to be!

Are you interested in learning more about our MA program? Check out our website here for more details!

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Meet Erica Chen! Erica is a PhD student under the supervision of Evelyn Maeder and was also awarded SSHRC this year!

See what lead Erica to pursue her PhD in Legal Studies at 杏吧原创 and her experience in our program!

What lead you to pursue your PhD in Legal Studies at 杏吧原创?

I was really interested in how the Department of Law & Legal Studies takes a multidisciplinary approach to the study of law; the overrepresentation of racialized people involved in the criminal legal system is a complex issue that one discipline cannot fully address. I was also extremely interested in working with my supervisor, Dr. Evelyn Maeder, who applies social psychological concepts to the criminal legal system. She is one of the few researchers who examines racial discrimination in the context of jury decision-making, and I was drawn to her work since I was an undergraduate student.

Tell us about your research, and what you hope to gain out of it by the time you complete your degree?

I am applying the experimental mock trial paradigm to an HIV non-disclosure case to better understand the psychological mechanisms behind jury decision-making. By the time I complete my degree, I hope to become a mixed-methods researcher who is well-versed in both legal and social psychological theory.

What advice would you give to incoming students?

My main two pieces for advice to incoming students would be to take rejection as an opportunity to learn, to take attend as many departmental events as possible. Rejection, unfortunately, is quite common in academia, which can be discouraging. However, with the help of my supervisor, I have learned to seek out opportunities for feedback and to further develop my skills. I have really enjoyed the departmental events that the Law and Legal Studies have, such as holiday parties and pizza and work-in-progress. Isolation and imposter syndrome are rampant in higher education, but events like these are central to building strong connections with your peers and forming a supportive learning environment.

Want to learn more about our PhD Program? Click here for more info!

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Meet Ellen Yarr! Ellen is a 2nd year MA student under the supervision of Megan Gaucher in the thesis stream. Ellen will be completing her thesis defence within the next few weeks and was also awarded SSHRC back in the fall of 2024!

Check out what lead Ellen to pursue her MA here in our department and what her experience in our program is like!

What lead you to pursue your MA in Legal Studies at 杏吧原创?

I really wanted to work with Megan Gaucher, my thesis supervisor, who is one of the only people in the country doing critical work in the field of citizenship, migration, and family formations in Canada. I read a lot of Megan’s work in my undergrad, and it really sparked an interest for me in the ways in which family, sexuality, gender, migration, and citizenship intersect in unique ways in political discourse.

Tell us about your research, and what you hope to gain out of it by the time you complete your degree?

My research investigates two cases of what I am calling “domestic imperialism,” that is, a ‘softer’ form of contemporary imperialism in which discourses of protection and paternalism are used as vehicles for expansionist and or/exclusionary policies. My first case study is the 2015 Canadian Zero 

Tolerance for Barbaric Cultural Practices Act, where the guise of protecting white Canadian women was used as a tactic of enacting racist border policies. My second case study is the United States occupation of Afghanistan and the paternalization of Afghan women facing the oppression of the Taliban. It examines how the United States ultimately abandoned any semblance of a benevolent mission in Afghanistan by failing to engage substantially with the Afghan women in the country. I am particularly interested in the role of white women in furthering these instances of contemporary imperialism.

I don’t see this research or this degree as a means to an end, but rather see myself as being lucky enough to be able to continue my academic career beyond my undergrad. I think engaging in the activity of research and investigation of topics that interest you, in and of itself, is an extremely valuable exercise, and if you have the means to do it, then you should!

What advice would you give to incoming students?

Engage critically with the academic institutions that you are a part of. As students, it is easy to simply do your work and keep your head down, but academic institutions thrive when the voices of students are heard. Get involved and speak up for yourself and your fellow students, even when it’s not easy. Your learning experience will be strengthened if you actually apply the critical thinking skills that you are taught to the world around you.

Are you interested in learning more about our MA program? Check out our website here for more details!

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Department of Law and Legal Studies MA candidate, Kimiya Missaghi, has been awarded 2021 Research Impact Canada Engaged Scholarship Award in the Master鈥檚 category. Congratulations!

Kimiya Missaghi is a MA candidate at the Department of Law and Legal Studies at 杏吧原创 University currently completing her thesis. Her research is a case study that interviews alumni from an underground university in Iran. This university was created as a response to Baha’is being unable to attend higher education because of their religious affiliation in Iran. This study explores themes of resiliency, oppression, resistance, and education, and seeks to advance discourse on overcoming oppression and systematic barriers among minority groups. Areas of interest include human rights, religious freedom, refugee resiliency, social change, and innovative pedagogical approaches.

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Congratulations to Dr. Safiyah Rochelle for being awarded a Senate Medal for Outstanding Academic Achievement!

Safiyah worked under the supervision of Professor Christiane Wilke and successfully defended her thesis 鈥淐apturing the Void(ed): Muslim Detainees, Practices of Violence, and the Politics of Seeing in Guantanamo Bay鈥� this past winter!

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PhD student Jean Ketterling said her heart rate shot through the ceiling when she clicked on an email notification to check the 2020 Vanier scholarship results.

鈥淥nce my heart rate went back to normal, I was thrilled!鈥� says Ketterling.

Ketterling is one of three 杏吧原创 University students to win a this year. This extremely prestigious scholarship is awarded to Canadian PhD students who conduct exceptional research. It is valued at $50,000 per year for three years during a student鈥檚 doctoral studies.

The other two 杏吧原创 recipients are Systems and Computer Engineering student David Luong and student Antoine Genest-Gregoire.

鈥淩eceiving funding takes away so much of the financial stress that comes with being a graduate student and will mean I can fully focus on my work, make significant progress on other research projects, and be more involved with the issues I care about.鈥�

Ketterling鈥檚 PhD research looks at the role of video games in our intimate and erotic lives.

She explains: 鈥淏y focusing on the emotional experiences of these games, I鈥檓 hoping to contribute to the effort to understand how our sexual and intimate lives are impacted by technology by helping to build analytic tools for making sense of video games as sites of pleasure.鈥�

Ketterling notes that, by industry estimates, well over half the adult population in Canada and the United States play video games. Given this, she says that studying how we use video games in our everyday life is important, especially erotic video games which are more available than ever to mainstream audiences.

Says Ketterling: 鈥淲e鈥檙e also seeing examples of video games being used to maintain intimate connections with families, friends and partners. One example is how people are using video games such as Minecraft and Animal Crossing to gather, spend time together, or to go on dates during the COVID-19 pandemic. But there is still a lot of fear or ambivalence about the importance of video games in our culture – and in our intimate lives in particular – so I hope my research contributes to a better understanding of this phenomenon.

 She says that she would be thrilled if her research can contribute to a nuanced public conversation about the role of technology in our sexual and intimate lives.

Ketterling has combined academic excellence with ongoing volunteer and leadership
work in the sexual and reproductive health communities in Nova Scotia and in Ottawa. She
has taken leadership roles in various organizations focused on sexual and reproductive health and rights, as well as acted as a strategic planning consultant for Planned Parenthood Ottawa.

Ketterling came to the Department of Law and Legal Studies precisely to do
graduate study with Dr. Ummni Khan, first as an MA student, and now for her PhD, and to work
with this scholarly community working at the intersection of sexuality, law and culture.

She loves the interdisciplinary nature of the Law and Legal Studies Department. 鈥淢y colleagues are what really make it great! It鈥檚 amazing to get to work every day with a group of brilliant, passionate, and supportive people with such a wide range of expertise.鈥�

鈥淎nd Professor Khan is the best person to have in your corner; she鈥檚 brilliant, incredibly generous in her mentorship, and always musters enthusiasm for my work even on the days when I find it hard to. I鈥檓 also very grateful for Dr Aubrey Anable and Dr Sheryl Hamilton, who sit on my committee, and who support and challenge me.鈥�

Ketterling has received other awards including Ontario Graduate Scholarships, and the Joseph Armand Bombardier Canada Graduate Scholarship, awarded by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council.

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Veronica 脴verlid, a second-year Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Law and Legal Studies at 杏吧原创, has been awarded a 2020 Pierre Elliott Trudeau Scholarship.

Her research focuses on migration and refugee law.

脴verlid has a degree in Spanish and Latin American Studies (BA) and an MA in International Human Rights Law.

Prior to the Ph.D., she worked with civil society organizations related to human rights and youth in several countries and has written several articles about human rights activism in Latin America. She has, furthermore, worked at the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in Egypt, with a focus on gender-based violence. She has significant experience in teaching as well as in outreach work.

Currently, Veronica is involved in various student initiatives at 杏吧原创, including the Migration and Diaspora Student Society and the Graduate Law Student Association. For her doctoral dissertation, she is examining the “migrant caravan” in Central America as a social resistance movement, considering its implications for international law.

Congratulations Veronica on this prestigious award!

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Tiffany MacLellan鈥檚 dissertation for the Department of Law and Legal Studies has won the

The annual international prize is awarded to 鈥渢he dissertation that most promises to enrich and advance interdisciplinary scholarship at the intersection of law, culture and the humanities.鈥� It is the first time a graduate student studying at a Canadian university has won the award.

MacLellan鈥檚 dissertation is entitled, 鈥淧ainting Pasts and Futures: Transitional Justice, Museums, and Aesthetic Interruptions.鈥�

She conducted field work on museum exhibitions of war crimes tribunals in the U.S. and Germany and found that 鈥渨hile curators tend to reaffirm the temporal logic wielded in mainstream transitional justice theory, this narrative is infinitely vulnerable to aesthetic disruptions that encourage us to think political transformation otherwise.鈥�

MacLellan says the narrative of transitional justice 鈥減roblematically conceptualizes political communities on a clean trajectory of evolution towards democracy. In doing so, this temporal line of thinking forecloses the possibility of conceiving political transformation as infinitely on-going, and therefore permits political communities and correlative state institutions to narrate themselves away from legacies of violence and responsibility.鈥�

鈥淚 am very proud of Tiffany for her excellent work and doubly happy that this reflects so well on our department and university, said Stacy Douglas, Associate Professor of Law and Legal Studies.

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