Madelyn Prevost

I am a mixed media and textile artist with an educational background in the anthropology of religion, religion and medicine. I am originally from Ontario, and moved to B.C. to attend SFU. I am a pet parent to two adult cats. I enjoy baking bread, buying house plants for my apartment, and weight-lifting.

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO COME TO SFU?

I chose to come to SFU for the faculty in my department working on relevant and important research, the Sociology & Anthropology department's strong methodological focus, and the location of SFU.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR RESEARCH AND/OR PROGRAM.

My research looks at makers (artists, crafters, and artisans) to understand what contributes to their making practices and products. I am particularly interested in the ways people, materials, intangible heritage, and places come together to relay and create new knowledge for makers. I am currently exploring the role environment plays in knowledge production, as well as the way knowledge becomes embodied (or "intuitive").

WHAT ARE YOU PARTICULARLY ENJOYING ABOUT YOUR STUDIES/RESEARCH AT SFU?

I am particularly enjoying discussing theory and methods with other graduate students in and outside of my department. These conversations are excellent spaces for exploring new ideas and perspectives on a topic, as well as facilitating community among graduate students.

HAVE YOU BEEN THE RECIPIENT OF ANY MAJOR OR DONOR FUNDED AWARDS?

In addition to SSHRC, I have been the recipient of several BC Graduate Scholarships, Dean's Fellowships, and Graduate Fellowships. These awards made it possible for me to leave my emotionally-draining part-time job and put more time and energy into reading, writing, and art.

DESCRIBE YOUR PROGRAM FOR THOSE SEARCHING.

Sociology & Anthropology is a small, but highly supportive department. The small MA and PhD cohorts make it easy to find TA/TM and RA positions that offer teaching, grading, and research experience. The faculty have a range of strengths, including exceptional expertise of social theory, innovative methodological approaches, and administrative knowledge to make your degree progress as quickly and smoothly as possible. While course offerings at the graduate level are limited, many professors are open to tailored directed readings courses.

Contact Madelyn: madelynp@sfu.ca