Ashley Kyne

Criminology master's student in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences

I am an iTaukei master's student at Simon Fraser University's School of Criminology and a graduate fellow for the Community-Rengaged Research Iniative. Recently, I received my Bachelor of Arts in Criminology (Hons) and Indigenous Studies.

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO COME TO SFU?

As the top criminology school in the western hemisphere, the School of Criminology has excellent supervision, renowned instructors, and international collaboration that will help me discover strategies to address Indigenous overrepresentation as a master's student. I am fortunate to be working under the supervision of Dr. Maaike Helmus, whose research in risk assessment is celebrated and pertinent to understanding risk factors unique/disproportionate to Indigenous Peoples.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR RESEARCH OR YOUR PROGRAM TO A FAMILY MEMBER?

My research consist of offender risk assessment with a specific concentration on Indigenous offenders. Taking a decolonized, culturally-sensitive, and quantitative approach to identify correlates of crime, I hope to develop community engaged research and intercultural collaboration with Indigenous Peoples as I discover strategies to address their overrepresentation in the justice system.

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

While I have completed my first semester as a master's student in the School of Criminology, I have enjoyed engaging in advanced coursework and meeting individuals who feel strongly about research as much as I do. Likewise, I have enjoyed working closely with faculty and staff and learning about their career trajectories in academia. Most noteworthy are the Brown Bags Dr. Zach Rowan and Dr. Richard Frank put on, which are little seminars that consist of topics related to succeeding in grad school, career/research opportunities, conference prep, faculty socials, etc.

HAVE YOU BEEN THE RECIPIENT OF ANY MAJOR OR DONOR-FUNDED AWARDS? IF SO, PLEASE TELL US WHICH ONES AND A LITTLE ABOUT HOW THE AWARDS HAVE IMPACTED YOUR STUDIES AND/OR RESEARCH.

I am deeply honoured to have gained the means and opportunity to continue my academic journey and research. As a first-generation iTaukei student, education is not only a passion but a means to better my future and to give back to my parents who have worked tirelessly for me. Funding for research is also difficult to come but the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council has equipped me with the resources to address the crucial gap in risk assessment research for Indigenous offenders and increase collaboration with Indigenous communities, governments, and academe.

• Joseph-Armand Bombardier Canada Graduate Scholarships –Master’s Program, Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council.
• Lieutenant Governor’s Medal for Inclusion, Democracy and Reconciliation
• Arthur & Ancie Fouks Grad Entrance Award
• SSHRC Supplement: Mobilizing Insights in Defence and Security (MINDS) Master’s Scholarship for Indigenous Students.
• Mahatma Gandhi Annual Student Award, Institute for the Humanities
• Graduate Fellowship
• Service Award, Three Links Foundation
• Mike McIntosh Undergraduate Award, Simon Fraser University Libraries
• Simon Fraser University Student-Community Engagement Competition

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR PROGRAM/POSTDOC POSITION TO SOMEONE STILL SEARCHING FOR A PROGRAM OR POSTDOC POSITION?

If you are passionate about research and would like to embark on rigorous, independent research then the School of Criminology is for you. The Department has an array of amazing scholars that are eager to support your academic career and provide numerous research opportunities.

IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU'D LIKE TO SHARE?

When I am not focused on academics, I like to go on hikes with my Australian shepherds, volunteer in the Downtown Eastside, learn new songs on my ukulele, and paint.

Contact Ashley Kyne: akyne@sfu.ca

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