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"Steff is a true shining star. They are a pleasure to work with and already have a very impressive background, especially for one so early in their graduate career, including working with repatriating Indigenous remains in the US, and assistant teaching in the first Idaho Inside Outside prison exchange program. They have already published a paper on the criminal justice system’s mistreatment of transgender individuals and presently have four book chapters and other papers in review. They took on a very important, academically and emotionally taxing MA thesis on the inadequacies involved in Indigenous Youth death investigations which we hope may result in further investigation into these deaths. Steff also does an amazing amount of outreach for the next generation and cares passionately about decolonizing death investigations. I am very proud to be working with them."
- Gail Anderson
Steff King
Criminology doctoral student in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
Having just finished their MA at SFU, Steff King is currently pursuing their PhD in the School of Criminology. Their PhD research aims at creating inclusive practices conducted for missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit death investigations in North America. Prior to arriving at SFU in 2019, Steff received their Bachelor of Science degree in both Anthropology and Criminology from the University of Idaho.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO COME TO SFU?
When searching for MA programs, I hoped for somewhere that would allow me to apply my skills in both criminological and anthropological research – particularly as they applied to forensic practices. SFU’s criminology program not only offered that with their forensics laboratory but also came highly recommended by a mentor who attended the same program years ago.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR RESEARCH OR YOUR PROGRAM TO A FAMILY MEMBER?
My family gets a tad green around the gills when I talk about my more methodological forensic research. Typically, however, I explain that what they learn about death investigations from media is often wildly inaccurate both methodologically and in who professionals give adequate investigative attention.
WHAT ARE YOU PARTICULARLY ENJOYING ABOUT YOUR STUDIES/RESEARCH AT SFU?
I enjoy working with the community of people within my program. I get the chance to work on a variety of research and coursework with people from various research backgrounds who are all dedicated to creating meaningful change in the field and supporting one another.
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.
The Deans Entrance Award is my first major award. As an international student from a low-income family, this funding has made an overwhelmingly positive impact on my ability to continue my studies. I am truly grateful for receiving this award and the security it has provided me to live in Canada and work towards my goals.
Contact : steff_king@sfu.ca