Tara Jankovic

Geography master's student in the Faculty of Environment

Tell us a little about yourself, including what inspires you to learn and continue in your chosen field

I'm an M.A. candidate in the Department of Geography here at SFU. I was born and raised in Vancouver, and completed my B.A. in Sociology and Urban Studies at UBC. Throughout my undergraduate studies, I became increasingly interested in the socio-political history of housing and housing justice movements both local and global. In my free time, I enjoy loitering in parks and coffee shops with a book, learning the accordion, or going to the movies with my friends.

Why did you choose to come to SFU?

I decided to pursue graduate studies at SFU because I wanted to work with Dr. Nick Blomley who does wonderful work in legal geographies and critical property studies. I'm also a sucker for modernist architecture, so the idea of studying in an Erickson building was massively appealing to me.

How would you describe your research or your program to a family member?

My research is concerned with the steady rise of evictions in Vancouver, with a focus on evictions caused by the landlord wanting to use, sell, or redevelop the property. I am interested in how renters experience these evictions and what it tells us about renters' relationship to property and home, along with the impact that real estate speculation has on the ability to make a home in rental housing.

What three (3) keywords would you use to describe your research?

Evictions, rental property relations, real estate.

How have your courses, RA-ships, TA-ships, or non-academic school experiences contributed to your academic and/or professional development?

Coursework, TA-ships, and project collaborations have given me the opportunity to get to know and work with faculty members and students from across the department, which has been one of the most fulfilling aspects of my studies so far. I am also extremely lucky to be working alongside and learning from Professor Blomley's other grad students, who are all brilliant!

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 have been really lucky to receive the SSHRC-CGSM award and B.C. Graduate Scholarship! It has been a huge help in easing some of the financial burdens of studying while living in Vancouver. Thanks to the scholarships, along with funding from my department, I can focus on pursuing my research.

Contact Tara:tara_jankovic@sfu.ca

Additional Links

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