On today's episode, we have Jenna Kerr, MA Counselling Psychology Student at Western University. She’s joining us to talk about how qualitative research has played a role in her educational journey, her honours research, and her hopes for how healthcare providers can think more creatively about what it means to provide care.

Please note, this episode was recorded in summer 2025 and so minor details such as educational titles have changed since the time of recording.

References from the episode:

• Contested illness, contested identity: How women with fibromyalgia construct legitimacy online by Jenna Kerr and Carey DeMichelis
• The Presentation of Self in Everyday Life by Erving Goffman (front stage and back stage behaviour)
• Institutional Ethnography: A Sociology For People by Dorothy Smith
• Pain BC
• “...chronic pain serves as an affront to the concept of the time-constrained legitimacy of the “sick” role – one which prescribes that the patient should eventually get better, or die” —Anna Gottlieb
• Chilliwack Youth Health Center
• Decolonizing Therapy: Oppression, Historical Trauma & Politicizing Your Practice by Dr Jennifer Mullan

While not mentioned in the episode, we’re thrilled to share an article Jenna co-wrote with Linda Pardy that has since been published, Work-integrated learning: Fifteen years of learning, listening, and reflection.

On today’s episode we have Will Dow-Kenny, a neuroscience graduate from Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, New York. He's joining us today to talk about doing applied research, his experience as a student athlete, and his post-graduation plans.

Please note, this episode was recorded in summer 2025 and so minor details may have changed. Since the time of recording, Will has joined the Nijmegen Devils hockey team in the Netherlands.

On today’s episode we have Aysha McConkey, a Bachelor of Environmental Studies graduate, junior biologist, and wildlife artist. She’s joining us today to talk about the importance of co-op placements during her academic journey, various types of local wildlife conservation efforts, and the synergy between art and science to mobilize knowledge.

Learn more about Aysha’s projects at her website and follow her on Instagram at @AyshaMcConkeyArt.

Please note, this episode was recorded in summer 2025 and so minor details may have changed since the time of recording.

References from the episode:

• Protecting BC’s Wildlife: How Aysha McConkey’s co-op experience shaped her future, UFV Today
• The invasive strawberry blossom weevil, Anthonomus rubi Herbst (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), uses Dasiphora fruticosa for reproduction in British Columbia by Aysha B. McConkey, Yonathan Uriel, Jade Sherwood, Warren Wong, Tracy Hueppelsheuser, and Michelle T. Franklin
• Aysha’s Richmond Mural at No 7. Road Pier parks washroom building