A few words about yourself?
I grew up in Calgary, Alberta which is also where I went to university. I majored in archaeology and minored in German, and took classes in Italy, Belize, and Germany.
After graduation I moved around for a few years, first to northern British Columbia then to Victoria on the west coast before returning to Calgary - I love being close to the mountains and I camp, hike, and ski whenever I can.
Aside from that I enjoy making things and working on my fibre crafts (knitting, embroidery, crochet), and I currently live with my three lizards, a snake, and a tarantula!
A summary of your career to date?
I first started working as an archaeologist and spent a couple seasons in the field, but I've always liked interpreting and curating history and decided to switch over to the museum sector.
I started working at Canada's Sports Hall of Fame five years ago, designing exhibitions and keeping track of all the loans and donations.
These days I'm a university research assistant investigating Canada's rural built environment with a team of architects, urban planners, and cultural heritage managers.
Why are you drawn to this field?
I've chosen to work in museums and cultural heritage as I believe historical literacy is important and beneficial.
I think Canada and Ireland both have troubled pasts in both similar and different ways, and we're still coming to terms with that collectively as people.
Working in this field and interpreting the past is one way to facilitate things like reconciliation and inclusivity which are so important to our societies.
What attracted you to the MA in Public History and Cultural Heritage and why did you choose to study at UL?
I started looking at MA programs to complement my museum work, but I wanted something a little more general than museum studies.
I thought public history would be a good alternative that would let me draw from both my employment and educational experiences.
This was also of course during the COVID pandemic, so I didn't want to move cities or give up my job with all the uncertainty at the time.
When I came across UL's program, it seemed like a perfect option as it was so flexible - and I was also interested in learning more about Ireland and Irish history since so many important Canadian figures have been Irish. There’s also many intertwined and closely related aspects of Canada's and Ireland's pasts, more so than we might even realise.
I found it incredibly valuable to be exposed to some of the people, places, and events we both share.
What did you enjoy about the programme?
The best part for me was how international and interdisciplinary my cohort was - we all had different backgrounds and areas of expertise and came from different places, so I was able to learn a lot from my classmates as well as my professors and lecturers.
I enjoyed the mix of structured and open-ended assignments, as I got to learn about things I may not have sought out on my own whilst also indulging my own interests.
What was your experience like studying fully online?
I was nervous about it, but it went much more smoothly than I expected! All of my professors and other UL staff were very accommodating and understanding.
The worst I had to deal with was a handful of early-morning meetings, but that's to be expected with a seven-hour time difference!
How did it feel to be on campus for the first time to graduate?
It almost doesn't feel like the first time, just because I've heard and seen so much about it over the last couple years!
At the same time, it feels a bit surreal - it's one thing to know objectively that my university is in a different country on a different continent, but it's another to actually be here after flying and driving all this way and to finally experience Ireland in person.
What would you say to someone who was considering studying at UL?
I have nothing but good things to say about UL and I'd recommend it to anyone, whether you're studying in person or remotely. And keep an eye out for opportunities to participate outside of class - even as far away as I was, I was still able to connect with my classmates and take part in workshops and seminars that added so much more to my experience; I'm sure it's even easier to find those offerings in person!
As you might know, UL is the Home of Firsts, for things like graduate employment and facilities, have you experienced any notable ‘firsts’ while you’ve been a student?
I think I've had a lot of firsts at UL; it was my first time being an online student, which brought a lot of new experiences in itself.
My dissertation was my first fully original piece of research, and my first project of that size and scope; it's still a bit hard to believe I did all that work on my own!
And now I'm getting to enjoy my first time in Ireland for which I'm very grateful, and I certainly hope it won't be the last.
What is next for you?
I'm actually looking into PhD programs now, which I wouldn't have thought I had a chance of getting into just a couple years ago!
Until then I'm continuing my museum work as a contractor, and expanding more on the research in my MA dissertation when I have free time.
Anything else you’d like to add?
Just to reiterate that I appreciate all the work and care that goes into a remote program like my own, and I'm grateful to UL for making my MA experience so painless and well-organised.
It's great to know that all the effort I put in was recognised and paid off, and that UL was the perfect choice as I hoped it would be.