Nathanel Eguale: Building Research Confidence Through Community Engagement
This is the impact story of Nathanel Eguale, a student researcher with the 312 Main Research Shop, who partnered with the to support inclusive economic development in Vancouver鈥檚 Downtown Eastside. Leading interviews, focus groups, and surveys, Nathanel helped shape conversations at the municipal level while building skills in data analysis and public engagement. The supportive environment at 312 Main helped him grow as a researcher鈥攁nd inspired him to consider a PhD.
Nathanel Eguale worked with the on the , an initiative focused on filling empty storefronts with community-centered businesses and essential services in Vancouver鈥檚 Downtown Eastside. His approach addresses gentrification head-on by prioritizing inclusivity and resident needs鈥攕haping a future where everyone can thrive.
As a student researcher with a growing interest in community-based work, Nathanel found the 312 Main Research Shop to be a transformative learning experience. Balancing academic theory with real-world impact in Vancouver鈥檚 Downtown Eastside, he led a self-directed project that included interviews, focus groups, and a community-led survey.
鈥淚 learned how to manage shifting expectations while juggling school responsibilities.鈥�
With guidance from the Research Shop and local partners, he conducted nearly 30 interviews and led presentations that directly informed municipal conversations.
鈥淭hey said they had already discussed the findings at city council鈥攖hat meant a lot.鈥�
Though the technical aspects鈥攍ike data analysis and understanding deliverable formats鈥攚ere initially challenging, the experience helped Nathanel sharpen his research skills. 鈥淭his helped me make sense of raw data, lead focus groups, and speak in front of large audiences. Those were all new for me.鈥�
Most meaningful was the supportive, flexible environment. 鈥淚t felt more like a community than a workplace,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 could explore independently but always had someone to turn to.鈥�
His advice for future researchers? 鈥淏ridge communication between your supervisor and community partners early鈥攊t really smooths out expectations.鈥� His biggest takeaway? A deepened sense of purpose鈥攁nd a newfound openness to pursuing a PhD.