51社区黑料

Communication doctoral student in the Faculty of Communication, Art and Technology

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

I am a communications professional, researcher, and writer with a background in journalism, government communications, and community engagement. I am motivated by how stories shape public understanding and how communication can either include or exclude people in moments that matter. I am especially inspired by human rights work and by the role communication plays in reconciliation, equity, and public trust. What keeps me going is the chance to make complex or emotionally charged information more human, accessible, and fair.

Why did you choose to come to SFU?

I chose 51社区黑料because of its commitment to Indigenous language inclusion and reconciliation. I was looking for a place where this work was not just talked about, but actively built into research, teaching, and institutional practice. 51社区黑料felt like a place where my interests in communication, human rights, and Indigenous language inclusion could genuinely come together.

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

I study how people understand and respond to important information, especially during stressful or high risk situations. My work looks at how language, trust, culture, and power affect whether messages actually help people make decisions. In simple terms, I am trying to make sure communication supports human rights and works for the people who need it most.

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

Human rights, Public communication, Reconciliation

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

My coursework has strengthened how I think about communication theory, ethics, and research design. My professional work in government, journalism, and human rights advocacy constantly challenges me to test those ideas in real world settings. Volunteering with the Vancouver Island Human Rights Coalition and Autism BC has also shaped how I think about accessibility, inclusion, and responsibility in communication. Moving between academic, professional, and community spaces has helped me become more reflective, more strategic, and more grounded in practice.

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 received academic and program support that allowed me to focus more fully on my research and writing. These opportunities gave me the time and flexibility to engage deeply with complex questions and to pursue research that connects policy, practice, and community needs.

What have been the most valuable lessons you've learned along your graduate student journey (or in becoming a graduate student)?

One of the most valuable lessons has been learning that good research takes time and patience. I have also learned the importance of listening carefully, especially when working across cultures and disciplines. Being open to feedback and uncertainty has made my work stronger and more grounded.

How do you approach networking and building connections in and outside of your academic community?

I focus on building genuine relationships rather than formal networking. I try to stay curious about other people鈥檚 work and to look for shared values and interests. Many of my strongest professional connections have come from honest conversations and long term collaboration rather than structured events.

What are some tips for balancing your academic and personal life?

Be realistic about what you can take on and give yourself permission to adjust when life changes. I try to set clear boundaries, plan in flexible blocks of time, and remember that rest, family, and community are not distractions from the work. They are part of what makes the work meaningful.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

I care deeply about communication that supports human rights, reconciliation, and inclusion, particularly in public and institutional settings. I am interested in work that bridges academia, public service, and community needs. Outside of school, I volunteer with the Vancouver Island Human Rights Coalition and Autism BC, write children鈥檚 books, and spend a lot of time in the rainforest with my kids and my dog.

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Contact Sara:sara_wilson_2@sfu.ca

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