Note: the following is just a sample of the research taking place at MSVU. Learn more about research at MSVU.
Dr. Adrian M. Downey, Faculty of Education:
Dr. Downey’s research specializes in reviewing the literature in educational research by identifying the gaps (e.g., Indigenous spirituality in curriculum) and generating theory based on conversations between the reviewed literature, current socio-politics, and curricular contexts.
Dr. Shannan Grant, Department of Applied Human Nutrition:
Dr. Grant is the co-founder and co-director of the NSERC PromoScience Two-Eyed Seeing Camp Project. The project is based on the Mi’kmaw concept and guiding principles of Etuaptmunk (two-eyed seeing) that encourages integrating Indigenous and Western perspectives. The program draws from this concept to create programming that teaches youth about Mi’kmaw culture and Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM).
Dr. Mary Jane Harkins, Faculty of Education:
Dr. Harkins’ research involves writing about the life of Sister Dorothy Moore, a respected Mi’kmaw elder, as a way to explore the history of Mi’kmaq people. Stories involve her life experiences, education, and extensive career as an educator and advocate for the rights to Mi’kmaq language and culture in Nova Scotia. This research has included a novel, A Journey of Love and Hope: The Inspirational Words of a Mi’kmaw Elder, and a documentary, Sister Dorothy Moore: A Life of Courage, Determination, and Love.
Dr. Bernadette Russo, Department of English:
Dr. Russo’s research includes hosting an event to provide an open conversation to consider a variety of Indigenous means of expressing agency, sovereignty, and survivance in non-traditional contexts, specifically in the realms of futurism and horror.
Dr. Corey Slumkoski, Department of History:
Dr. Slumkoski’s research focuses on the efforts of the Extension Department at Saint Francis Xavier University (St.FX) to foster economic development in Mi’kmaw communities and the responses of Mi’kmaw men and women to this program in northeastern Nova Scotia during the late-1950s and 1960s.
Dr. Shane Theunissen: Dr. Theunissen’s research has included the experience of boatbuilding from youth care workers to Mi’kmaq upper elementary students at Pictou Landing Elementary School as a medium to achieve mathematical curricular outcomes.
Dr. Martha Walls: Dr. Walls’ research focuses on the efforts of the Extension Department at Saint Francis Xavier University (St.FX) to foster economic development in Mi’kmaw communities and the responses of Mi’kmaw men and women to this program in northeastern Nova Scotia during the late-1950s and 1960s.