CDAG Member Profile - Dr. Christine Boyko-Head

Role:?Professor/ SSHRC Research Lead

College & City:?Mohawk College, Hamilton, ON

If someone were to visit your college/city, suggest three “not to miss” sites.

The Indigenous Gathering Space and the Wampum Belt Wall; The Language and Culture Centre which offers workshops, events and social gatherings; and the patio outside Starbucks where great discussions happen and new projects are born.?

How?long have you been a member of CDAG and what is one thing you most appreciate about the organization?

Since 2014??? I appreciate the sharing of ideas through the conference, supporting new research through the RIS, openness to solving pedagogical challenges, dedication to enhancing the educational ecosystem.

Can you briefly describe your current research projects?

Exploring?metaphors and myths relevant to women’s perceptions of their past, present and futures. Developing an emergent, co-creative process that encourages participants (researched and researcher) to “play in possibilities” and story-worlds that (re)discover strengths, needs, challenges and attitudes leading to preferred, alternative futures.?

What is the quirkiest or most meaningful piece of feedback you’ve ever received in your career??

“Just get it done because no one is going to read it anyways!” said my substitute thesis advisor when I was completing my PhD dissertation at McMaster (1995). I “got it done,” and then transformed what no one would read into a Pop Culture anthology chapter and a novel which people would read! It made me think of diverse ways to reach audiences.?

What project are you most proud to be/to have been a part of in your career??

In 2011, I was the volunteer Fundraising Director responsible for raising $1.3m for a new arena/community centre. With a team of two, we raised the money in 11 months, building a sophisticated, state-of the art social hub, complete with waterfall and fireplace! It reinforced the importance of giving people the opportunity to say no.?

The Member Profile is a new-but-recurring feature of the CDAG website and newsletter. Christine Boyko-Head is one of this year’s Research, Innovation and Scholarship Award recipients and you can learn more about her research here: RIS Fund Recipients.