FACULTY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES

Political Science

Political Science MA Cohort Brings Critical Perspectives to Contemporary Research

McMaster Political Science Department celebrates promising new researchers in the department.

 

Each year, the Department of Political Science admits 15-25 students for a one-year intensive MA program. For most students, the program culminates with a Major Research Project (MRP) – a 10,000 word research paper.

 

In the past, the department has welcomed students from across Canada and internationally. These students have gone on to work for government, think-tanks and non-profits, and pursue doctorates. This year’s (2023-24) cohort brings in students with diverse and critical research agendas, experience in government and advocacy, and active scholarly production.

 

Originally from Vancouver, Elliot Goodell Ugalde (BA UVic) is a dedicated scholar and professional with a strong focus on international relations and Indigenous issues. Elliot has previously worked in government as a legislative assistant and an office manager and government relations officer for the Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre Society. He brings this experience and passion to his research on Tenants Unions, and amalgamating housing and labour struggles–the subject of his MRP. Already, Elliot has published in journals like the British Columbia Quarterly and the International Journal of Law Ethics and Technology. You can learn more about him through his websiteORCID and ResearchGate profile.

 

From Edmonton, Isa Storti (BA MacEwan) brings her passion for governance to the MA Global Politics program. During her time at MacEwan, Isa was a dedicated executive, educator, and senior delegate in MacEwan’s Model UN Club. Additionally, she contributed to the foundation of the Canada-Ukraine Model UN Project involving the National University Kyiv-Moyla Academy and the Ukrainian Catholic University. Broadly, her research is at the intersection of media, political subject hood and security. Isa has previously worked at the non-profit Caregivers Alberta and as a Research Assistant. Her MRP research looks at the intersection of race and childhood, specifically in the discourse of Christian evangelism. You can learn more about Isa through her LinkedIn profile.

 

Originally from Oakville, Mitchell Tam (BA McMaster) continues his McMaster career pursuing an MA in Global Politics. Broadly, Mitchell’s research interests include judicial studies, nationalism and public policy. This research agenda is rooted in his professional experiences as a volunteer research assistant for the John Howard Society of Ontario, and social policy consultant for the Ontario Federation of Home and School Associations. His current research – the subject of his MRP – examines the causes of the ongoing war in Ukraine from a founding moments perspective. Specifically, his research asks how the quest for coherent narratives and lineages drives states into conflict.  You can learn more about Mitchell through his LinkedIn profile.

 

We look forward to seeing what this year’s cohort will accomplish in the future. You can learn more about the Department of Political Science’s graduate programs here.