SSHRC Calgary Graduate Students:
RESEARCH SITE: Led by University of Calgary
THEME: Designing Inclusive, Sustainable & Healthy Cities
University of Calgary’s graduate student team is made up of an interdisciplinary group from numerous faculties, departments and disciplines, including: School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape (SAPL), the Faculty of Arts, the Faculty of Social Work, and the Cumming School of Medicine.
From Left: Hasti Masihay Akbar, Taly-Dawn Salyn, Aimee Essington, Natasha Levinski, Sonia Kamal, Traci Berg, Adrian De Vera, Nooshin Esmaeili, Belle Gutierrez Kellam
Below is the list of all the current members of the Calgary team in an alphabetical order. Each student was asked to introduce themselves, telling us about their nationality, background and their current program. We also asked the following questions:
- What does “Quality” in the built environment means to you in ONE word?
- Where is your favorite place in Calgary that you like the most and maybe one that resembles that one word from the previous question? (This place can be a small, large, public, private, house, garden, mall, park, recreation, corridor, lounge– literally anywhere!)
Adrian De Vera, Bachelor of Geography Candidate (4th Year)
Short Bio:
I am a Canadian born in the Philippines and I’m currently pursuing my BSc in Geography at University of Calgary in the Department of Geography. My background consists of an understanding of the earth’s geomorphology, urban development, climate, and ways of processing spatial data into legible maps. With experience in the energy industry, I hope to gain more knowledge in planning policies. Currently, my supervisor is Dr. Matt Patterson.
- What quality in the built environment means to you in ONE word? Innovation.
- Where is your favorite place in Calgary that you like the most and maybe one that resembles that one word from the previous question? My favorite place in Calgary would be Dale Hodges Park along the Bow River. Its proximity to nature and other recreational activities makes it an ideal location.
Aimee Essington, Bachelor of Social Work Candidate (4th Year)
Short Bio:
I am a fourth year Bachelor of Social Work student at the University of Calgary, with professional aspirations focused on social policy, social justice, and community development. I am a settler on traditional Treaty 7 territory in Southern Alberta. I have background working alongside various population groups with a primary focus on youth and those struggling with addiction. Under the supervision of Dr. Hieu Ngo, I am excited by the collaborative nature of this project and the powerful use of story, through qualitative research, to bring about change in how quality is created in our built environment.
- What quality in the built environment means to you in ONE word? Accessibility
- Where is your favorite place in Calgary that you like the most and maybe one that resembles that one word from the previous question? Sandy Beach Dog park (SW, Calgary). Sandy Beach Park is a beautiful part of Calgary, both close to downtown and residential areas. It offers playgrounds, river access, walking/biking paths, and off leash dog areas. My Australian cattle dog and I find ourselves enjoying this part of Calgary on a weekly basis!
Belle Gutierrez Kellam, Bachelors of Sociology Candidate (4th year)
Short Bio:
I am an international student from the state of Virginia, USA. My family moved to Canada in 2010 and I decided to continue my education at the U of C after completing high school here in Calgary and falling in love with the extensive parks and pathway systems we have here. I am in my final year of an undergraduate degree in Sociology with an embedded certificate in Sustainability Studies. My academic mentor, and supervisor on the project, is Dr. Matt Patterson.
What quality in the built environment means to you in ONE word? Accessibility
Where is your favorite place in Calgary that you like the most and maybe one that resembles that one word from the previous question? Sandy Beach Dog park (SW, Calgary). Sandy Beach Park is a beautiful part of Calgary, both close to downtown and residential areas. It offers playgrounds, river access, walking/biking paths, and off leash dog areas. My Australian cattle dog and I find ourselves enjoying this part of Calgary on a weekly basis!
Hasti Masihay Akbar, M.D., Master of Science Candidate, Community Health Science-Epidemiology (1st Year)
Short Bio:
I am Iranian, a medical doctor by training, and a first-year master’s student in Epidemiology, Department of Community Health Science, University of Calgary. My supervisor is Dr. Gavin McCormack.
What quality in the built environment means to you in ONE word? Belonging
Where is your favorite place in Calgary that you like the most and maybe one that resembles that one word from the previous question? Elbow river pathway
Nooshin Esmaeili, Architect AAA, MRAIC, Bachelors of Fine Arts, Masters of Architecture, PhD Candidate (2nd year)
Short Bio:
I am Persian and I was born in Iran. I received both my Bachelor of Fine Arts and Master of Architecture from the University of Calgary. I am registered Architect in Canada and a certified Yoga instructor. Currently I am a sessional instructor and a PhD Student working with Dr. Brian R. Sinclair at the School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape (SAPL) – University of Calgary. I am also the Calgary Graduate Student Team Lead and the President of Canada Graduate Student Committee (GSC) for this partnership.
- What quality in the built environment means to you in ONE word? Sense of Self
- Where is your favorite place in Calgary that you like the most and maybe one that resembles that one word from the previous question? Bowness Park (Specially at night!! Its magical)
Sonia Kamal, Master of Planning Candidate (2nd Year)
Short Bio:
I am an international student from Bangladesh completing my second year of Master of Planning program at the University of Calgary. I have a background in Architecture and worked in architectural consultancy and real estate companies before joining SAPL. My supervisor is Enrica Dall’Ara.
- What quality in the built environment means to you in ONE word? Inclusive
- Where is your favorite place in Calgary that you like the most and maybe one that resembles that one word from the previous question? Bow River Pathways, Nose Hill Park
Taly-Dawn Salyn, Master of Social Work Candidate, Specialization in International & Community Development (1st year)
Short Bio:
Hi, my name is Taly-Dawn Salyn, and I am a settler in traditional Treaty 7 territory. I am in the first year of completing my Master of Social Work with a specialization in International and Community Development. My experience is diverse across many landscapes and includes working alongside those incarcerated, youth and their families, community activists, professional videographers and producers, artisans, and dancers. I am looking forward to working in an interdisciplinary space and under the supervision of Hieu Ngo.
What quality in the built environment means to you in ONE word? Community
Where is your favorite place in Calgary that you like the most and maybe one that resembles that one word from the previous question? Harvie Passage is my favourite place in Calgary because in the summertime it is filled with folks gathering, sharing music and food, and enjoying Bow River.
Traci Berg, Bachelors of Fine Arts (Jewelry & Metalsmithing), Master of Landscape Architecture Candidate (2nd year)
Short Bio:
I am a Canadian student currently completing my M1 (second) year of the Master of Landscape Architecture program at the University of Calgary School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape (SAPL). I have a background in the fine arts and completed my BFA in Jewelry and Metalsmithing at the Alberta College of Art and Design (now Alberta University of the Arts) in 2008. My supervisor is Enrica Dall’Ara.
What quality in the built environment means to you in ONE word? Connected.
Where is your favorite place in Calgary that you like the most and maybe one that resembles that one word from the previous question? My favorite place is probably anywhere along the river path network, from the seat of my bicycle!
