The University of Lethbridge has launched the Centre for Feminist Research (CFR) to bring together scholars from all disciplines who are employing a feminist lens in their research work, from gender and equity to society and empowerment.
“The Centre for Feminist Research is an opportunity to bring together an interdisciplinary group of world-class scholars and students from across campus who are committed to the study of women, gender and intersectional power structures with the goal of creating a more just society,” says Dr. Janay Nugent (BA ’95), associate dean in the Faculty of Arts & Science.
Dr. Tara MacDonald, an English professor with expertise in cultural studies, has been appointed director of the CFR, as well as the program coordinator for the BA and MA in Women and Gender Studies.
“The idea of the CFR is to create an interdisciplinary hub for faculty, but also for post-docs, grad students and even undergraduate students,” says MacDonald. “This work is already happening, but it’s often happening in silos.”
Originally from Nova Scotia, MacDonald earned a PhD at McGill University. After completing a postdoctoral fellowship in London, she taught at the University of Amsterdam. Before joining ULethbridge, she spent 10 years at the University of Idaho as chair of the English department and an affiliate faculty member in women and gender studies. Also joining MacDonald as a new member of the University of Lethbridge community is Ryan Crosschild, assistant professor in sociology. Both will contribute to teaching in the women and gender studies program, and both will help to shape the new research centre. Five faculty members from three faculties and schools will serve as the inaugural advisory committee, with additional members being welcomed as the centre grows and develops in its first year.
Along with elevating feminist scholarship on campus, MacDonald wants to reach out and partner with local, regional and global communities to advocate for meaningful change. Providing mentorship and experiential learning opportunities for students and early-career scholars will help build their professionalism. Such collaboration could also identify external funding opportunities.
As a centre devoted to scholarship and applied student learning and focused on coordination and collaboration, the CFR has the potential to enhance and expand research opportunities and course offerings across faculties.
“Feminist research has probably never been more important than it is right now, and in the few weeks I’ve been here, I’ve been really impressed by the quality of work that’s already happening on campus,” says MacDonald.