Robyn

O’Loughlin-Pepin

Honours Bachelor of Arts; Master of Education, Specialization in Women's Studies

 

I chose Lakehead University because it is a great university conveniently located in my hometown, Thunder Bay, Ontario. I completed my double major HBA in Gerontology and Women’s Studies, and am currently working on my Masters in Education, with a specialization in Women’s Studies. 

 

I am interested in legal studies; this is why the Lakehead Women’s Studies program was a perfect fit for me – it is the only department in Canada with a strong focus on women and the law. Also, the professors in Women’s Studies are dedicated to student learning and success.

 

In Women’s Studies, the opportunities are endless. During my undergraduate studies, I was employed as a Marking Assistant. While completing my masters, I was employed as a Research Assistant and Graduate Assistant. Through my Research Assistant position, I came across the thesis topic for my M.Ed., focusing on the newly implemented mandatory mediation program in Ontario family law.

 

The majority of my research focuses on changes that have occurred in Ontario law, and I have been very fortunate to receive multiple awards and scholarships for my research. I owe part of this to the Women’s Studies professors who helped me hone my writing skills, gave me feedback on my applications, and provided support at many stages of the process. The awards I won include a SSHRC Joseph-Armand Bombardier Graduate Scholarship and the Canadian Home Economics Association Fellowship through the Canadian Federation of University Women.

 

My interest in law and how it affects women remains an important subject for me. In September 2013, I will be attending Carleton University, in Ottawa, Ontario, starting coursework in the PhD in Legal Studies Program. I credit Women’s Studies at Lakehead with setting me on the path to my successful future.