Graduate Peer Mentors at a Glance
Graduate Peer Mentors At A Glance
Each of our amazing graduate peer mentors provides a unique perspective through their own lived experiences, click on each to learn more about their studies, and why they chose to join the program. Visit the Graduate Peer Mentor Program to learn more about the program and how to get involved.
Graduate Peer Mentors
Alyssa Hughes
Emmanuel Ideba
Razeen Mujarrab
Supriya Middha
SEUN Soneye
Hello everyone! My name is Alyssa, and I am a Master of Science in Psychology student, conducting sport psychology research within the Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education. I also completed my undergraduate degree here at the Ãâ·Ñ¸£Àû×ÊÔ´ÔÚÏß¿´Æ¬ of Lethbridge, majoring in both Psychology and Kinesiology, with an honours thesis. I currently conduct research on mental health education, psychological skills, and dance, and have had the opportunity to present my work at both local and international conferences.
Throughout my time here, I’ve been involved with campus groups like the Golden Key International Honour Society, worked as a research assistant on various projects, and served as a teaching assistant for multiple courses. I also have also enjoyed volunteering at the hospital psychiatric unit and local mental health group homes.
Outside of Ãâ·Ñ¸£Àû×ÊÔ´ÔÚÏß¿´Æ¬, I love to stay active. You can usually find me lifting at the gym, running in the coulee trails, or attending a hot pilates class. When I’m not on the move I’m likely reading, sipping coffee, and cuddling with my kitten, Frodo.
I’ve lived in Lethbridge all my life, so if you ever need recommendations for great study spots, cozy cafes, or fun local restaurants, I’m happy to share my favourites. I am really excited to be a graduate peer mentor this year and would love to connect, so please don’t hesitate to reach out at any time.
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Summary of Research:
My thesis explores a topic that sits at the heart of today's economic and environmental debates: the impact of economic globalization on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Globalization is often seen as a driver of development and innovation but what happens when increased global integration comes at the cost of environmental sustainability?
Through this research, I aim to offer a clearer picture of how trade, investment, and cross-border economic activity interact with the pressing issue of climate change. Using data from 120 countries over the span of five decades, this research will apply the Panel Corrected Standard Error (PCSE) model to understand whether economic globalization is pushing us toward progress or pulling us deeper into environmental degradation.
This research isn’t just numbers and models; it’s about policy, people, and our planet’s future. I hope my work contributes to building sustainable development strategies that ensure progress doesn't come at the cost of livability for any country, developed or developing.
ULethbridge & City of Lethbridge Summary:
Studying at the Ãâ·Ñ¸£Àû×ÊÔ´ÔÚÏß¿´Æ¬ of Lethbridge has been a deeply enriching chapter of my life. The MA Economics program has not only strengthened my technical and research abilities but also given me space to grow as a mentor, educator, and scholar. I’m grateful to have received the ULethbridge Graduate Research Award, and to work closely with inspiring faculty, including my thesis supervisor and research collaborator in the sociology department.
What stands out most about ULethbridge is the support system. From academic mentorship to international student engagement, the community here has helped me thrive. Through my roles as a Graduate Peer Mentor and Graduate Teaching/Research Assistant, I have developed not only professionally but also personally, gaining a deeper appreciation for collaborative learning, diversity, and academic purpose.
The City of Lethbridge, too, has become more than just a place I live; it’s a place where I’ve been able to give back by volunteering as Head Usher at international student event (s), mentoring peers, and connecting with others across cultures.
Looking ahead, I hope to carry the lessons and connections I've built here into a future where economic thought and social equity meet in practice.
LinkedIn Profile:
Peer Mentorship to Me:
My own first-semester mentor was invaluable in making a daunting new environment feel more navigable. Graduate peer mentorship is about extending a welcoming hand and fostering a sense of belonging. To me, the context of peer mentorship is rooted in the immigration and resettlement that many students go through when moving to a place like Lethbridge, Canada. In this capacity, I hope to create a supportive space where a fellow student can feel understood and comfortably share their experiences and concerns. I want to share practical guidance, anything from academic queries to settling into a new culture. Ultimately for me, it’s a chance to pay forward the kindness and support I received, helping new students not just to adjust, but to truly thrive in their academic journeys.
Summary of Research:
I’m pursuing an MSc in Management (Marketing) degree and my focus is on nonconscious effects in the fast fashion industry. To put it simply, I look at the behaviors and attitudes of conscious consumers. Today’s consumers are increasingly vigilant, factoring in environmental, societal, and ethical implications into their purchasing decisions. This heightened awareness leads to equally purpose-drive consumption. But despite the rise of conscious consumerism and the growing awareness of the detrimental effects of fast fashion, this unsustainable garment production model continues to thrive. I look into why people who claim to be conscious consumers still find themselves purchasing from fast fashion retailers, contributing to a cycle of overconsumption, waste and unethical labor practices. My research leads me into the nonconscious effects that affect people, often leading them to making irrational decisions.
ULethbridge & City of Lethbridge Summary:
My decision to choose ULeth and indeed the city of Lethbridge itself was a deliberate search for a unique combination of factors: a place where rigorous academic pursuits meet an inspiring, grounding environment. The Dhillon School of Business at the U of L distinguished itself not just for its excellent research capabilities, but for its promise of a close-knit academic community where the faculty are genuinely accessible.
Beyond the campus, Lethbridge itself is a significant draw. I was seeking more than just a backdrop for my studies, I wanted a community. Lethbridge offers the appeal of a town that provides all necessary amenities without urban overwhelm. The legendary sunshine and wind here truly lift the spirit. This is a place where I can not only immerse myself in my research but also build connections and find a supportive rhythm for my graduate school journey.
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Peer Mentorship to Me:
Graduate peer mentorship epitomizes a symbiotic learning and supportive environment for graduate students. In this construct, seasoned students adeptly navigate their peers through academic, professional, and personal terrains. They engender a nurturing milieu that is conducive to holistic growth, the dissemination of knowledge, and the realization of collective success. In my perspective, mentoring serves not only as a rewarding and fulfilling endeavor but also as an avenue for contributing to the community. It fosters a nurturing, supportive, collaborative, and educational environment. In my capacity as a mentor, my objective is to inspire and motivate mentees in their journey navigating challenges and realizing their utmost potential. In addition, I empower and support mentees in their academic and professional aspirations. My expansive database compensates by enabling the dispensation of advice across a diverse array of topics, expeditious responses to inquiries, and bolstering research endeavors.
Summary of Research:
The migration rate of Nigerians into Canada has been on a high volume in recent years. My research concentration is to investigate the musical and cultural practices of Nigerian Migrants living on the traditional Blackfoot territories and how this has shaped the Nigerian Migrant community in Lethbridge. I am interested in how these practices reflect the Nigerian Migrants' identity, history, and values, as well as how they have adapted and changed over time in response to the new environment and interactions with the local population. Lethbridge is a city where many Nigerian Migrants have settled and formed a vibrant community. I am examining how their musical and cultural practices have shaped their sense of belonging and social cohesion, as well as how they have contributed to the diversity and richness of the city's culture. My research is inspired by my passion for ethnomusicology and music education. I am fascinated by the indigenous (Yoruba) music that I grew up with and how it co-existed with other musical cultures. I also researched the music of the Yewa culture, focusing on the Kulumbu songs of the Yewa people, documenting and analyzing their music in depth.
ULethbridge & City of Lethbridge Summary:
Choosing a university is a crucial decision that requires careful research and comparison. Among all the options, ULethbridge stood out for me due to its vibrant and diverse campus life, with more than 50 clubs and organizations that cater to different interests and passions. As an international student, I was also drawn to ULethbridge by its supportive and inclusive environment. It offers various services and resources to help international students adjust to the new culture and academic system, such as orientation, mentoring, counseling, and language support. It also celebrates the diversity of its student body by hosting cultural events and activities throughout the year. Another factor that attracted me to ULethbridge was its commitment to excellence in teaching and research. Choosing the ULethbridge's Faculty of Fine Arts, Music Department was one of the best decisions I ever made, as it opened a world of opportunities and experiences for me. I was fortunate to encounter many wonderful and kind people who welcomed me into the Ulethbridge community. Especially my supervisor has supported and guided me throughout my academic journey and has made a positive and lasting impact on my life. As a research assistant at ULethbridge, I have also gained valuable work experience. Various training programs offered at ULethbridge have been very beneficial for my studies improving my knowledge, skills, and confidence and exposing me to different perspectives and approaches. I am excited to be part of this meaningful and fulfilling experience at ULethbridge.
