Research

dissertation

My dissertation looks at the daily routines and habits of everyday Canadians and how they impact emotional experiences, like boredom. I specifically aim to offer an in-depth and critical examination of boredom in (inter)action and how it functions as a regulatory state that may motivate individuals into action. 

To conduct my research, I employed a mixed methodological approach combining Experience Sampling Method (ESM) via an application on mobile devices with in-depth interviews. With this, I examined the everyday routines, social contacts, and emotional experiences of 100 Canadians.

With the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, I conducted follow-up ESM and interviews with 75 participants from the initial wave to see how their emotional states and routines were impacted.

My dissertation research has been supported by the Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) and has appeared in Contexts Magazine.

Collaborations

International Syllabi Project

I collaborate with sociologists from Canada, Germany, and France on the 'International Syllabi Project.' This research examines the canon formation of sociology within these three contexts. Using qualitative and computational methods, we investigate how sociology defines itself through a "canon" of knowledge based on founding theorists, which serves as both a point of contention and disciplinary identity formation. Our focus lies in understanding how academic curriculum shapes and reproduces disciplinary boundaries and forms of thought while serving as vehicles for contestation and potential revision.

This research has been supported by a SSHRC Insight Grant, and has been published in the Canadian Review of Sociology, The European Journal of Sociology, and The American Sociologist.

Cultural Plan for the City of Toronto

As the project manager for the Cultural Plan for Toronto 2024 in collaboration with the City of Toronto and the School of Cities, I lead an academic team working on this research initiative. Our approach combines data-driven insights, cross-media strategies, and web-enabled technologies to bring Toronto's cultural data to life. Beyond data collection, our focus is on presenting compelling stories that reflect the city's creative past, present, and future. By working closely with the City's division and sector partners, we aim to enrich cultural research, align data with the new Culture Plan, and support EDC's inclusive economic development research agenda. This collaborative effort aims to shed light on the vibrant tapestry of Toronto's cultural identity and its valuable contribution to the city's growth and development.