Editorial Team

Nir Hagigi, Editor in Chief

Carleton University, Ottawa

Nir Hagigi is a student currently pursuing a Bachelor of Global and International Studies with a specialization in Global Development at Carleton University's Arthur Kroeger College of Public Affairs. His degree is accompanied by a minor in Environmental and Climate Studies. Nir's research interest is focused on the Southwest Asian and North African (SWANA) region, particularly the Arab Mashriq. He has been actively involved in activism and human rights work in his role as the President of Independent Jewish Voices Carleton and the co-President of the Carleton University Human Rights Society.

Olivia Omoruyi, Associate Editor

University of Toronto, Toronto

Olivia Omoruyi is an undergraduate student currently pursuing a Bachelor of Commerce at the University of Toronto's Rotman School of Management. With a specialization in Finance and Economics, as well as a minor in Philosophy, she possesses a diverse skill set that makes her a valued member of the team. In addition to her academic pursuits, Olivia takes an impactful role as the Vice President of Black Rotman Commerce, where she oversees the administration, organization, and success of BIPOC students. Her multifaceted involvement demonstrates her commitment to both professional and extracurricular excellence.

Hailey Baldock, Associate Editor

York University, Toronto

Hailey Baldock is an enthusiastic graduate student pursuing her PhD in History at York University. She recently finished her MA in History, also at York. During her undergraduate career she dedicated her time volunteering as a Peer Academic Leader, where she assisted new students in adjusting to and mastering the skills needed to be successful in university and academia. Hailey also worked as a Peer Enrolment Assistant in the New Student Advising office for York’s Faculty of Liberal Arts and Professional Studies where she showcased her commitment to making university an exciting and accessible space for all students. Most recently, she has been working as a teaching assistant in York’s Department of Equity Studies and also as a research assistant, where she has been working on an exciting research project with a professor in the History Department. With her love for the written word and passion for research, Hailey hopes to make a positive impact on the academic world and contribute to the development of new and emerging ideas.

Riley Mae Williamson, Director of Communications

McMaster University, Hamilton

Riley Mae Williamson is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Communication and Media Studies with a minor in Urban Studies at Carleton University. She has experience working in the Government of Canada in different positions, including as a Junior Communications Designer at Public Service and Procurement Canada and as a Digital/Data Specialist at Global Affairs Canada. Riley is particularly interested in exploring the intersectionality of her areas of study and examining how media and communication studies can be applied to various contexts beyond academia. With a passion for understanding the practical applications of her field and through her diverse experiences and academic pursuits, Riley aims to contribute to the field of communication and media studies while making meaningful connections between theory and practice.

Anya Niedermoser Roth, Editor

Carleton University, Ottawa

Anya Niedermoser Roth is a motivated undergraduate student currently enrolled at Carleton University pursuing a Bachelor of Global and International Studies with a specialization in Global and Transnational History and a minor in Environmental and Humanities Studies. With her involvement on the World University Service of Canada Carleton executive committee, Anya is devoted to helping advocate for others. Anya is a focused editor at CJAM and in this role, she promotes scholarly conversation and highlights articulate work. With a passion for international affairs, historical discovery, and worldwide environmental and human rights, she continues to make a meaningful impact both in academia and the outside communities.

Christine Rose Cooling, Editor

York University & Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto

Christine Rose Cooling is a dedicated graduate student pursuing her Master of Arts in Communication & Culture at York University and Toronto Metropolitan University. She recently completed her undergraduate degree at York University, earning a Honours Bachelor of Arts in Communication & Media Studies and receiving the Governor General's Silver Medal. She engaged in mental health advocacy for over three years in various leadership positions with the York chapter of Jack.org— a national organization with chapters across Canada dedicated to de-stigmatizing conversations surrounding mental health in academic communities and beyond. With her passion for advancing research in the Communications discipline, as well as her motivation to foster more equitable and inclusive academic environments, Christine is unwaveringly committed to accessible knowledge mobilization and contributing meaningfully to academic scholarship. 

Ava Bizjak, Editor

McMaster University, Hamilton

Ava Bizjak is a determined undergraduate student pursuing her studies in Biochemistry at McMaster University. Ava is dedicated to exploring the vast realm of biochemistry and its potential pharmaceutical applications. Ava serves as an editor for the Canadian Journal for the Academic Mind, where she combines her passion for both science and writing. Recognized for her strong leadership skills, Ava actively engages in various organizations on campus including the Student Representative Assembly and the McMaster Biology Society. With her insatiable curiosity, commitment to leadership, and dedication to the scientific community, Ava is determined to make significant contributions to the field of biochemistry and beyond.

Haley Glass, Editor

McMaster University, Hamilton

Haley Glass is a driven undergraduate student at McMaster University currently pursuing a degree in Honours Biochemistry through the Faculty of Health Sciences. She actively contributes as an editor for the Canadian Journal for the Academic Mind, showcasing her dedication to effective communication. Haley’s commitment to the art of dance extends beyond her academic journey as she is a part of Mac Dance, a vibrant and diverse dance community on campus. Haley is deeply passionate about education and believes that everyone should have equitable opportunities for learning and growth. With her multifaceted interests and determination, Haley strives to make a positive impact in both her academic and personal endeavors.

Jadyn Yelle, Editor

Carleton University, Ottawa

Jadyn Yelle is a Carleton University alumna with a Bachelor of Communications and Media Studies. There she completed a double major in Communications and Media Studies and Linguistics, combining her love for technical communications and the theory of language. Throughout her undergraduate career she dedicated her spare time volunteering as a Note Taker for the Paul Menton Center for Students with Disabilities, where she organized course material in an accessible manner that was helpful and comprehensive for all students. She has experience working at Statistics Canada as a Communications Officer, as well as the Better Business Bureau as a Media Relations Specialist. With a passion for examining communications and media in an academic setting, Jadyn aims to pursue further education while still making meaningful impacts in local communities.

Karen Mateus, Editor

University of Ottawa, Ottawa

Karen Mateus is a University of Ottawa alumna with an Honours Bachelor of Health Sciences. During her undergraduate degree, she volunteered and worked with persons living with dementia and their caregivers, where she provided meaningful engagement while also observing the realities of the relationship between community care and health systems. She currently contributes as an editor for the Canadian Journal for the Academic Mind, where she showcases her passion for exploring the overlap between the needs of communities and existing institutions. Karen aspires to further her education and make meaningful impacts in the healthcare industry.

Tayssir Benchoubane, Editor

Carleton University, Ottawa

Tayssir Benchoubane is an undergraduate student at Carleton University pursing a Bachelor of Economics Honours with a double major in Economics and Political Science. He finds the intellectual interplay between these disciplines to be deeply complementary. Economics provides insights into human behaviour and complex relationships through data and quantitative analysis, while political science offers ideological and sociological frameworks that bring context and nuance to socioeconomic theories. His academic focus includes comparative economic and political science studies, enriched by practical experience. As Associate Vice President of Campaigns at the Carleton University Students' Association, Tayssir developed strong skills in advocacy, strategy, and communication. Similarly his role as a research assistant at the Centre for Monetary and Financial Affairs at Carleton University allowed him to engage with economic research, further honing his analytical abilities and deepening his understanding of monetary policy.

Joel White, Editor

York University & Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto

Joel White is a graduate student currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Communication & Culture at York University and Toronto Metropolitan University where he focuses on the prosocial potentials of digital roleplaying games. Joel completed his Bachelor of Arts at the University of Alberta, majoring in English and minoring in Native Studies and Creative Writing. Throughout his education, Joel has applied what he learns to spaces outside the academy; recently, he worked as a student researcher for the Métis Nation of Alberta, and he runs a blog on narrative in digital games. He is committed to making knowledge accessible across disciplinary and community boundaries as he continues his academic journey alongside his fellow students.

Brynn Colledge, Editor

University of Western Ontario, London

Brynn Colledge is pursuing a Master’s degree in Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies at Western University, where she engages in interdisciplinary scholarship that spans critical perspectives on identity, power, and representation. Her research interests include queer theory, feminist and critical theory, intersectionality, and sexuality studies, reflecting a commitment to exploring how social frameworks shape experiences and knowledge. As a Teaching Assistant, Brynn works with students to enhance their writing and analytical skills—a skill she brings to her editorial position at the Canadian Journal for the Academic Mind. As an editor, Brynn hopes to foster an inclusive platform that elevates diverse voices and ensures accessible scholarship.

Eden Sedarous, Editor

McMaster University, Hamilton

Eden Sedarous is a dedicated undergraduate student at McMaster University, pursuing a Bachelor of Kinesiology with a multidisciplinary minor in the Impact of Infectious Disease on Individuals and Society. Her passion for advancing health and education is exemplified by her role as the Creative Publishing Lead for a children’s storybook project in collaboration with SickKids. She also serves as an editor for the Canadian Journal for the Academic Mind, combining her love of science and writing. Committed to empathetic care and interdisciplinary learning, Eden aspires to make meaningful contributions to children's health, rehabilitation, and infectious disease research.

Ellen Yarr, Editor

Carleton University, Ottawa

Ellen Yarr is a graduate student at Carleton University currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Law and Legal Studies. Her research focuses on the intersections between gender, anti-terror, and border control in North America. She is an avid writer and researcher, and is currently working in a team assisting her Master’s supervisor with an ongoing project in the Legal Studies field. As an Editor at the Canadian Journal for the Academic mind, she is passionate about fostering an accessible and equitable scholarly environment.

Dr. Anne F. MacLennan, Advisor

York University, Toronto

Dr. Anne MacLennan is an Associate Professor in the Department of Communication and Media Studies at York University. She has a PhD from Concordia University and holds an MA and an Honours BA from McGill University. Currently, she is working on a book manuscript which is a study of the program listings of seven cities across Canada during the 1930s to explain the distinct element of local non-network radio and the changes across the country as national network radio is put in place in stages. The work is based a on a large data sample of newspapers, archival research, and other documentation.

One of Dr. MacLennan's latest book chapters is “Forming Networks: National Radio Networks − Public, State, and Commercial,” in Routledge Companion to Radio and Podcast Studies, edited by Mia Lindgren and Jason Loviglio. She will teach her 40th distinct course in 2023, has supervised more than 30 MA students to completion, 6 PhD students to completion, and one postdoctoral fellow.

Dr. Michelle MacDonald, Advisor

McMaster University, Hamilton

As a graduate of McMaster’s Biochemistry Undergraduate Program, Dr. MacDonald remained at McMaster and pursued a PhD in the Medical Sciences Graduate Program in the Faculty of Health Sciences, in the area of muscle biochemistry. Her PhD thesis focused on “The Regulation of Carbohydrate and Lactate Metabolism in Exercising Human Skeletal Muscle”. She continued with a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Waterloo, in the Department of Kinesiology, where her research focused on “Fatty acid transport proteins in skeletal muscle and adipose tissue of lean and obese patients and their role in the development of Type 2 diabetes”.

Currently, Dr. MacDonald holds the title of Teaching Professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences at McMaster University. She is also the Co-Director for the Integrated Biomedical Engineering and Health Sciences program—an esteemed joint initiative between the Faculty of Health Sciences and the Faculty of Engineering. Dr. MacDonald is particularly drawn to the Canadian Journal for the Academic Mind due to its commitment to fostering undergraduate research and facilitating discussions on the evolving global landscape.

Dr. Marie-Eve Carrier-Moisan, Advisor

Carleton University & University of Ottawa, Ottawa

Marie-Eve Carrier-Moisan is the incumbent of the Joint Chair in Women’s Studies at Carleton University and the University of Ottawa (2023-2025). She is also an Associate Professor in the Department of Sociology and Anthropology at Carleton University, where she has been teaching since 2012 on gender and sexuality, visual anthropology, and creative and multimodal approaches to research.

Currently, her work explores issues related to institutional abandonment, bureaucratic forms of care, and the social production of disability in school institutions of the Québec city region, including a SSHRC-funded project conducted in collaboration with Dr. Laurence Simard-Gagnon on the role of school transportation in access to schooling for autistic students.