My Journey
My academic journey in the Master of Arts – Interdisciplinary Studies program showcases both the diversity of my studies and the integration central to the MAIS experience. Each course has challenged me to think critically, connect theory with practice, and reflect on how my learning contributes to my professional role and personal development. The following section outlines my experiences through past, current, and future studies, highlighting how these experiences shape my focus on adult education, Indigenous knowledge, and community resilience.
MAIS 601: Making Sense of Theory in the Humanities and Social Sciences
Fall 2025 - In progress
This course has introduced me to the role of theory in shaping our perceptions and interpretations of the world. Rather than viewing theory as an abstract concept separate from practice, the course emphasizes it as an active way of seeing that highlights specific ideas and issues. Through online discussions, group collaboration, and moderating class dialogue, I have been challenged to engage with diverse theoretical perspectives and apply them in an interdisciplinary manner. This experience has enhanced my ability to think critically, write reflectively, and connect theory to academic inquiry and professional practice.
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Here is a sample of my work from this course:
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INST 511: Indigenous Knowledge and Education
Summer 2025
This course focused on Indigenous knowledge as a fundamental aspect of Indigenous education. It highlighted the philosophies, teachings, and traditions guiding communities for generations. I learned that education was woven into daily life through storytelling, sharing circles, experiential learning, and cultural practices. These methods taught survival skills and instilled values of living harmoniously and sharing responsibilities. The course enhanced my understanding of Indigenous pedagogy and prepared me to better recognize and respect the intellectual traditions that continue to shape community life and resilience today.
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Here is a sample of my work from this course:
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MAIS 752: Psychedelics and Society – A Critical Overview
Winter 2025
This course explored the complex role of psychedelics in society by connecting science, medicine, policy, and traditional Indigenous knowledge. I examined the cultural and historical contexts of psychedelic use, along with the ethical and social debates surrounding contemporary research and practices. The course encouraged me to think critically about how diverse scientific, spiritual, and experiential knowledge systems intersect. It also deepened my interest in the relationship between self-experimentation, healing, and community well-being.
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Here is a sample of my work from this course:​​​
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MAIS 602: Doing Interdisciplinary Research
Fall 2024
This course familiarized me with the essential methods of interdisciplinary inquiry, highlighting the significance of collaborating across different disciplines to develop integrated research approaches. Throughout the course, I learned how to formulate strong, ethical research questions, examine the connection between research questions and methods, and create solid methodological rationales. This experience enhanced my research design skills and equipped me to tackle future projects in the MAIS program with confidence and creativity.
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Here is a sample of my work from this course:
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