We are so very proud of your innumerable accomplishments, in academic and activist arenas alike. No mere degree, that vaunted but decidedly inadequate imprimatur for dazzling minds, can attest to all you have both achieved, aspire to and will continue to accomplish.
Nicole has been our indomitable Research Coordinator extraordinaire for the past year, and she has had a much longer tenure of indispensable analytic insights and mentorship to incoming RAs in our lab on numerous projects. We owe her an enormous debt of gratitude for all her hard work, keen intellect, resolute dedication, ethical steering of uncharted courses, and clear vision in keeping the lab running smoothly. All this, as the COVID-19 lockdown descended and the perennial racialized police brutality and systemic racism devasted us all in ever more virulent forms in recent months. While her ‘official’ term ended in April, Nicole has generously continued to steer our SHiFT lab course in the right direction during the transition period to the next Research Coordinator. Uncanny dedication indeed!
Danielle has been an intrepid intellectual force, both in our lab and in the Psychology department more broadly. Her background in philosophy and the humanities and penchant for theory always raises the tenor of our lab discussions to a more expansive level. Always respectful, curious and mindful of group dynamics, Danielle has a delicate and tactful touch for moving conversations to an elevated plane. All done with humor, humility and an authentic desire for deeper dives into theoretical and empirical terrain. While holding down a full-time position with the Ryerson Research Ethics board for the past 2 years (while completing her degree!), she continues to lend her time, energy and nimble intellect to lab projects. How she finds time to do it all is a metaphysical mystery!
The selfless sacrifices and commitments of these two individuals are exemplary of the integrity and talent that are hallmarks of all members of our cherished SHiFT family. We are deeply grateful to you both for being our lab members, co-mentors, and models of politically engaged citizenship and an ethics of care.