Ajith is part of the Future Ocean and Coastal Infrastructures (FOCI) project, studying, in part, the effectiveness of safety interventions in maritime industries. Before joining FOCI, Ajith lived in the western Indian islands called Lakshadweep and worked with the pole and line fisher community to develop a co-management system for the fisheries on the islands.

Ajith completed a Master’s in Development with a sustainability specialization and worked for a Fisheries conservation NGO in India. His current research focuses on the blue economy, foresighting the future of sustainable ocean infrastructure for island communities and fisheries resource management. Learn more by visiting one of the links below.

Through this fellowship, Ajith intends to develop additional skills in real-world problem-solving to address regional development challenges.

Arif, originally from Jammu and Kashmir, grew up in Islamabad, Pakistan, and holds an M.A. in Political Science from Memorial University of Newfoundland and an MPhil in International Development Studies.

With over a decade of experience in research, policy analysis, and evaluation, Arif has contributed to numerous publications and high-impact evaluations, including a UNICEF GEROS report rated “exceptional.” Most recently, as a Legislation and Policy Analyst for the City of Mount Pearl, Arif conducted extensive research, drafted bylaws, and provided evidence-based recommendations on municipal governance.

Through this fellowship, Arif aims to enhance leadership skills, contribute to policy initiatives, and further efforts to support vulnerable communities across Newfoundland and Labrador.

Bethel Chukwukere, an international graduate student from Nigeria, is pursuing a Master of Arts in Environmental Policy at Grenfell Campus, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

With a Bachelor’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning from the Federal University of Technology Owerri, Nigeria, Bethel developed expertise in physical development planning and environmental policy. His research explores the social dynamics of beneficial management practices in carbon sequestration and greenhouse gas reduction as part of the Newfoundland and Labrador Living Lab Project.

Bethel has experience in literature review, jurisdictional scans, data analysis, and survey administration. Through this fellowship, he aims to strengthen his policy analysis, community engagement, and government-civic collaboration skills.

Cale, from Carbonear, N.L., is completing a Bachelor of Arts and a Public Policy Diploma in Urban & Regional Policy.

With experience in the non-profit sector, working at a campus resource center during the academic year and CCNL in the summer, Cale is passionate about environmental policy, particularly at the municipal and provincial levels. Thier research includes St. John's sustainability planning, and they aim to further explore public policy as a career path.

Cale plans to gain work experience before pursuing a Master’s in Environmental Policy, with Grenfell Campus as a potential option. Through this fellowship, they hope to build connections and refine their policy focus.

Chiao-Chi, originally from Taiwan, is a PhD candidate in Sociology with a Master’s in Global Environmental Studies from Kyoto University.

With experience in climate change adaptation and energy transition policies, gained through work at a research center and an environmental NGO in Taiwan, Chiao-Chi’s dissertation examines the socio-environmental impacts of Taiwan’s renewable energy transition, focusing on land use conflicts, economic inequities, and stakeholder participation.

Since moving to Newfoundland three years ago, Chiao-Chi has been exploring local environmental and social policies. Through this fellowship, she aims to deepen her understanding, engage in collaborative research, and address critical societal challenges.

Esther Adjoa Asamoah is a graduate student in Political Science at Memorial University and serves as Secretary of the Political Science Graduate Students’ Society. She holds an MA in International Relations and a Bachelor’s in Political Science and English from the University of Ghana.

Passionate about youth development, governance, and sustainability, Esther has spent six years building engaged communities that empower young people. She has worked closely with the Sustainable Development Goals, coordinating AIESEC Ghana’s Global Volunteers and Social Project and currently serves as Programs Coordinator at Virtual Career Office.

Her research explores human development, governance, and migration, particularly in Africa’s regionalism and integration efforts. Through this fellowship, she aims to enhance her policy analysis skills, deepen her understanding of Newfoundland and Labrador, and build meaningful connections.

Fadeelatu Yussif, originally from Ghana, West Africa, is a Master of Arts in Environmental Policy student at Grenfell Campus.

Her policy experience includes presenting a cabinet paper to provincial government officials as part of an Applied Environmental Problem-Solving course, equipping her with expertise in policy writing and stakeholder engagement.

Passionate about policy analysis, Fadeelatu aims to develop actionable solutions that drive positive change in Newfoundland and Labrador and beyond. Through this fellowship, she looks forward to engaging in meaningful discussions and expanding her policy expertise.

Jobayda, originally from Bangladesh, is an MA candidate in Political Science at Memorial.

Her research focuses on gender disparities in political engagement among South Asian immigrant communities in Canada. With over six years of experience in teaching, research, and policy analysis, she specializes in public policy, community engagement, and governance.

Through this fellowship, Jobayda aims to deepen her policy expertise, contribute to meaningful discussions, and expand her network.

Kelsie, born in Edmonton and raised in Burin, Newfoundland and Labrador, holds a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Behavioural Neuroscience from Memorial University (2023). Her undergraduate research focused on anxiety, depression-like behavior, and spatial learning in a Huntington disease mouse model.

Passionate about research and 2SLGBT+ advocacy, Kelsie serves on the International Youth Advisory Board for the International Partnership for Queer Youth Resilience and has participated in national initiatives with CCGSD and Oxfam Canada. She has also engaged in youth political programs, including Equal Voice’s Future of the Vote and NL Youth Parliament.

Currently pursuing a Master of Health Ethics, Kelsie is eager to explore how her expertise can contribute to building a stronger Newfoundland and Labrador.

Natasha Pennell, from Corner Brook, is a PhD student in the Transdisciplinary Sustainability program at Grenfell Campus.

Her research focuses on colonial barriers to Mi’kmaw food security/sovereignty in the Bay St. George region and how communities are addressing these challenges through grassroots solutions. Natasha is co-developing a Food Security Strategy with the St. George’s Indian Band, supporting local food systems through initiatives such as a community freezer, greenhouse, and food preservation sites.

Through this fellowship, Natasha aims to strengthen her understanding of public policy development and advocate for sustainable, community-driven solutions. She looks forward to connecting with other fellows to exchange ideas and collaborate on policy-driven initiatives.

Nathan, a St. John's, Newfoundland native, is completing a Bachelor of Arts with a double major in German and Political Science, alongside a Diploma in Public Policy with a designation in Urban and Regional Policy.

His academic focus lies in research, having recently authored a thesis examining St. John's urban development within the broader context of international political economy. He has also presented at the Political Perspectives Conference, where he explored international COVID-19 vaccine production and distribution through the Cuban case study.

Through this fellowship, Nathan aims to apply his research skills to real-world policy challenges, engage with community leaders and peers, and expand his professional network as he approaches the completion of his undergraduate studies.

Oyinkansola, originally from Nigeria, is a third-year student at Memorial University, majoring in Law and Public Policy with a minor in Criminology.

Passionate about politics and law, Oyinkansola aspires to pursue a career as a lawyer.

Through this fellowship, Oyinkansola aims to explore social issues in Newfoundland, gaining insights into policy development and legal frameworks that impact communities.

Pasan, originally from Colombo, Sri Lanka, is completing a Bachelor of Business Administration at Memorial. He has worked as a Project Coordinator for the West White Rose project with Cenovus Energy and is preparing for his Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) exam.

His policy interests began with the Model Senate program, where he drafted model bills, and Map the Systems Canada, where he examined loopholes in the Canadian immigration system. He is particularly focused on Digital Governance, Cybersecurity, and Information Management policies.

Through this fellowship, Pasan aims to explore policy changes in immigration and energy while gaining professional development skills for his transition into the workforce.

Sarah Worthman is the Founder and Executive Director of the NL Queer Research Initiative, a grassroots organization dedicated to advancing 2SLGBTQIA+ research in Newfoundland and Labrador.

They recently published a groundbreaking report on human rights abuses faced by queer Canadian soldiers in the First World War and are currently writing a book on the subject, set for publication in 2026.

William Church is a third-year BSc Geography student at Memorial University, with interests in climate change adaptation, urban planning, and policy development.

He is the president of Hack Frost NL, a community-led initiative promoting creative problem-solving and innovation. With a diverse background in quality control, event management, and entrepreneurship, he has developed strong leadership and stakeholder engagement skills.

Through this fellowship, he hopes to expand his policy development expertise and collaborate on impactful initiatives.