By: Shirlyn Kunaratnam and Olamide John Oladele
September 23, 2024
Shirlyn’s Experience
I joined RDI as a Master’s Student Researcher in March 2022. I was eager to explore the depths of the research field, and an opportunity to see how far I could push my boundaries in research.
My first project with RDI was on community assessment tools for the initiative “An Indigenous Strategy for Re-energizing Traditional Wild Rice and Creating a Plant Protein Industry for the Prairies.” This was my first real experience in academic research, and the learning curve was steep. With a background in nonprofit work focused on community development, shifting my mindset to that of a researcher wasn’t easy. I constantly had to be reminded to take off my NGO hat and embrace the researcher’s perspective. Thankfully, the RDI team was incredibly supportive, patiently guiding and helping me to grow. That’s when I started writing articles for RDI’s blog, which helped to me connect with other like-minded professionals.
As I grew through these experiences, I became the Immigration Research Coordinator. This experience was humbling to say the least. Leveraging my background in community development and my studies in Rural Development at Brandon University, I’ve been able to collaborate on the design and facilitation of various research projects. RDI has opened doors for me to improve essential skills in writing project proposals, managing budgets, designing research methods, and creating effective data collection and analysis tools. I have also been provided opportunities to work with different organizations and universities across Manitoba and beyond.
My experience at RDI hasn’t just allowed me to enhance my personal research skills – it has provided opportunities for me to elevate my profile as a researcher. They provided a platform to write on different community development topics, published my research findings, and encouraged me to share my insights on immigration at public forums. These experiences have also helped me overcome my initial shyness regarding public speaking. I even had the opportunity to voice my thoughts on immigration issues in leading newspapers—a milestone I hadn’t imagined reaching so early in my career. I have had opportunities to work with different organizations such as Westman Immigrant Services, Brandon Local Immigration Partnerships, MANSO, and MIRRS, as well as with the University of Winnipeg on adapting rural climate cultures.
Today, as I look back, I feel grateful and humbled to be part of RDI’s incredible team. RDI has been more than just a stepping stone; it has been a transformative journey that has shaped me into a confident researcher and advocate for rural development.
John’s Experience
My educational background in environmental studies, rural development and field experience in scaling up climate smart practices and policies, prompted me for additional real-world experience and skills in the field of environmental research and sustainability. The opportunity to work as a Research Assistant for the RDI Climate Change Initiative has given me the opportunity to apply the theoretical knowledge gained through my education to real-world situations – further solidifying my passion for community-based work. This experience has challenged me to engage in evaluating various Manitoban municipalities’ climate action strategies, identifying gaps in said policies, and collaborate on the assessments for potential municipal solutions to address these gaps. In this work, I have further developed my research skills and gained valuable insights into the field of climate plans and sustainable development from a municipal perspective.
While partaking in this project, I have had the opportunity to assess several climate mitigation plans that are currently utilized within Manitoba municipalities. These assessments include exploring how mitigation plans are being implemented to reasons such as why they exist; their structure; and their effectiveness on the local communities. This hands-on experience has deepened my understanding of the complexities involved in implementing sustainable practices at the local level (i.e., barriers such as takeover, politics, lack of resources, and community resistance) and has strengthened my passion for contributing to positive environmental change through research and policy development.
Working with subject-matter specialists, going to meetings, and participating in a meaningful project with practical applications are all rewarding aspects of this job. Additionally, I had the chance to network with other professionals in the industry and build connections that are valuable for future career. Exploring climate change and sustainability has deepened my understanding of the interconnectedness of environmental issues and the importance of taking a holistic approach to addressing them. It has also inspired me to continue pursuing opportunities to make a difference in this field through innovative solutions and partnerships.
Through my experiences at RDI, I have witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by local governments in balancing economic development with environmental sustainability, and I am eager to continue exploring innovative solutions to address these issues. By working closely with various stakeholders, I hope to develop comprehensive strategies that can effectively promote sustainable development while also benefiting the community as a whole. I am appreciative of the expertise and understanding I have acquired. I can’t wait to use what I’ve learned in upcoming endeavors and help make the world more egalitarian and sustainable.