Graduate Education for the Collective Good

When I first started in my role as VP External at UBC Graduate Student Society, I noticed that elected officials and policymakers were often unaware of how important graduate students are to the academic research process and how vital graduate education is in today’s knowledge-based economy. To bridge this knowledge gap, I developed ‘The Graduate Education for the Collective Project,’ a 6-part documentary series designed to showcase the important research that graduate students conduct. The series features interviews with leading academic figures and graduate students from various disciplines, highlighting the myriad ways in which graduate education contributes to socioeconomic development and to the public good. 

The project aimed not only to inform but also to inspire action and collaboration between the academic community and government bodies. By bridging this gap, we sought to influence policy decisions and garner stronger support for graduate research funding. The series has been a success in starting a conversation about graduate student supports, and several episodes have been incorporated into workshops and policy briefing sessions. Through 'The Graduate Education for the Collective Good Project', we've laid the groundwork for a more informed and inclusive approach to supporting advanced education – a testament to the power of storytelling.