UCalgary Political Science Congratulates: Saaka Sulemana!

Congratulations to UCalgary Dept. of Political Science doctoral student, Saaka Sulemana, on winning a 2020–21 Alberta Graduate Excellence Scholarship!

Alberta Graduate Excellence Scholarship International Recognizes outstanding academic achievement in graduate studies.

 

Can you tell us a little about yourself?

I am in the second year of the doctoral program in the Department of Political Science at the University of Calgary. My fields of study are Comparative Politics and International Relations. A little bit about my background is that I grew up in Tuna, a small town in Ghana, and had my undergraduate degree in Political Science with Philosophy & Classics from the University of Ghana. After graduating in 2015 I moved to Canada to pursue a MA in Political Science at Brock University in the Fall of 2016. I am passionate about teaching and research as I find it fulfilling to impart knowledge and shape minds. On weekends I like to FaceTime with family and play/watch soccer.

What is dissertation going to be about?

I am interested in women and political representation. In the last few decades, the conversation about women’s political participation and representation has received considerable attention. Many scholars including our own Dr. Susan Franceschet and Dr. Melanee Thomas have researched extensively in this area. Taking some inspiration from their work, my interest is to explore and examine the conditions that account for or inhibit increased legislative and cabinet representation for women in Sub-Saharan Africa. I am particularly interested in exploring conditions and patterns that are unique to the political landscape of Africa. Within the broader frame of my research, I am interested in determining whether or not and how the increase in women’s political representation impacts public policymaking.

What’s next for you in the doctoral program?

I recently wrote my Field of Study exams and I am currently working on my dissertation proposal. My main goal is to complete all candidacy requirements by the end of this academic year. On the side, I have submitted two abstracts to participate, virtually, in conferences that are scheduled for spring/summer. Therefore, I am excited and looking forward to sharing my research ideas with peers.

Congratulations to Saaka Sulemana on your 2020–21 Alberta Graduate Excellence Scholarship!

 

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