鈥淚 believe that an Arts degree encourages creative and independent thought, allowing us to explore and understand the various dimensions of social and economic problems.鈥�
Dave Morgan, a Dalhousie doctoral candidate, is an exceptional student to say the least.聽 Originating from Hampton, N.B., Dave first came to Dalhousie in 2005 as an engineering undergrad only to soon realize his true passion was in policy.
鈥淚 found that I was more interested in what was going on in the world, and in understanding how Canadian foreign policy fit in to the broader picture,鈥� he explains. 鈥淢y first classes in international relations and international development cemented this鈥� they allowed me to explore both the broader structure of the international system and its effect on the everyday lives of people in developing and developed countries.鈥�
This month, Morgan was awarded a Trudeau Doctoral Scholarship 鈥� one of the most prestigious scholarships of its kind, presented to a maximum of 15 students each year across Canada.
A celebrated scholar
Morgan initially chose to study at Dal because of the school鈥檚 reputation. He came back for his PhD because of its size.
鈥淚ts faculty may be small, but it鈥檚 strong,鈥� he says. 鈥淕rad students can receive the attention they need and deserve, which has been an invaluable asset in my own education. I鈥檝e had opportunities at Dal that I would never have had at other universities.鈥�
The number of major awards he鈥檚 received while studying at Dal is impressive, to say the least: a SSHRC Canada Graduate Scholarship, a Killam fellowship, a Vanier Award, a President鈥檚 Award and the Glyn Berry Memorial Scholarship. Now he adds a scholarship from the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation to that list.
鈥淲hen I was initially preparing for my interview with the Trudeau Foundation, I asked someone what the ideal Trudeau candidate looked like,鈥� he explains. 鈥淪he replied that they were looking for someone who would 鈥榗hange the world.鈥� No pressure there,鈥� he laughs.
But when he received word about the scholarship, he immediately got excited.
鈥淚t offers the chance to work with a mentor, and to learn from someone who has gone out and made a difference in the world. It鈥檚 definitely a game changer.鈥�
Six Dalhousie students have received Trudeau scholarships since the program was founded 10 years ago.
The power of protection
Morgan鈥檚 PhD research focuses on international and local understandings of civilian protection.
鈥淚n other words, what does 鈥榩rotection鈥� mean in the halls of the UN or humanitarian organizations, and how does this translate into practice in the field?鈥� he asks. 鈥淲hat does 鈥榩rotection鈥� mean at the local level, among the survivors of war and armed violence? Researchers looking into the issue of civilian protection tend to focus on the international level, looking at the challenges and dilemmas inherent in providing protection to civilians on the ground. As a result, we rarely acknowledge the experiences and the knowledge of the survivors of armed violence, or how they are able to survive the threats arising from their environments.鈥�
His research hopes to break down the barriers between local and international understandings of civilian protection to identify strategies that work in both arenas.
His advice to his fellow students is to get involved as much as possible outside of class.
鈥淭here鈥檚 much to learn in school, but it鈥檚 too easy to get completely caught up in your readings and in your work. Go out and explore new opportunities. I think there鈥檚 often a lot of pressure to go back to school, because a BA just doesn鈥檛 get you as much these days. And while I think that there is always value in more education, I also believe that there is much that can be done with an arts degree. And if you are planning on entering a graduate program, you should take the time to make sure that the program and the school you choose are the best fit for you.鈥�