Lara Rosenoff
Intergenerational knowledge exchange as "social repair" in post-conflict Northern Uganda
Dr. Patrick Moore
Montreal
Canada
Why did you decide to pursue a graduate degree?
I decided to pursue a PhD because at the end of my MFA work in Padibe Internally Displaced Persons' (IDP) Camp, the community was just beginning to leave and return to their lands. Youth, parents and elders expressed their thoughts around the problems and issues that were arising as they returned. The struggles that they spoke of were nor accurately represented in the national and international discourses, practices or policies around post-conflict reconstruction or reconciliation.
Why did you decide to study at UBC?
I decided on UBC because of the great reputation of its Anthropology Department, the associated Museum of Anthropology and the Liu Institute for Global Issues. Known for collaborative community research, policy engagement, and commitment to public communication and exhibition, I knew I had found a home that would foster my intellectual as well as my creative and advocacy development.
What was the best surprise about UBC or life in Vancouver?
I was warned that PhD work was quite isolating, but I am very fortunate (and surprised) that I have found groups of other scholars with whom I can explore some of my most pressing questions. The Liu Institute for Global Issues' Liu Scholar Program especially contributed to that positive experience. Also, I am pleased that my artistic background and curatorial interests are valued in addition to my strictly academic or intellectual work.
What do you hope to accomplish with your research?
I hope to share in the Pabwoc-East community's daily lives to better understand the actual social micro-processes involved in this "post-conflict" time in Northern Uganda, and to explore how these micro-processes were shaped by historical factors, a decade of internal displacement, two decades of violence and abductions, and national as well as international laws and structures. I hope, in turn, that sharing will inform research and policy on transitional justice, internal displacement. And peace building.
What has winning a major award meant to you?
It is incredible to have my interdisciplinary background and work with communities recognized and fully supported. I am extremely grateful that UBC admitted me to pursue my passions, and that the Anthropology Department and the Liu Institute for Global Issues provides a home for my critical intellectual and creative growth. The Trudeau Scholarship provides me with yet another amazing community for interactions and learning, and for developing a strong public policy perspective to my research. I could not want for a better opportunity to have the needs and perspectives of the community I work with in Northern Uganda heard.
What advice do you have for new graduate students?
Take advantage of the incredible people that surround you here at UBC. Connect with faculty, students and staff outside as well as within your department. Explore the rich intellectual, artistic and social landscape of the city outside the University, and get into the beautiful nature!
