Emily Booker
Why did you decide to pursue a graduate degree?
After completing my master's degree, I spent several years working as a researcher and collaborating with various community organizations. During that time, I developed an interest in evaluation, specifically in arts-based evaluation. A PhD felt like a good avenue to explore this interest further.
Why did you decide to study at UBC?
I completed a certificate in Adult Education and Learning at UBC and enjoyed that experience. When I was considering PhD programs, I felt confident applying to UBC, given my familiarity with the professors and the quality of the classes offered.
What is it specifically, that your program offers, that attracted you?
The PhD in Educational Studies uniquely offers the opportunity to work and connect with professors who are leaders in the field of adult education and interested in creative and arts-based research.
What was the best surprise about UBC or life in Vancouver?
My cohort has been the best surprise about UBC. Everyone I am studying alongside is brilliant, kind and supportive, and it creates a very special learning environment.
What aspect of your graduate program do you enjoy the most or are looking forward to with the greatest curiosity?
So far, I have enjoyed learning from various professors and my classmates. I have been introduced to many outstanding scholars and new perspectives through the classes I have taken and in conversations with other students in the department.
What aspects of your life or career before now have best prepared you for your UBC graduate program?
I have been fortunate to be mentored by many incredible women in community and academic spaces throughout my life. In particular, my master's supervisor, Dr. Claudia Mitchell, has role-modelled what good, engaging and meaningful research looks like and has encouraged me to explore creative research methods and approaches grounded in relationality.
What do you like to do for fun or relaxation?
I love being able to get outdoors and spend time either hiking in the mountains or swimming at the beach.
What advice do you have for new graduate students?
Being a graduate student and getting to dedicate your time to learning can be such a privilege; make sure you are taking the time to enjoy this experience.
Learn more about Emily's research
During the evaluation of community programs and initiatives, discrepancies between the funders' interests and community priorities and needs are often uncovered. Funder-driven, top-down approaches typically shape these program evaluations and rely heavily on Western methods, which may not fully capture a program’s impact and often result in negative experiences for program participants. This is particularly true for Indigenous organizations. Arts-based evaluation methods — such as photography, collage and drawing — offer a promising alternative by supporting self-expression and diverse ways of knowing, which align more closely with Indigenous ways of knowing. This research explores two questions: (A) can arts-based methods make evaluations more meaningful for Indigenous community organizations, and (B) how can these organizations can be supported in implementing effective arts-based evaluation practices.