Constance-Marguerite Proulx and Nadine Cheffi, two 2025 graduates, are very good examples of this. One, a sociologist to be, explores systemic barriers in politics. The other, a future ophthalmologist, advocates for more inclusive medicine.
Both show how graduate studies can fuel real action, both on a personal and community level.
Research that advances social justice
Constance-Marguerite Proulx started a master鈥檚 in sociology with a specialization in feminist and gender studies in fall 2021. Early on, she became interested in social justice and applied research.
Her research paper on underrepresentation of racialized women in Quebec politics took shape based on her experience in student politics, where she saw a pressing need for diversity: 鈥淚 found that too little research dealt with the experience of women in politics in all their diversity.鈥
Her analysis, rooted in an intersectional perspective, highlights the obstacles female candidates experienced during the 2022 election campaign: questioning of their skills by the public, the media and their own party; lack of party support; challenging ridings; and insufficient material and human resources.
She believes that community trust and support remain essential in these women鈥檚 journeys.
Among the memories that stand out for her, Constance-Marguerite brings up her first job as a teaching assistant and, especially, her research paper defence: 鈥淚t was one of the most stressful times 鈥 but also among the most gratifying 鈥 in my years at university. Presenting the results of my research was a real honour.鈥 She would now like to pursue a career researching social inequality and offers this encouragement to students: 鈥淢ake the most of your courses! Find someone whose support style suits you.鈥
鈥淚t was one of the most stressful times 鈥 but also among the most gratifying 鈥 in my years at university. Presenting the results of my research was a real honour.鈥
Constance-Marguerite Proulx
鈥 Master鈥檚 in sociology
Excellence in health care and community service
Nadine Cheffi has spent seven years at the University of Ottawa, from a bachelor of science to an MD. 鈥淥ttawa is home,鈥 she says. 鈥淚鈥檝e had the chance to benefit from bilingualism, proximity to family and many opportunities for mentorship, research and volunteering.鈥
Her student experience is notable for its balance between academic rigour and concrete action. She鈥檚 conducted research on treatment of stroke, mindfulness-based medical education and minority representation in ophthalmology. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a subject I care deeply about as a racialized woman,鈥 she says.
Her papers have been published in speciality journals. She鈥檚 also taken part in projects to improve interdisciplinary collaboration, including between residents in emergency medicine and ophthalmology. 鈥淚t was nice to work with my mentors and an outstanding team,鈥 she says.
For Nadine, the key part of her experience has been the human connection: 鈥淭here are people I鈥檝e met who鈥檝e made my experience unforgettable.鈥 She invites new cohorts to get out of their comfort zone, get involved and take all the opportunities the University offers them to fully grow: 鈥淣ever be afraid to jump right in, ask questions and make the most of the resources the University offers.鈥
Nadine will soon start a residency in ophthalmology in Ottawa: 鈥淚鈥檓 super excited to be continuing here. I鈥檓 going to be specializing in eye surgery and vision health.鈥
鈥淭here are people I鈥檝e met who鈥檝e made my experience unforgettable.鈥
Nadine Cheffi
鈥 MD
Studying at 电车无码: A springboard for engagement
Constance-Marguerite鈥檚 and Nadine鈥檚 paths show that the University of Ottawa is a place where research, community action and mutual support allow you to advance while contributing to society.
Their stories prove that the University isn鈥檛 just a place of learning, but also of openness and questioning, one where everyone can help build a fairer, more inclusive future.
