To listen to the entire conversation, please follow the link to CBC Manitoba.

During the URA, Elendu conducted research on restorative justice models and practices, drawing comparisons to traditional justice systems.  Her work also delved into Indigenous water laws and responsibilities, where she explored the reverence for water as a sacred entity and the vital role Indigenous women play in its protection. This immersive research experience not only deepened her understanding of the intersection between academic inquiry and real-world challenges but also enriched her overall university journey. Elendu plans to carry this knowledge into her future legal career, approaching her work thoughtfully and fairly while keeping people and their experiences at the forefront.

In the summer of 2024, Elendu worked under the supervision of Dr. Andrew Woolford, professor and head of the Department of Sociology and Criminology. Dr. Woolford is an Emeritus of the College of the Royal Society of Canada, Fullbright Scholar and former President of the International Association of Genocide Scholars. His research focuses on themes of power, resistance, justice and destruction.

We spoke with Elendu about her URA experience:

What research did you conduct?
Elendu: I focused on researching restorative justice models and practices, comparing them to traditional forms of justice. Restorative justice emphasizes healing, accountability and community-based approaches, which often align with Indigenous worldviews but it’s important to note that they are not the same. Additionally, I explored Indigenous water laws and responsibilities, learning how water is viewed as a sacred entity and how Indigenous women are central to its protection. Both areas of research highlighted how traditional and Indigenous practices offer meaningful alternatives to mainstream systems.

What made you decide to apply for an URA?
Elendu: I wanted to gain hands-on research experience and learn from a professor in a way that went beyond the classroom. The URA felt like a great opportunity to dive deeper into topics I’m passionate about while building skills for my future. Additionally, it will strengthen my academic profile for applying to law schools.

Was there anything that surprised you during the research process?
Elendu: I was surprised by how much I learned from talking and connecting with people, especially Elders and knowledge holders. Attending a residential school survivor event and listening to Elder Betty Ross share her story was incredibly eye-opening. It taught me that research is not just about books and articles—it’s about listening and engaging with lived experiences.

What did you learn from the URA experience? How has it enriched your university journey?
Elendu: The URA taught me how to think critically, manage my time and communicate my ideas succinctly. It gave me a deeper appreciation for the connection between academic research and real-world issues. This experience has made my university journey feel more meaningful, and it’s shown me how research can create positive change.

How do your studies in the Faculty of Arts complement your research activities and your future career goals?
Elendu: My studies in criminology and psychology help me understand how people behave and how justice systems work. This connects to my goal of becoming a lawyer; it gives me the tools to think carefully about legal issues and how they affect people and communities. Through my research on restorative justice and Indigenous practices, I’ve learned how justice can be about healing and accountability, not just punishment. I plan to use this knowledge in the future as a lawyer to approach my work in a thoughtful and fair way, ensuring I keep people and their experiences at the forefront.

The URA is an incredible opportunity for students interested in conducting research to spend 16 full-time weeks from May to August under the mentorship of a professor of their choice. It offers many benefits: building valuable research skills, expanding your academic network and a $7,000 monetary award.

Applications for the 2025 URA are open! Visit the Undergraduate Research Awards webpage for more information on the application criteria and guidelines. There are over 50 Faculty of Arts researchers willing to take on an undergraduate student this summer.

Retailers are required to keep the items stored in a way so shoppers can’t access them without assistance.

Businesses are also required to sell only to adults with photo identification and to keep records of their sales for two years.

Professor of Criminology Frank Cormier joined guest host Chloe Friesen to discuss the new law, follow the link to ear the conversation on CBC Manitoba.

Over 35 Faculty of Arts students who were 2024 undergraduate student research award (URA) and psychology undergraduate research experience award (PURE) competition winners and their research advisors came together for a luncheon event where they shared what the students worked on, what the supervisors had to say about the students’ amazing work and what each student learned from their experience.

“Undergraduate students play an important role in helping advance the research that takes place in our Faculty,” said Dr. Heidi Marx, Dean, Faculty of Arts. “Whether applied or fundamental, Arts research explores questions and issues that are critical to our society, and makes meaningful contributions to knowledge and our understanding of the world we live in. At the same time, the students learn valuable skills that they will be able to draw upon in both their studies and their future careers.”

“Students learn valuable skills that they will be able to draw upon in both their studies and their future careers.” – Dr. Heidi Marx, Dean

Through research work, Faculty of Arts students build skills in research methodologies and techniques, how to write about and present data, data collection and analysis, public speaking, critical thinking and technical skills such as using software or various lab techniques. The award winners shared how they worked on exciting and diverse tasks such as scouring databases, legislation, library catalogs and archives, conducting literature reviews, designing surveys, recruiting research participants and conducting interviews, analyzing data and helping to communicate research findings to the greater community by contributing to a variety of items such as articles, reports, presentations, blogs and video essays.

Marley Pauls [BA(Hons)/24], a former URA recipient, spoke to the students about why they became a student researcher and the thrill of winning first place in the oral format category at the 2023 UM Undergraduate Research Showcase (Humanities and Social Sciences category). Now a graduate student in linguistics and discourse studies at Carleton University, they shared with students how participating in research enhanced their overall undergraduate experience and led to opportunities they wouldn’t have imagined were available and possible.

At the luncheon, the students were encouraged to take what they’ve learned to the next level by applying for the UM undergraduate research showcase and for future research awards. Dr. Marx added that participating in these events “can open doors to even more skill-building opportunities for students to further their experience and learning”.

The event was a huge success. There were many smiling faces as each student received a keepsake that included a personal message from their academic supervisor. The students were reminded to feel proud of their contributions and accomplishments. In return, the students thanked their supervisors for providing the opportunity to learn and explore many unique and exciting areas of study.

2024 URA award recipient Grace Elendu, a criminology major, encourages fellow Arts undergraduate students to apply for a future URA. “University is all about taking opportunities and gaining new experiences,” Elendu shared. “Say yes to as many things as you can. You never know where that ‘yes’ could take you in the future.”

Research opportunities for students

The next UM undergraduate research showcase takes place on October 24, 2024. Learn more and apply.

Undergraduate students can apply for a 2025 URA or PURE. Visit the web for more information and to see deadlines for each award.

Watch what students had to say about their Arts undergraduate research experience:

This spring, Karuhogo will graduate with a general degree majoring in psychology and Yasay will graduate with an honours degree in Criminology. Both have completed a minor in women’s and gender studies.

From creating community programming to advocacy initiatives to educational workshops, the graduates have felt the impact of their involvement on themselves and others. Two notable events these graduates had the opportunity to organize together focused on the inclusion and celebration of individuals and cultures. The 2023 Magnificent Women’s Awards Gala from the UMSU Women’s Centre was held in-person for the first time and celebrated hardworking and talented self-identifying women for their accomplishments at UM. The 2024 UMSU Cosmopolitan showcased the diverse cultures that make up the UM community through performances, artists, vendors and a fashion show. “I’ve learned so much about teamwork and organization,” said Yasay. “Student involvement has invigorated my passion for continuing to help others.”

With four of the past five UMSU Presidents being Faculty of Arts students and many more contributing in executive and student representative roles each year, we asked the grads why they think so many Arts students pursue involvement in student government. Karuhogo mentioned the influence of friendships “it is like a cycle that as long as new friends are made, those in existing roles convince others to join too.” Both mentioned the influence of their studies. “Arts students stem from many specialized majors, so they bring diverse perspectives and expertise making student governance even better,” said Karuhogo. Yasay added “Arts programs encourage students to think critically and to engage with various perspectives. Arts students bring creative problem-solving and a strong passion for advocacy which is essential to the challenges of service.”

As these accomplished women move to the next stage in their lives, what final words do they have to say about each other? “Even though some days were really long and hard, others were amazing and great. We always had each other as a support system,” said Karuhogo. “It is going to be weird to not see and work with Tracy every day. I will miss the unconditional support and encouragement we give each other,” said Yasay. She continued, “as a woman of colour, it’s important to surround yourself with empowering women, and Tracy is a force to be reckoned with.” We’d say that after all of their experiences and accomplishments during their undergraduate degrees, both women will be powerful forces wherever they may go.