Can you tell me a little bit about yourself?

My name is Emma Cowman (she/they) and I grew up in Treaty 4 & 7 territories, in Regina, Saskatchewan and Calgary, Alberta. I have a BA honours in Psychology, and a BA in Women & Gender Studies from the University of Regina, and I am a volunteer with the Regina Abortion Support Network, Abortion Rights Coalition of Canada, and am a board member on Action Canada’s National Youth Advisory Board. Currently, I live in Regina, with my partner, cat, and two dogs.

I moved to Winnipeg to attend the University of Manitoba’s foundational MSW program. I have since completed my coursework for the foundational and advanced years and returned home to Saskatchewan, where I have been conducting my research virtually. I am deeply interested in Reproductive Justice research, specifically relating to the topics of abortion, reproductive coercion, and 2SLGBTQIA+ reproduction.

What is your research about and why did you choose to focus on reproductive justice for 2SLGBTQIA+ people?

My MSW thesis uses the Reproductive Justice conceptual framework to explore the experiences of 2SLGBTQIA+ people who have accessed or sought access to abortion care in Manitoba. My project has come out of Dr. Lindsay Larios’ project Abortion in Manitoba: An intersectional analysis of care, in which I have been working as a research assistant on this project for nearly two years. Throughout the data collection phase of the Abortion in Manitoba project, I had the honour to hear abortion stories from many Manitobans, including a few queer and trans Manitobans. Their stories stood out to me as a queer person as they spoke about the challenges they uniquely faced as non-heterosexual-cisgender people in abortion spaces. Abortion research tends to be focused on cisgender-heterosexual experiences, as there remains to be an underlying assumption that only cisgender-heterosexual women can become pregnant. Through my MSW thesis, I hope to not only challenge these normative assumptions, but also advocate for more inclusive and affirming abortion care spaces for 2SLGBTQIA+ in Manitoba.

Do you have any advice for MSW students who are just starting their program?

My advice for MSW students who are just starting their program is to build relationships with their classmates, advisor, and instructors. I met some amazing friends and have had some amazing mentors throughout my time in the MSW program who have supported and cheered me on. From helping me understand class concepts to being a soundboard for my thesis ideas – these people have made my time in the program so meaningful, and I could not have come this far without them!

What is your vision for the future and what do you hope your research accomplishes?

My vision for the future is to stay in the Canadian prairies and keep showing up as a reproductive justice advocate and researcher for my communities. This fall, I’ll be submitting PhD applications so I can keep learning, growing, and exploring new ways to encourage change. I hope that this project, and the ones to come, can spark conversations, shift policies, and improve healthcare in ways that truly reflect the principles of reproductive justice. More than anything, I want my work to help create prairie communities where everyone can make decisions about their bodies, families, and futures free from stigma, coercion, and systemic barriers.

Emma’s project is still recruiting participants for interviews. If you identify as 2SLGBTQIA+, have sought or accessed an abortion in Manitoba in the last five years (2020-2025), are 18 years or older, and are interested in participating, you can contact Emma via email at emma.cowman@umanitoba.ca.

Participation entails a 1-1.5-hour interview via Zoom, and all participants will receive a $40 honorarium as a thank you for participation.

The Emerging Scholar Podcast features host and producer Dr. Jonathan McGavock, a professor of pediatrics and child health at the Max Rady College of Medicine, speaking with a variety of experts in the health sciences research field. The Podcast is produced and supported by UMFM with the help of co-producer Jared McKetiak.

 McGavock, also a researcher with the Children’s Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, says each episode is a conversation that will take students through the scientific process of generating ideas, testing a clinical hypothesis and sharing the results.  

“The amount of information available to residents getting started in research is enormous and could be super intimidating. We are providing a starting point and map to simplify the process,” said McGavock. 

The first two episodes focus on ‘how to develop a research question’ with episode one featuring a dialogue with pioneering pediatric researcher and professor Dr. Peter Rosenbaum of McMaster University.  Other early episodes give insights into topics like choosing a mentor, an introduction to various types of clinical research designs and incorporating race and anti-racism into a research project. 

McGavock said this podcast will also provide residents with a set of tools and resources they can easily access when they are working on their own (here). Since each episode is only 30 minutes, it allows those with limited time an opportunity to listen while on their commute or during other daily activities. 

“Every episode has a guest scientist in a different domain and should help fast-track the learner’s project. They will benefit from this interplay of discussion and Q & A with an expert, and then they can go right to the resource that they need, so they can do this independently.” 

While the podcast is geared towards residents, McGavock said graduate students and scientists at every level could also benefit from it. 

“Any graduate student launching into a project that involves humans could enjoy and learn from these interviews. There’s a big pool of students wanting to get into clinical research and I think they can use this as an entry level resource and learn what is expected at the highest level.”  

McGavock has three seasons of the podcast mapped out, as that is the typical length for a residency research project, but said he has no plans to stop making new episodes once the three seasons are complete.  

“This podcast has been a dream of mine for years and without the incredible support and production from UMFM station manager Jared McKetiak it would not be possible,” said McGavock. The first of 14 episodes was released in early 2025 and will drop weekly until mid April.  Episodes can be found on all streaming platforms along with the companion website and UMFM website.  

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:

“Throughout my academic and professional career, I have focused on children’s rights, dedicating my MSW program to this cause. My experiences working directly with children have fueled my passion for research in this domain,” says Letkeman.  

Letkeman is a member of the Childhood Adversity and Resilience Research Training Platform (CARe RTP) a national training platform led by Drs. Afifi and Stewart-Tufescu in the Department of Community Health Sciences and the Faculty of Social Work. Drawing from her background in working with children, her research is driven by a commitment to amplifying children’s voices and addressing their unique needs.  

“Through my research, I have critically analyzed the development of policies and interventions that promote children’s rights and enhance their well-being,” says Letkeman.  

Letkeman has contributed to research that addresses a critical gap in understanding child welfare services in Canada. The lack of comprehensive national data on child maltreatment and welfare involvement prompted Letkeman and a team of researchers to conduct a rapid scoping review of intake and assessment processes used by child welfare services across jurisdictions in Canada. The findings highlight commonalities in definitions and assessments of risks and safety among these services, emphasizing the importance of standardizing variables and definitions in administrative child welfare data to improve the comparability of indicators across jurisdictions.  

“I have studied the impact of social and economic factors on children’s lives and explored effective ways to minimize their adverse effects,” says Letkeman.  

Letkeman’s research sheds light on the significance of a population-based evaluation of the child welfare system for identifying areas that require further support. She emphasizes the potential impact of the Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families in reducing the overrepresentation of Indigenous children in care and establishing national principles for child welfare services.  

“As a researcher, my main driving force is to ensure that children’s voices are heard and their needs are met. It is essential to understand their challenges and create safe environments where they can thrive.”  

Letkeman’s research extends to various critical areas, including incarcerated mothers and their children. Her work delves into programs such as the Mother-Child Program, striving to foster positive relationships between federally incarcerated women and their children by providing a supportive environment.  

“The Canadian Journal of Child Rights published my earlier work, a comic that analyzed the outcomes of two different narratives surrounding incarcerated mothers and babies behind bars from a child rights perspective,” says Letkeman.  

Last year, Letkeman was selected by the Faculty of Social Work to represent MSW student research at the 75th anniversary Faculty of Graduate Studies celebration. Through a compelling poster presentation titled “Developing National Indicators for the Intake and Assessment Phase of Child Welfare Services”, Letkeman showcased the research led by Dr. Stewart-Tufescu and funded by the Public Health Agency of Canada on national indicators for child welfare services’ intake and assessment phase, shedding light on crucial gaps in understanding child welfare services in Canada.  

“This research is fundamental to improve child welfare practices in Canada. Kristen has been instrumental to this work and a wonderful team member. Her contributions have been a tremendous help to advance knowledge to better understand child welfare practice on a national scale in Canada,” says Stewart-Tufescu. 

Looking ahead, Letkeman’s research endeavours aim to establish comprehensive population-based national indicators for child welfare services, utilizing administrative data to inform policy and practice.   

“I eagerly anticipate my graduation in June 2024, which will open up new opportunities for me to advance my career in social work in Manitoba. As I move forward, I am committed to conducting research in this field and advocating for policies and interventions that safeguard the rights of children,” says Letkeman.  

Her dedication to social work research embodies the values of inquiry, compassion, and commitment to social justice, promising meaningful impact in advancing child welfare practices and policies across Canada.  

“It is my belief that empowering children and ensuring that their voices are heard in decisions that impact their well-being is of utmost importance, both in my capacity as a social worker and as a mother,” says Letkeman.  

Letkeman’s outstanding achievements, including receiving the Lorna Thorlaksson IODE Scholarship and the Sarah Strong Foundation Memorial award during her first year of the MSW program, underscore her commitment to excellence and children’s advocacy.   

As Letkeman continues her journey, the Faculty of Social Work commends her outstanding achievements and eagerly anticipates the continued impact of her research endeavours in shaping a brighter future for children across Canada. 

Over 40 Faculty of Arts students who were 2023 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 research happen on university campuses,” said Dr. Randy Jamieson, Associate Dean (Research). “Students provide valuable input to the important humanities and social science research conducted in the Faculty of Arts. Their efforts help to advance the research of the supervisors and their teams. At the same time, the students learn valuable skills that are useful in both their studies and their future careers.”

“Undergraduate students play an important role in helping research happen on university campuses.” – Dr. Randy Jamieson

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 and technical skills like using software such as SPSS or various types of lab equipment. The award winners shared how they worked on exciting and diverse tasks such as scouring databases, legislation, library catalogs and archives, creating bibliographies, conducting literature reviews, recruiting research participants, analyzing data and helping to communicate research findings to the greater community by contributing to a variety of items like articles, videos, blogs or graphics.

Lydia Gork [BA(Adv)/23], the Faculty of Arts 2023 University Gold Medal winner and a former research award winner herself, spoke to the students about why she became a student researcher and the thrill of winning first place in the spring 2023 UM Poster Competition (Humanities and Social Sciences category). Now a graduate student in Indigenous Studies, she showed the students where research can lead and inspired them to seek out more opportunities during their degree.

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, presenting at the annual Faculty of Arts undergraduate research symposium and applying for future research awards. Dr. Jamieson added that participating in these types of events “not only helps share Arts research with a wider audience, it also furthers each student’s experience and learning”.

The event was a huge success. There were many smiling faces as each student received a keepsake that included remarks from Acting Dean Rob Hoppa along with personalized comments 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.

“We get extremely encouraged when we hear students tell us that their research experience is what led them to pursue an honours degree or graduate studies,” said Dr. Hoppa. “Or, how it helped guide their future career choice and gave them the experience and skills to succeed after graduation.”

Research opportunities for students

The next UM undergraduate research showcase (replacing the Poster Competition) takes place on October 31, 2023. Learn more and apply.

The 2024 Faculty of Arts undergraduate research symposium will take place in April. Arts students will receive an email with more information.

Undergraduate students can apply for a 2024 URA or PURE. Visit the web for more information and to see deadlines for each award.

Watch what students and supervisors have to say about Faculty of Arts undergraduate research: