RESEARCH ASSOCIATES
Lana Ray, PhD
Dr. Ray is an Assistant Professor in Indigenous Learning. She began her appointment as Lakehead University’s Indigenous Research Chair in Decolonial Futures in June 2021. This position, the first of its kind at Lakehead, forwards the university’s vision to strengthen research that is grounded in Indigenous knowledges and culturally appropriate methodologies. Dr. Ray, an Anishinaabe scholar from Opwaaganasiniing (Red Rock Indian Band), brings to this appointment over a decade of experience working with Indigenous peoples and communities to implement Indigenous community-based approaches to research. She has been recognized internationally for her scholarship and has been a strong voice within Ontario for the advancement of Indigenous education. “Universities must extend their role in reconciliation beyond truth seeking and public education to actively supporting processes of decolonization and Indigenous self-determination”.
Tanaz Javan, PhD
Dr. Javan is a faculty member at Fanshawe College, where she teaches psychology and wellness courses. She holds a Ph.D. in Health Information Science, with her research focused on fostering trauma and violence-informed environments in educational and community settings. As a dedicated life coach, Dr. Javan empowers individuals to overcome challenges and embrace personal growth. She also leads mindfulness meditation workshops, promoting resilience and self-compassion. A member of the Gender, Trauma & Violence Knowledge Incubator at Western University and a board member of the Gender Equality Coalition of Ontario, she is committed to advancing gender justice and emotional well-being. Additionally, she is a skilled painter, having created the cover art for Healing the Traumatized Self.
Saime Özçürümez, PhD
Dr. Özçürümez (Ph.D., McGill University) is Professor of Sociology, Department of Sociology, BaÅŸkent University. She conducts research, teaches & publishes on migration governance, health & diversity, social cohesion, gender based violence and forced migration, social inclusion in education ecosystems & livelihoods, social entrepreneurship & self-reliance among vulnerable populations & medical sociology. She worked as a consultant, trainer, researcher & referee for different international organizations, national institutions & NGOs in Europe, Canada & Turkey and conducted research with the support of national and international grant agencies in collaboration with researchers from Europe, Middle East, UK, Australia & Canada on health & diversity, gender based violence, consequences of limited statehood & human mobility & transformation of migration governance in the EU & Turkey. She has been a visiting fellow at Global Health & Social Medicine, & the Center for Middle Eastern Studies at Harvard University (2015-2016). Dr. Özçürümez worked with municipalities, public authorities & NGOs extensively in the region focusing on forced migration governance, participation, social cohesion, COVID-19 impact and self-reliance.