Undergraduate Research Portfolio, Thompson Rivers University
Hello, my name is Hannah Valihora and I am a fourth year Bachelor of Arts student double-majoring in both sociology and psychology at Thompson Rivers University. My interest in engaging in research was fostered by the mentorship and encouragement of Dr. Jenny Shaw and Dr. Rochelle Stevenson; who have inspired me to pursue graduate studies to become a professor of sociology. From this inspiration, I became drawn to qualitative, feminist research practices. Guided by my supervisors, I immersed myself in the works of various acclaimed feminist scholars. On each research paper that I write I am stewarded by the feminist theories of Kimberlé W. Crenshaw, Audre Lorde, Judith Butler, bells hooks, and many more. Moreover, I enjoy implementing my passion for literature into my research, often drawing upon the brilliance of authors such as Margaret Atwood to facilitate a more nuanced sociological analysis of my work. Thus, I often find my writing situated at the crux of theory, literature, and prose.
While surrounded by ideas of research, theories, and teaching, I was simultaneously undergoing medical diagnosis for endometriosis, a debilitating oestrogen-dependent inflammatory condition.1 By virtue of its enigmatic nature and deeply gendered presentation, endometriosis is commonly misdiagnosed; patients often experience diagnostic delays of up to 11.7 years in the United States.2 The emotionality stereotypes and hysteria discourse associated with the disease present dire consequences for the endometriotic subject.3, 4, 5 From this experience, I was inspired to pursue the conduction of a qualitative research study to facilitate a more nuanced understanding of the experiences that women and gender diverse peoples face throughout endometriosis diagnosis. To garner research experience before the conduction of my own study, I enrolled in courses studying qualitative research methods, feminist theory, health psychology, and medical sociology.
Through the generosity of Thompson Rivers University and the guidance of my supervisors, I was awarded the UREAP scholarship and was able to conduct my research study. The research is comprised of semi-structured qualitative interviews. From this, I authored a research paper identifying the prominent themes of the study titled “A Feminist Analysis of Endometriosis Discourse: Experiences of Dismissal and Disempowerment and Moving Towards an Ethics of Care for Endometriosis Patients”.
Herein, I have carefully curated a collection of my appreciation for and knowledge of the research process. I look forward to all of the research endeavours that I will experience at Thompson Rivers University and beyond—notably, I am incredibly grateful to have been selected to represent undergraduate research at Thompson Rivers University through my engagement in the Research Ambassador program.