When Makayla Koshuta (MSc Mgt '26) crossed the stage to receive the Dhillon School of Business Gold Medal following her undergraduate studies, it marked the culmination of an exceptional student experience defined by academic excellence, research opportunities and a willingness to embrace new challenges. Rather than ending her journey at the University of Lethbridge, that experience inspired her to continue it.
Drawn back to ULethbridge by her passion for marketing research and the mentorship of faculty members who helped shape her academic path, Makayla pursued a Master of Science in Management under the supervision of Dr. Debra Basil. Through her thesis research exploring how Canadian newcomers use online communities to navigate the settlement process, she combined her interest in marketing research with meaningful, real-world issues. Now, as the recipient of the Master of Science in Management Medal of Merit, Makayla reflects on a graduate experience she describes as motivating, meaningful and rewarding.
Meet Makayla.
Medal won: Silver Medal of Merit - MSc (Mgt)
Program: Master of Science in Management | Major: Marketing
Why did you choose ULethbridge for your graduate studies?
I chose ULethbridge for my graduate studies because of the exceptional marketing research experiences I gained through the Dhillon School of Business. Working with Dr. Debra Basil in my undergraduate degree at ULethbridge inspired me to pursue a master's degree under her supervision.
What did your research and/or thesis work encompass?
My thesis examined how Canadian newcomers seek and share settlement information and knowledge, specifically studying the online community and support system provided by Reddit. And how these interactions within immigrant online communities can help newcomers navigate the settlement process in Canada.
What drew you to your program or field of study?
The research-focused co-ops and applied studies I completed during my undergraduate experience strengthened my interest in conducting thesis-based graduate research. I also gained a passion here for research concerning non-profit organizations and Canadian immigrants working with Dr. Debra Basil.
What is your most memorable ULethbridge experience?
During my undergrad, I completed three co-ps and three applied studies, all with a research focus that really inspired me to pursue graduate studies at ULethbridge. During my graduate studies, I was able to be a research assistant and teaching assistant for Dr. Basil which also enriched my academic experience.
Were there any courses, professors or experiences that changed your perspective?
Dr. Debra Basil, my thesis supervisor, really inspired me to have a passion for studying immigration within a marketing context. Working as her research assistant on projects focusing on the immigrant experience and international student experiences in Canada really deepened my understanding of what the marketing research discipline can encompass. These research projects were not only interesting and broadened my understanding of immigration and international student experiences in Canada, but it also felt truly meaningful and rewarding to work on research involving topics so deeply relevant in our current immigration landscape. I also am so grateful to my thesis committee members Dr. Rhiannon Mesler and Andrea Amelinckx and my thesis chair Dr. Luis Escobar who were all wonderful mentors for me during my graduate studies at ULethbridge.
Did you receive any scholarships, awards or bursaries during your studies? How did having financial support impact your education?
I am grateful to have received a Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) to fund my research work. In addition, other scholarships and awards I received through ULethbridge were extremely impactful, as the financial support I received enabled me to focus on my coursework and thesis project.
What does this academic recognition mean to you?
I am extremely grateful for this academic recognition, as it reflects the tremendous support, guidance and encouragement I received from my supervisor, thesis committee, professors and TAs throughout my graduate studies at ULethbridge. Their mentorship played an essential role in my positive experience in graduate studies.
What is the most important lesson you learned during your time at ULethbridge?
I think the most important lesson I learned is to try and take as many opportunities as you can during your undergraduate degree, especially research opportunities with faculty if there is a part of you that wants to consider graduate studies in a thesis based degree program.
What are your plans for the future?
I recently started working here at ULethbridge as a communications specialist and I am happy that I am able to continue to be at the University.
What advice would you give to those who are about to begin their journey at ULethbridge? What would you tell your first-year self?
I would definitely say that it is important to take as many opportunities that you are able to, in order to enrich your academic experience. I only learned of my interest in academic research because I had the opportunity to work on projects during my undergraduate degree, and I am so grateful that I decided to take those initial opportunities. I also think it's important to focus on opportunities that you find motivating and of personal interest to you, and for me that was the projects I was able to be a part of.