Shining Student Madison Abar

Madison Abar’s time at ULethbridge has been defined by her passion for anthropology and community-engaged research. Madison has embraced every opportunity to grow academically and personally from her transformative experiences with the Community Bridge Lab and fieldwork in Waterton Lakes National Park to her advocacy efforts through the Campus Collective Centre. Her dedication to learning, meaningful connections, and giving back to her community exemplify the spirit of a Shining Student.

My professors have had such a profound impact on my education journey. The entire Department of Anthropology has fundamentally shifted the way I see the world and changed the course of my life by introducing me to one of my greatest passions.

Meet Madison | Passionate. Thoughtful. Determined.
Program: Bachelor of Arts | Major: Anthropology

Why did you choose ULethbridge?

I chose the University of Lethbridge initially for its renowned Faculty of Education, but I quickly changed the course of my study during my second year. I continued my academic career at ULethbridge because of its excellent Department of Anthropology and the amazing opportunities for undergraduate research. I also love the close-knit community here, as well as where the University is situated within the landscape.

Did you know what you wanted to study before you came to ULethbridge?

When I began at ULethbridge, I had planned on studying education. However, I quickly fell in love with anthropological research, history, and social theory. My decision to pursue my passion for anthropology was not an easy one to make, but my time in the Department of Anthropology has been one of the most fulfilling and rewarding experiences of my life.

Please tell us about your experiential or work-integrated learning at ULethbridge.

Since November 2023, I have been a fellow of the Community Bridge Lab (CBL), a qualitative community-engaged research lab. Through the summer of 2024, I had the opportunity to do fieldwork in Waterton Lakes National Park for my Honour's Thesis, which is an oral history project focusing on human-environment relationships related to wildfire experiences, supervised by anthropology professor Dr. Jodie Asselin.

During my fieldwork, I interviewed nine past and present Parks Canada staff, engaged in the Waterton landscape and local community, attended conferences and training workshops, and learned how to operationalize the qualitative research methods I have learned in class. Throughout the academic year, I will continue working with my data to defend my Honour's Thesis in April 2025. I am also currently working on an Independent Study with anthropology professor Dr. Justin Raycraft about experiential learning and anthropological pedagogy.

My three biggest takeaways from these opportunities have been:

1. Collaborative and community-engaged research is important when approaching real-world problems and inspiring change.
2. How to engage with people in respectful, curious, and meaningful ways when discussing challenging topics.
3. To take a leap of faith and ask for what you want! Don't be afraid to approach professors about research opportunities or ask for support when you need it.

Maddy's research with Waterton Lakes National Park is a great example of the value of community-engaged social science research. Her passion, kindness, and curiosity benefits everyone in her orbit. – Dr. Jodie Asselin, Department of Anthropology

What is your most memorable ULethbridge experience so far?

My most memorable experience at the University of Lethbridge has been my time working at the Campus Collective Centre as one of four coordinators. This experience has allowed me to engage with like-minded individuals who care deeply about advocacy and social justice and has given me the opportunity to support and host amazing events, such as our annual Advocacy Conference. Through working with the Campus Collective Centre I have also had the opportunity to volunteer in a variety of ways in the Lethbridge local community, an experience that has been so much fun. I also love giving back to my student community by providing resources and support services to our student body.

How have your professors impacted your education?

My professors have had such a profound impact on my education journey. The entire Department of Anthropology has fundamentally shifted the way I see the world and changed the course of my life by introducing me to one of my greatest passions. Drs. Jodie Asselin, Jan Newberry, and Justin Raycraft have been especially supportive of my academic journey and taught me so much within and beyond the classroom. The Community Bridge Lab steering committee, Drs. Jodie Asselin, Julie Young, and Kaylan Schwarz have provided me with so many opportunities and inspired my love for qualitative research. Finally, Brendan Cummins in the School of Liberal Education has challenged me to think in new, creative, and inspiring ways and taught me lessons that will stay with me far beyond my post-secondary education.

Madison is a dedicated student who is committed to her coursework and actively seeks out learning opportunities outside the classroom to enhance her studies. She has taken an active role in mentoring other undergraduate students and is passionate about enriching student learning through her efforts. – Dr. Justin Raycraft, Department of Anthropology

Is there anyone else who had an important influence on your ULethbridge experience?

Rebeca Spencer, CBL Lab coordinator and MA Anthropology candidate, has been such an excellent mentor and a wonderful support system to me during my time at ULethbridge.

What are your hopes/plans for the future?

In the future I hope to continue engaging in the space of social and environmental relationships, whether that be in the form of further research or working with the provincial or federal government.

What advice would you like to give those about to begin their journey at ULethbridge?

Your university experience is what you make of it, so have the courage to make it excellent! Ask questions, go to office hours, and connect in meaningful ways with your peers and professors. I have connected with so many amazing friends and faculty within and outside of my department, and in doing so, created a wonderful community here at ULethbridge.

About Shining Students

Shining Students engage inside and outside of the classroom. What makes a student shine may differ from person to person, but they all share a passion for learning. They may be top students, involved in an innovative project, participating in ground-breaking research, playing Pronghorn athletics, fighting for social issues or all of the above! When students find something they enjoy and combine it with what they are good at, they shine.

Each year, the Faculty of Arts & Science's faculty and staff nominate students who exemplify the ULethbridge student spirit. Congratulations Madison!