Gillian Brown, candidate for the degree of MA in Political Science
Supervisor: Dr. Alex Marland
Thesis Title: Remote Control: Rethinking Government Information Subsidies and Media Relations in Post-pandemic Atlantic Canada

Gillian's research is focused on evolving press-state dynamics in Atlantic Canada since the onset of COVID-19. This includes a study of the development and uses of remote technology in both local news and government communications. Prior to beginning her degree at Acadia, Gillian spent several years in journalism, working at both campus and community newspapers in Winnipeg, Manitoba. During her undergraduate degree at the University of Manitoba, she worked as a research assistant studying misinformation, disinformation, and racism in the media within Western liberal democracies. This fall, Gillian plans to begin her PhD in Political Studies at Queen’s University.

Julia (Jules) Lawrence, candidate for the degree of M.Ed. in Curriculum Studies
Supervisors: Drs. Janet Dyment, Cassel Busse, Ying Zhang & Colin King
Thesis Title: The 7th C of Caring is Camp: Exploring the Resilience of Healthcare Providers in Pediatric Medical Camp Settings

Julia (Jules) Lawrence, BScN RN CPedN (C), is a Registered Nurse and the Nursing Operations Manager bridging Brigadoon Village and the IWK Children’s Health Program in Nova Scotia. Originally from Halifax, Jules grew up attending Sherbrooke Lake Camp in New Ross, Nova Scotia, where her early experiences in camp communities shaped her lifelong commitment to youth development, health, and leadership. She brings over a decade of experience across pediatric acute care, neonatal intensive care, public health, and therapeutic camp environments. Jules first joined Brigadoon Village in 2017 as the summer-long camp nurse and is thrilled to have returned in a leadership role supporting children with complex medical conditions to safely experience the magic of camp.
In her role, she works at the intersection of pediatric healthcare, education, and camp programming to create safe and meaningful experiences for children and families. Jules previously served as an instructor at Dalhousie University’s School of Nursing and remains deeply committed to mentoring and supporting learners in the healthcare professions. She currently serves on the Research Committee for the Canadian Camps Association and the Board of Directors for the Camping Association of Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island.

Jules is completing her Master of Education in Curriculum Studies for Healthcare Providers at Acadia University. Her mixed-methods research investigates resilience development among healthcare providers working in pediatric medical camp settings and explores how camp-based care can support healthier, more sustainable healthcare communities. Her work is grounded in a commitment to supporting emerging healthcare professionals and exploring how camp communities, nature-based environments, and experiential learning can cultivate resilience in both youth and those who care for them.