Working with IndigiNerds Scholars: My experience as a supervisor
I oversaw a one-month study on Indigenous citizenship as part of my larger SSHRC Partnership Development Grant that explores the impact of digital technology on Indigenous participation and self-determination.
I taught students how to carry out Q-sort methodology and factor analysis and coached them through the analysis of the data and development of a poster that was presented at a student conference. The students also presented a paper at an international conference in September 2016 in New Orleans, LA.
A third student that I supervised in 2016, worked on my SSHRC Insight Development Grant that uses photovoice to examine intergenerational communication between Indigenous elders and youth. The IUSRS Scholar developed a community newsletter and traveled with the research team to Labrador as part of the project’s dissemination strategy to help put on a community dinner and photo exhibit.
– Chelsea Gabel, Associate Professor, Social Sciences
How do I become an IndigiNerds program supervisor?
2024 Supervisor applications will open soon. Email miri@mcmaster.ca to be notified when applications open.
What is the IndigiNerds program?
IndigiNerds is a summer research and graduate school preparatory opportunity for Indigenous undergraduate students who may be interested in – or are planning to apply to – graduate school.
What is the goal?
IndigiNerds aims to provide a culturally relevant, transformational program to Indigenous undergraduate students. The IndigiNerds program will introduce Indigenous undergraduate students to the graduate experience and community at McMaster, with the aim of contributing to the success of Indigenous researchers and engaging more Indigenous graduate students in the future.
How many Indigenous undergraduate scholars will take part?
Approximately 10 Indigenous upper level undergraduate students will be selected to join us at McMaster University.
How long will the program run? When does it start?
The IndigiNerds program is eight weeks. The 2024 program will run from May 3 to June 28, 2024.
How will you match students and supervisors?
A selection committee will match IndigiNerds Scholars with supervisors. Decisions will be made based on the research interests expressed by incoming students.
Is this course open to supervisors across all Faculties at McMaster?
Yes, IndigiNerds Scholars may engage in research and scholarship on any topic across all six faculties.
Do supervisors provide financial support to an IndigiNerds Scholar?
Scholars receive a stipend through the IndigiNerds program. Any research-related costs, including travel, will need to be budgeted for and covered through a supervisor’s own research-related funding.
What types of research / scholarship opportunities are you hoping to provide to the IndigiNerds Scholars?
Research opportunities can include options such as:
- joining a research team working on an ongoing research project
- designing and implementing an individual research project
- another approach that fits the discipline of study and is feasible within the scope of the program
What additional opportunities will be offered to the IndigiNerds Scholars?
In addition to their research component, every Monday IndigiNerds Scholars will participate in workshops and community-based activities covering a range of topics, including:
- research ethics
- community-engaged research with Indigenous populations
- scholarly communication
- time and project management
- e-Portfolios, social media, and other electronic platforms
- leadership development
- life in graduate school and beyond
IndigiNerds Scholars will take part in common social activities designed to build a cohort and introduce them to Hamilton and surrounding area, including Six Nations of the Grand River Territory and New Credit reserves.
Is the IndigiNerds program open to current McMaster students only?
No. Indigenous undergrads who attend any university in Canada will be eligible to apply for this program.
Will IndigiNerds Scholars live on campus?
Students who live more than 50km from McMaster are offered accommodation in residence on campus.
As a supervisor, how will my research group / lab benefit from hosting an IndigiNerds Scholar?
Supervisors will enjoy an opportunity to build the capacity of individual researchers/teams, while introducing the research experience to a potential future graduate student.
When will I know whether I have been matched with an IndigiNerds Scholar?
You will be contacted in mid-March.
