Featured Grad Student - Aanchal Sharma

What is your main area of interest?

Building on my supervisor’s (Tracy Vaillancourt) research, which aims to understand the correlates and causes of bullying and aggression, I have two main areas of interest.  My main body of research involves investigating indirect aggression among females from an evolutionary perspective. I have developed a program of research, under my supervisor’s guidance, to provide experimental support for intrasexual competition.  Since I have explored indirect aggression from many angles over the past 5 years, I also developed a secondary interest in knowledge translation.  Specifically, I am interested in exploring how research can be used to inform effective and efficient public policy development.

What are you most pleased with in terms of your work in the past year?

I would say I am most pleased with the progress I have made as a researcher overall. I am particularly happy with how well received my research has been among my colleagues.  Additionally, it has been extremely fulfilling to have been able to collaborate with NGO and government organizations, such as: UNICEF, UN Association of Canada, Human Resources and Social Development Canada.  These opportunities have provided me with invaluable experience and contributed to my continued growth as a researcher.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned through your work in the past few months?

It is important to maintain passion for your research. As a fifth year doctoral student, my interest in contributing to research on indirect aggression has persevered. Today, I still have the same enthusiasm I had for my research when I first started. As I prepare to write my dissertation, I have also found it helpful to place my research in the applied world and not only focus on its academic value, which I think is important for any research project.

What is your ultimate goal for your partnership with PREVNet?

I would like to stay committed to PREVNet’s mandate and continue to contribute in the capacity of student and researcher.  I am truly grateful for the opportunities I have had through my membership, which has enabled me to gain experience working with NGOs and policy boards, while receiving important insight on my research from established scholars.  None of these would have been possible without PREVNet’s consistent support for its graduate students. In the future, I would like to take part in its growth and preservation.

How can you benefit from your partnership with PREVNet?

I already have in multiple ways.  It has contributed to my growth both as a student and professional.  The conferences, internships, and the AGMs all provided learning opportunities and the chance to exercise my skills as a researcher. This has allowed me to work closely with groups that are committed to society’s well being. It has been inspiring to see the interdisciplinary efforts among professionals and researchers.  PREVNet continues to demonstrate how research can be effective in eliminating bullying, improving relationships, and disseminating knowledge. Best of all, is that each of these lessons have been provided with great depth and quality.