This summer, student researchers participated in a qualitative research conference where they presented on their experience of working on a project that examines the perspectives of women in Christian leadership. Their findings will contribute to a forthcoming journal paper.
The students are Lucy Smith, Joefin Peter, and Jessica Stobbe, and together, they are assisting Dr. Katie Steeves on a research project funded by a Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC) Insight Development Grant, titled “Religious and Gendered Selves on the Front Stage of Leadership.” Through this work, all three students have gained unique insights and perspectives.
TWU researchers at the 2023 Qualitatives conference
In June, Dr. Steeves and the research team travelled to Kelowna to present at the 2023 Qualitatives, a regional conference specialized in qualitative work and methodologies. Sociologists, authors, and researchers from across North America were among the conference’s participants and presenters. TWU students Lucy, Joefin, and Jessica presented as well, speaking on their experiences and learning outcomes being novice qualitative researchers.
Working as research assistants for Dr. Steeves’ grant project, the team has gained valuable experience in several areas. They participated in the work of qualitative research through recruitment, conducting interviews, and transcribing. Having completed a comprehensive literature review, the team is now exploring the experiences and identities of women in Christian leadership through the lens of feminism combined with the sociology of religion.
Sociologists, authors, and researchers from across North America were among the conference’s participants and presenters. TWU students Lucy, Joefin, and Jessica presented as well, speaking on their experiences and learning outcomes being novice qualitative researchers.
Dr. Steeves affirms the work of the students and greatly enjoys the chance to mentor the next generation of scholars. “Working with student research assistants has been the highlight of my career at Trinity Western to this point,” she comments. “It is one of the most rewarding parts of what I get to do, and I am so proud of each of these students for both the personal and spiritual growth I have observed while working with them, and their budding contributions to the academic community.”
As part of their contribution to scholarship, the team is collaborating on a forthcoming paper that discusses their developing perspectives on the field of qualitative research, as well as the challenges faced by first-time researchers.
“Although our research is still ongoing,” the team explains in their paper abstract, “by exercising reflexivity and exploring the perspectives gleaned from this process, our purpose is to shed light on how we each have grown from and engaged with the qualitative research process.”
Developing research skills, building confidence
Upon returning from the conference, Lucy, who graduated in April with a degree in sociology and a certificate in human services, comments, “Being on this project has grown my confidence in many ways…I have developed so much as a writer, listener, academic reader, and teammate.”
Lucy's work as a research assistant has provided her access to stories and experiences, which have expanded her worldview. As Lucy shares, “Even though so much of this experience has grown and developed me as a professional and academic, I still think the most meaningful part has been the conversations and stories I have gotten to hear during my interviews.”
She continues, “Hearing the stories of success and struggle of female pastors in Canada has been so enriching to my own Christian walk and self-growth. I greatly admire the women we get to interview as they are speaking up in brave ways through their participation. It has allowed me to better grow my empathy, and hearing the stories of others will always be a meaningful experience.”
“Hearing the stories of success and struggle of female pastors in Canada has been so enriching to my own Christian walk and self-growth. ...It has allowed me to better grow my empathy...”
What’s more, Lucy’s work as a student researcher is building her confidence, which further equips her for her future life trajectory. “I gave my first presentation at an academic conference and am currently working on my first rough draft to be published!” she shares with enthusiasm. “I have tried so many new things throughout this whole process and am continuing to do so daily.”
The work has inspired Lucy to advance in the field of research. “Because of this project,” Lucy says, “I am also choosing to pursue further education and research going forward. Before this, I was definitely not considering continuing down academia; however, this experience has shown me my passion for it and given me an increased interest.”
Expanding perspectives on knowledge acquisition
Research team member and sociology major Jessica has similarly felt encouraged throughout the process. In particular, she has gained greater confidence in her own skills. As Jessica shares, “I feel like I am far more equipped to pursue further goals and to achieve more. This process has taught me that I am able to accomplish far more than I had previously thought, and I really value that.”
"This process has taught me that I am able to accomplish far more than I had previously thought, and I really value that."
Hands-on research has also broadened Jessica’s understanding of knowledge acquisition. She has learned how “developing knowledge comes from a multitude of ways and can look different for everyone,” and “while I may be knowledgeable in one category, somebody else may be more knowledgeable in another. ...Different types of knowledge come from different experiences [and] all of it is equally important.”
Growing passion for research
Student researcher Joefin looks forward to applying what she has learned into other research projects, saying, “…The skills I gained from being a qualitative research assistant are informing how I conduct quantitative research. Further, I would love to conduct mixed method research in the future, and this experience has influenced that desire.”
Speaking of the future, Joefin has gained a taste of what graduate studies or academic vocation might look like. She expresses that “being a student researcher on this particular project has influenced aspects of how I conduct my current research and what I look for in programs as I explore graduate studies.”
As a psychology major with a concentration in biology, Joefin is eager to expand her research experiences, “…Being a part of this project has informed my interest in research, because my perspective on what it means to conduct research and do field work has shifted and expanded.”
Integrating classroom learning, field research, and Christian faith
All in all, educational experiences at TWU—such as working on research alongside a faculty mentor, collaborating on an academic paper, and attending conferences—is helping Joefin and others integrate classroom learning, field research, and Christian faith and worldview.
“I have always valued being a part of projects and organizations that complement my academics, and align with my aim to live out a life of feminist praxis and servant leadership,” Joefin says, “As I navigate my faith journey and figure out how I balance culture and Christianity, being a part of this project has been meaningful to me, because I get to hear others who have navigated similar paths.”
See also: TWU researchers interview Canadian churches on what leads to growth and resiliency
About Sociology at Trinity Western University
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