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Alix Freiler
Alix became interested in urban poverty and policy while studying politics at Queens. She thought the interdisciplinary faculty and approach of the 丁香园AV Urban Studies Program would help her 鈥渆xpand my theoretical lens,鈥� and be a good place to pursue those research interests, which she did through completing a thesis on the (2009). She has since gone on to pursue a Phd in social policy at Ryerson University, where she is examining the Province of Ontario鈥檚 poverty reduction strategy while also working as research manager for the Centre for Urban Health Solutions at Toronto鈥檚 St. Michael鈥檚 Hospital.
鈥淭he type of work I now do revolves around general policy and because I had a background from the Urban Studies Program in policy and in urban poverty, it aligns very well with my work at St. Michael鈥檚,鈥� Alix said.
Alix noted that with no formal background in health, there was some serendipity involved in her move into that sector, which began with her first contract job after she completed her master鈥檚. 鈥淎t times, it has been a steep learning curve,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 work a lot with scientists, with epidemiologists. I enjoy it 鈥� it was a logical step because of my interest in the social determinants of health.鈥�
Along with the interdisciplinary approach she adopted through her master鈥檚 work, Alix said the other thing that has helped her in her career and academic pursuits was the support she got from Urban Studies faculty after finishing the program. 鈥淭he benefit of the smaller program is you really do get to know the faculty and the students and so you can cultivate those long-lasting relationships.鈥�