Asian Institute Staff Team Receives University of Toronto Award of Excellence

The Asian Institute’s Richard Charles Lee Insights through Asia Challenge (ITAC) is a unique experiential learning program at the Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy that creates opportunities for students to conduct original research on urgent global questions. As the program facilitates transformative professional development and personal growth, students hone their research entrepreneurialism, understanding of research ethics and methods, international competencies and professional outreach skills.

Guided by the academic leadership of the Asian Institute’s faculty and Director Rachel Silvey, the Asian Institute staff co-ordinate workshops on topics including proposal writing, project management and research ethics. They also support students in the creation and public presentation of their projects in various media.

Colleagues say ITAC staff fulfill their work with dedication, energy and vision, and play an integral role in enriching the student experience.

As research co-ordinator, Shannon Garden-Smith (BA 2012 TRIN) manages the program cycle and supports students in producing their creative projects. She co-ordinates the delivery of workshops and the development of students’ research design, ensuring research ethics protocols are in place. Nina Boric (BA 2004 TRIN, MA 2007), manager of the Asian Institute and the team lead, is in charge of budgets, grants and co-curricular partnerships. She also supports students in managing unanticipated risks and logistics. As the program advisor and communications officer, Katherine MacIvor (BA 2008 VIC, MA 2009) not only promotes the program and its research outcomes through internal and external communications channels but also organizes workshops and provides mentoring. Dasha Kuznetsova (BA 2017 WDW), as event co-ordinator and administrator, provides essential logistical support with travel and accommodations.

Students laud the team for their sensitivity and support in designing and administering this unique program at U of T. Many have commented on how staff not only manage the program but provide confidence-building encouragement, instantly responsive support and valuable feedback on the students’ journey to becoming global citizens.

The Asian Institute’s Richard Charles Lee Insights through Asia Challenge (ITAC) is a unique experiential learning program at the Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy that creates opportunities for students to conduct original research on urgent global questions. As the program facilitates transformative professional development and personal growth, students hone their research entrepreneurialism, understanding of research ethics and methods, international competencies and professional outreach skills.

Guided by the academic leadership of the Asian Institute’s faculty and Director Rachel Silvey, the Asian Institute staff co-ordinate workshops on topics including proposal writing, project management and research ethics. They also support students in the creation and public presentation of their projects in various media.

Colleagues say ITAC staff fulfill their work with dedication, energy and vision, and play an integral role in enriching the student experience.

As research co-ordinator, Shannon Garden-Smith (BA 2012 TRIN) manages the program cycle and supports students in producing their creative projects. She co-ordinates the delivery of workshops and the development of students’ research design, ensuring research ethics protocols are in place. Nina Boric (BA 2004 TRIN, MA 2007), manager of the Asian Institute and the team lead, is in charge of budgets, grants and co-curricular partnerships. She also supports students in managing unanticipated risks and logistics. As the program advisor and communications officer, Katherine MacIvor (BA 2008 VIC, MA 2009) not only promotes the program and its research outcomes through internal and external communications channels but also organizes workshops and provides mentoring. Dasha Kuznetsova (BA 2017 WDW), as event co-ordinator and administrator, provides essential logistical support with travel and accommodations.

Students laud the team for their sensitivity and support in designing and administering this unique program at U of T. Many have commented on how staff not only manage the program but provide confidence-building encouragement, instantly responsive support and valuable feedback on the students’ journey to becoming global citizens.