Kellie Chouinard’s journey to her PhD in English at the University of Waterloo has been a unique and inspiring one. With a diverse background in social media, event planning, and public relations, Chouinard’s professional experiences have shaped her academic pursuits and research interests.
After completing her BA in English, Creative Writing, and History at the University of Windsor in 2010, Chouinard continued her education by pursuing a master’s degree at the University of Calgary. However, her career in industry led her to reevaluate her path and seek ways to reintegrate education into her life. This led her to enroll in a graduate certificate program in public relations and corporate communications at Fanshawe College, which ultimately solidified her desire to pursue a PhD to delve deeper into the study of social media and digital communication.
In 2019, Chouinard faced a significant challenge when she was diagnosed with aggressive breast cancer. This diagnosis, coupled with the isolation brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, prompted her to seek solace and connection through online communities. Turning to platforms like Instagram, Chouinard found support and camaraderie with others facing similar challenges. This experience inspired her research focus on how young women use social media to connect and share their experiences, particularly in navigating taboo topics like grief and survivor’s guilt.
Chouinard’s research sheds light on the positive aspects of social media as a tool for creating supportive spaces and fostering genuine connections. Despite the negative impacts often associated with social media, she believes in its potential to build communities and provide a sense of belonging for those in need.
In addition to her research, Chouinard is dedicated to her teaching roles at the University of Waterloo. As an instructor of various English courses, she integrates her research objectives with students’ interests, creating a dynamic and engaging classroom environment. Her commitment to education is evident in her approach to teaching, where she encourages students to connect their personal passions with course material, fostering a deeper understanding and engagement with the subject matter.
Chouinard’s decision to pursue her PhD at Waterloo was influenced by the opportunity to teach courses aligned with her research interests, the excellent faculty and staff, and the beautiful campus. Her supervisor, Dr. Aimée Morrison, played a crucial role in her decision, as their research interests aligned closely. Chouinard emphasizes the importance of finding the right graduate supervisor, someone who can provide the necessary support and feedback throughout the PhD journey.
Overall, Kellie Chouinard’s journey to her PhD in English at Waterloo is a testament to her resilience, passion for research, and dedication to education. Her experiences navigating cancer, connection during COVID-19, and commitment to teaching highlight the transformative power of education and the positive impact of social media in creating supportive communities.