Realize your future with TMU Graduate Studies

Future focus
Pearson Ripley
Documentary Media MFA alumnus
A recipient of Nikon’s 100th Anniversary Storyteller’s Scholarship, Pearson Ripley has chronicled life in Nepal, Cambodia and Guatemala through his photography. His major research paper, “Shut Away,” focuses on undocumented Latin American immigrants seeking sanctuary in U.S. churches.
How has your TMU graduate education been?
I've grown dramatically as a photographer through the Documentary Media program. The faculty have had a huge effect on my practice. I've learned how to think critically about my creative decisions and write about my own work more effectively.
How did your supervisors support your research?
TMU gave me an incredible support system for executing my first long-term, large-scale documentary project. My supervisors Dr. Blake Fitzpatrick and Don Snyder both have extensive knowledge and experience and gave me honest, straightforward critiques that really informed my work. Whenever I had a question, they were always there for me.
Do you feel well-prepared for your career?
There's no straightforward career path for documentary photography, but TMU has prepared me in an invaluable way by giving me a comprehensive understanding of the documentary framework and introducing me to Toronto's thriving photography and film community. Now, I have a fantastic point of departure to chase down my dream career.
"[TMU] has prepared me in an invaluable way by giving me a comprehensive understanding of the documentary framework."

‘The journey continues to be amazing’
Cyrus Sundar Singh, Communication and Culture PhD student and Documentary Media MFA alumnus

Shaping the future of health care
Kittie Pang, Master of Health Administration (Community Care) student

A new look at the world’s oldest profession
Jenny Duffy, master’s alumna, Philosophy & Public Policy and Administration

Making black-and-white more grey
Nathaniel Brunt, Communication and Culture PhD student and Trudeau Scholar

Supporting women through building science
Building Science master's students

Using drones to locate people with dementia
Dalia Hanna, Computer Science PhD student

Building sustainability into architecture
Matthew Ferguson, Architecture master's student

Flipping the script on Black men's pain
David Grant, Master of Social Work alumnus

Standing up for immigrant women
Vathsala Illesinghe, Policy Studies PhD student

Giving refugees a second chance
Adrienne Smith, Immigration and Settlement Studies MA alumna

Opening possibilities with inclusive tech
Mauricio Meza, MBA-MTI alumnus

Secret marathon meets social change
Kate McKenzie, Master of Digital Media alumna

Transgender research meets transformed lives
Jake Pyne, Master of Social Work

Cannabis research meets new potential
Steve Naraine, Molecular Science MSc

Jewelry business meets digital disruption
Noura Sakkijha, Ted Rogers MBA

City issues meet the big picture
Dr. Colin Robert Phillips, Policy Studies PhD

Cancer research meets better patient care
Dr. Michael Kolios, Professor and Associate Dean, Research and Graduate Studies, Faculty of Science

Professional passion meets real-world opportunities
Jacky Au Duong, Master of Professional Communication

Inspirational faculty meets innovative research
Dr. Amira Abdelrasoul, Chemical Engineering PhD

Entrepreneurship meets accessibility
Maayan Ziv, Master of Digital Media alumna

Life-changing experience meets long-term success
Adedoyin Adesemowo, MBA-MTI

Ancient traditions meet empowered youth
Dr. Réal Carrière, Policy Studies PhD