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Experienced, analytically minded qualitative researcher with over 10 years of collecting data.
Broad knowledge of ethics protocols in research.
Exceptional ability to analyze and synthesize information.
Talent for finding high value insights and practical improvement solutions.
Known for having strong presentation, communication, and problem-solving skills.
Excellent organizational skills with ability to prioritize tasks and meet tight deadlines.
Proficient writer, ability to translate specialized knowledge for a wider audience.
Thrive in collaborative settings.
Bilingual French and English.
Computer skills : Microsoft Office Suite, Survey Monkey, Qualtrics

Core Competencies

Program evaluation
Policy development
Data analysis
Literature reviews
Insights and solutions
Stakeholder engagement
Presentations
Individual interviews, focus groups, surveys
High cultural competencies.

Work Experience

Editor, Grant Writer, Proofreader, Researcher 2012 — Present
Freelance, Montreal
Wrote successful research grant applications totalling approximately $1.2 million
Edited a dozen manuscripts (books, dissertations, academic articles)
Conducted literature reviews on over 3 dozen diverse topics
Developed proficiency in research ethics protocols
Published 3 peer-reviewed articles, 4 book chapters, and 3 book reviews
Acted as subject matter expert peer-reviewer for 4 journal articles
Conceived and/or conducted multiple research projects, literature reviews related to: media, labour, gender, politics, race, popular culture, video games, ritual, language, education, religion, etc.

Policy Researcher 2022 — 2023
Provincial Employment Roundtable, Montreal
Wrote 4 policy reports submitted to Québec government and public
Researched accessibility of second language acquisition programs, internationally & domestically
Conceived of research ideas, established timelines, collected and analyzed data
Applied and received research grants and ethics approvals
Conducted qualitative data collection with stakeholders (over 3 dozen interviews/focus groups)
Circulated surveys and analyzed data
Developed user profiles for adult language learners seeking labour market integration

Teacher 2013 — 2015
Concordia University
Designed and taught 4 undergraduate courses
Focused lessons on critical thinking and transferable skills to over 400 students

Teaching Assistant 2010 — 2022
Concordia University
Classroom management of 2 dozen courses, attended by over a 1000 students
Graded assignments and mentored students
Sampling of topics: food, ritual, literature, pop culture, religions, cults, gender and sexuality, religions of the West, magic, etc.

Office Manager 2003 — 2012
Medical Clinic, Montréal
Developed broad knowledge of healthcare ecosystem in Québec
Hired and trained administrative assistants
Demonstrated professionalism and compassion with patient base
Liaised with social services, insurance companies, & employers

Education and Certification

2022 Doctorate in Religions and Cultures – Concordia University, Montreal
2012 Master’s in Religion and Cultures – Concordia University, Montreal

2023 Certificate in Ethical Conduct for Research Involving Humans – Tri-Council Policy Statement

Funding and Awards

2023-2024. BEKH Black Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub (research plan co-creator, grant writer)
2023-2025. SSHRC Knowledge Mobilization Grant (contributor, editor)
2014-2017. Social Science & Humanities Research Council Doctoral Award SSHRC (recipient)
2014-2017. Fonds de recherche du Québec—Société & culture bourse de doctorat FRQSC (recipient)
2012-2015. Faculty of Arts & Science Graduate Fellowship, Concordia (recipient)
2012-2015. Faculty of Arts & Science Merit Scholarship, Concordia (recipient)
2015-2016. Religion & Diversity Project Graduate Research Grant (recipient)
2015-2016. Quebec Mobility Bursary (recipient)
2012-2016. Multiple travel grants (recipient)

Select Publications

Policy reports

2024. Holt, Kuzviwanza, and Gagnon. “Understanding Learning Timelines for Adults in Second Language Training.” The Provincial Employment Roundtable: 1-29. Montréal.
2024. Holt, Kuzviwanza, and Gagnon. “User journeys of language learners navigating Quebec’s French-language training.” The Provincial Employment Roundtable: 1-29. Montréal.
2023. Holt and Kuzviwanza. “Learning French as an adult: A review of current best practices in adult French-language training in Québec.” The Provincial Employment Roundtable: 1-25. Montréal.
2023. Holt and Kuzviwanza. “Québec and the rest: A survey of national and international approaches to adult language training.” The Provincial Employment Roundtable: 1-43. Montréal

Volunteer

Organizer 2010 – 2015
Annual Graduate Interdisciplinary Conference, Montréal

Brand the conference and related activities under one acronym (AGIC)
Manage social media and communications
Maintain financial oversight
Recruit and train new volunteers to ensure the continued success of the conference

Administrative officer, Editor-in-Chief 2010 – 2013
Journal of Religion and Culture, Montréal

Coordinate the entire publication process: fundraising, budget control, invoices, and reimbursements
Edit and format articles to academic standards
Implement online publication using the Open Journal System

Workshop co-leader 2013
GradProSkills, Concordia University

“How to Start a Graduate Journal”
“How to Host an Academic Conference”

Miscellaneous

Affiliations

• 2015-2016. Member, European Society for the Study of Western Esotericism (ESSWE)
• 2014-2016. Member, Canadian Society for the Study of Religion (CSSR)
• 2014-2015. Member, International Society for the Study of New Religions (ISSNR)
• 2013-2016. Member, American Academy of Religion (AAR)
• 2012-2016. Student Affiliate, Religion and Diversity Project (SSHRC)

Varia

• 2014, 2015. Student representative, Advisory Search Committee—Chair, Department of Religion
• 2013, 2014. Student representative, Comité conjoint du doctorat en sciences des religions
• 2014. Awarded Certificate of Recognition for Graduate Student Service and Leadership
• 2013. Awarded Certificate of Excellence—PhD for various efforts to enhance graduate student life

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