Riya Patel, She/Her/Hers
Tell us about yourself:
My name is Riya Patel and I am currently a fourth-year in the Honours Life Sciences program at McMaster! My focus thus far in my academic portfolio tends to highlight science communication and interdisciplinary engagement. My future is uncertain right now but I'm definitely developing an interest in policy and implementation, which are both aspects emphasized in SIR thus far.
Personally, SIR has been an incredible new experience for me and broadened my worldview by providing a way to connect and learn about real challenges and issues currently affecting Hamilton. It challenges me to constantly improve my soft skills and efficiently collaborate with my team to problem-solve and adapt with our peers in a like-minded environment and I'm incredibly grateful for the opportunity.
How is your project going so far?
My project group has been focusing on the far right of the housing continuum, specifically looking at the current state of market housing ownership as well as the transition from market rentals to ownership. We're taking a look at most, if not all, of the contributing factors and the trickle down effect occurring downstream from market ownership. My team and I have found that our own research may fall short of representing the views of not just the residents, but everyone involved and impacted by housing issues. We have strived to reach out and connect with a variety of different stakeholders, understanding development, housing, and priorities through the lens of different perspectives. Our aim is to create a comprehensive knowledge base outlining potential solutions and/or avenues for future City decisions to combat the challenges that residents face in terms of housing.