Kenneth Gyamerah and Erynn Monette have been recognized by Universities Canada and the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) for their doctoral research that will contribute to advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The IDRC is focused on offering funding, awards, and grants to innovative researchers solving some of the most prominent global issues. In partnering with Universities Canada, they have supported the International Doctoral Research Awards (IDRA) to provide funding of up to $20,000 for students at Canadian universities.

The IDRA program is intended to strengthen the capacities of emerging researchers, growing the cohort of researchers able to advance high quality research contributing to the SDGs with a focus on the Global South. This year, $480,000 was awarded to 24 doctoral students at 13 Canadian universities. The 2022 program was aimed at supporting research that would address developing issues related to climate-resilient food systems, democratic and inclusive governance, education and science, global health, and sustainable inclusive economies.

Award Recipients

Kenneth Gyamerah is a PhD Candidate at Queen’s Faculty of Education. His research examines the role of African Indigenous knowledge systems and pedagogies in decolonizing and transforming the teaching and learning of mathematics and science education in Ghanaian primary schools. The IDRA will support his work with Ghanaian educators to help reimagine and transform these subjects with the goal of making them more inclusive, relatable, and accessible to diverse learners.

Erynn Monette is a MD/PhD student at Queen’s School of Kinesiology and Health Studies. Her research examines how culture influences health care needs and service delivery in rural communities. With a focus on Belize, Erynn’s research uses ethnographic and community-based participatory methods to identify palliative care needs in rural areas and the social and cultural resources that could be used to meet them. The IDRA will help advance this research with the goal of contributing to strengthening community palliative care services in low-income contexts and developing resiliency in the event of future pandemics and public health emergencies.  

"We are proud that the important work of Queen’s graduate researchers is being recognized on a national level," says Nancy Ross, Vice-Principal (Research). "With their focus on advancing the Sustainable Development Goals and improving quality of life for communities around the world, Kenneth and Erynn are putting into practice our institutional vision to solve the world’s most significant and urgent challenges. Congratulations to them on their IDRA achievement."

Learn more about the recipients of the International Doctoral Research Awards.