Research Interests

International Relations, International Security, Privatization of security, Private security actors in Africa, Security Governance, Global North – Global South relations, African Security, African politics.

Brief Biography

Benjamin is a Ph.D. candidate with the Department of Political Studies at Queen's University, specializing in International Relations and Comparative Politics. Originally from Ghana, he graduated with first-class honours from the University of Ghana. His pursuit of higher education led him to Canada, where he pursued an MA in political science at Dalhousie University and won several awards. At Dalhousie University, his thesis sought to understand why private security services have become a necessary evil in sub-Saharan Africa.

Benjamin's research interests cut across several areas in political science with a primary focus on security governance, and private security actors/services in Africa. During his doctoral studies at Queen’s University, he remains committed to delving deeper into these areas, concentrating on private security actors within Africa’s extractive sectors.

Selected Awards and Scholarships

2023 - Margaret Anderson Graduate Scholarship: Queen’s University

2023 - Robert Sutherland Fellowship: Queen’s University

2020 - 2021 - Keens-Morden Scholarship: Dalhousie University

2020 - 2021 - Shaw-Parpart Scholarship: Dalhousie University

2020 - 2021 - Faculty of Graduate Studies Scholarship Award: Dalhousie University

2016 - Ghana and West African representative to the annual Korean Government Invitation Program for excellent Undergraduates from Major Partner Countries: MOFA, Government of South Korea

2015 – 2018 University of Ghana Scholarship

Community Engagement

Outreach and Communications - Imhotep’s Legacy Academy Halifax-NS

Fields

Gender and politics (primary); Canadian politics (secondary)

Research Interests

Violence against women in politics, barriers faced by women in politics, and media coverage of women in politics.

Experiences

Graduate research fellowship under the supervisor of Dr. Quinn Albaugh related to political parties in New Brunswick, extensive experience in the non-profit sector specializing in gender based violence related initiatives and organizations.

Honours and Awards

Targeted Engagement Grant, June 2023

Issued by Department of National Defence

Project titled Understanding Hybrid Warfare in the era of Great Power Competition: The Role of Gender in Disinformation Campaigns - funded, work beginning in the fall of 2023 (Value: $40,405)

Ontario Graduate Scholarship, September 2022

Issued by The Ontario Government

The OGS program provides financial support to high-calibre scholars who are engaged in eligible doctoral programs in Canada. (Value: $15,000)

Canada Graduate Scholarship, September 2022

Issued by Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council

The CGS-M program provides financial support to high-calibre scholars who are engaged in eligible master’s programs in Canada. (Value: $17,500)

Queen's Tri-Agency Recipient Recognition Award, September 2022

Issued by Queen’s University

The Tri-Agency Recipient Recognition Award (TARRA) is awarded to graduate students starting Year 1 in a graduate program who have been awarded a Master’s scholarship from NSERC, SSHRC or CIHR. (Value: $5,000)

Teaching Assistantship, September 2022

Issued by Queen’s University (Value: $11,331)

Wilfrid Laurier Excellence Scholarship, September 2019

Issued by University of Sussex

The Wilfrid Laurier Excellence Scholarship is awarded to students who achieved high academic standing in the first two years of undergraduate study. (Value £1,675)

Brief Biography

Chelsea is a doctoral student in the Department of Political Studies at Queen's University where she specializes in International Relations and Comparative Politics. Chelsea holds an M.A. in Political Science from the University of Victoria and a B.A. (Hons.) in Political Studies from Queen's. 

Research Interests

Chelsea's research considers the global political economy of environmental governance. She is particularly interested in understanding the multi-scalar governance of climate mobility from an ecologically-oriented historical materialist perspective. More broadly, Chelsea is interested in identifying the global relations of power that deliver uneven socio-ecological outcomes in the context of climate change.

Awards

Ontario Graduate Scholarship (2023-2024)

Dean's Award for Global Sustainability (2023-2024)

Queen's Graduate Award (2023-2024)

Research Interests

Canadian politics, courts, law and politics, federalism, constitutional law, rights, policymaking, criminal justice

Brief Biography

Brendan Dell is a doctoral student in the Department of Political Studies at Queen's University working under the co-supervision of Dr. Stéphanie Chouinard and Dr. Paul Gardner. He received both his bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice and Public Policy and master's degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice Policy from the University of Guelph.

Brendan's research focuses broadly on Canadian law and politics. Specifically, his research explores the relationship between the government and the judiciary on constitutional issues (such as the Charter of Rights and Freedoms). His dissertation explores the strategic use of courts by provincial governments in constitutional cases.

Awards and scholarships 

• 2023 Ontario Graduate Scholarship (Queen's University)
• 2021 SSHRC Canadian Graduate Scholarship - Master's (University of Guelph)
• 2020 John F. Melby Thesis Prize (University of Guelph)
  • Awarded for highest Honours thesis grade in the Department of Political Science
• 2020 Ontario Graduate Scholarship (University of Guelph)

Brief Biography

Cindy Cruz is a doctoral student within the Department of Political Studies at Queen’s University. Her research focuses on the Canadian Armed Forces organization and members within, including elements such as civilian military relations, security, and international relations. She has a multi-disciplinary background with a BA in Criminology, Sociology, and an MA in Sociology.

Research Interests

Localized conflicts, conflict mediation, African politics, and youth livelihoods.

Brief Biography

Emmanuel Ampomah is a doctoral student in the Department of Political Studies at Queen’s University. Prior to joining Queen’s he was a researcher at the Human Sciences Research Council’s Equitable Education and Economies research division in South Africa. He holds a master’s degree in International Relations from the University of Cape Town and a BA (honors) degree in Philosophy and Political Science from the University of Ghana. Emmanuel has presented his research at international conferences in Tanzania, USA, Germany, Belgium and Kenya. He is passionate about peacebuilding, youth, and development in Africa.

Awards

Mastercard Foundation Scholar (2018-2019), University of Cape Town