Profile: Peter Elson, PhD (2008)
Adult Education and Community Development

Prior to coming to OISE, I completed my MSc in Voluntary Sector Organization at the London School of Economics and Political Science. My interest in research was ignited at LSE as I had great professors who really encouraged you to pursue your own area of passion. I've been able to continue to do this at OISE as well, thanks to my supervisor Jack Quarter and the opportunity to work with someone who is such a respected scholar in social economy.

My passion? The relationship between the tens of thousands of voluntary sector organizations and government; with the hope of contributing to research in the field and helping to improve this important relationship. OISE has provided an environment where adult education is a way of life and there is a critical mass of scholars and students who study the social economy, adult education and community development.
Research is by nature relatively isolating work, so having strong connections with colleagues and professors is important. I would encourage any student to take advantage of the full range of opportunities at the University of Toronto, including taking courses in other departments and universities. OISE has a great student community and I was pleased to initiate the AECP on-line graduate student directory so other students would have a place to profile their own research interests. As the graduate student representative for AECP on the Faculty Council and representing all graduate students on the Faculty Council Executive I had the opportunity to bring the perspective of students to many important discussions. I was also pleased to be a member of the committee which awarded the first Staff Excellence Award, and having the opportunity to work with Claire Alleyne and others on the committee.

I would say that the last three years have put me in the position to make a contribution to the nonprofit research community in my new position as Senior Research Associate at the Institute for Nonprofit Studies at Mount Royal in Calgary.

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