Four students in CBU's Bachelor of Social Work program gained extensive research experience during their studies, thanks to the support of Dr. Mohamad Musa, who served as teacher, mentor and employer. Dr. Musa, Assistant Professor of Social Work, is dedicated to advancing mental health research, especially within migrant communities from the Middle East. He hired four student research assistants during the fall semester, matching each with a unique project contributing to the evolving landscape of social work.
The student research team, Kassandra Jabalee, Emma Jerrott, Chelsea McLellan and Jessica Levangie, recently gathered for a special presentation to share their fieldwork and research findings. Following the presentations, Dr. Musa commended the students, awarding each a certificate of recognition. Their collective body of work resulted in two published peer-reviewed articles and supported two international conference presentations, with others in-progress.
Dr. Musa says the students not only contributed to scholarship, but also gained invaluable hands-on experience, strengthening their research skills and shaping the future of social work through meaningful and impactful engagement.
"These four students represent the real future of research. They are the ones who will lead the way, and I truly hope to see each one of them pursue a PhD one day," says Dr. Musa. "Their passion, dedication and the invaluable experience they gained through this research will no doubt shape the future of social work and contribute to positive change in the communities they serve."
Dr. Andy Parnaby, Dean of the School of Arts and Social Sciences, congratulated Dr. Musa and the student team for their success. "This collaborative research effort not only highlights the strength of student-faculty partnerships but also underscores the vital role of research in addressing complex social issues," says Dr. Parnaby. "The work of these dedicated students stands as a testament to the power of learning, mentorship and the pursuit of knowledge that drives positive change in communities both local and beyond."
Each research assistant has shared their topics and perspectives on the experience below.
Kassandra Jabalee worked on a project titled Mental Illness Perceptions among Middle Eastern Migrants in Atlantic Canada: What Do Migrants Know?
"I have thoroughly enjoyed being a part of Dr. Musa's research as a student, as his research topic was one very near to my heart. My father's side of the family are immigrants from Lebanon, and working alongside Dr. Musa helped me feel more connected to my ancestors and to understand what they probably faced in immigrating to Canada," Kassandra shares.
Emma Jerrott contributed to the project From Graduation to Retirement: Maximizing Your Social Work and Nursing Degrees. Her work explored career trajectories and the long-term impact of professional education, contributing valuable insights for future graduates navigating their career paths. "I am grateful for this experience that I can now carry into my career knowing that research plays a critical role in providing evidence-based practice and advancing the profession," says Emma.
Chelsea McLellan participated in the project Rethinking the Epistemological Foundations of Social Work: An Inquiry into Its Artistic or Social Scientific Nature. "The comprehensive training on ethics I received offered me the opportunity to see the efforts and complexities that go into research and critically reflect on my own assumptions and biases before engaging in research," Chelsea shares.
Jessica Levangie played a key role in the project Mental Illness Perceptions among Middle Eastern Migrants in Atlantic Canada: The Search for a Quantitative Database. "This opportunity aligned seamlessly with my academic and career aspirations and offered me a chance to make a significant impact on research related to mental health not only within Middle Eastern migrant communities but also within smaller communities on Cape Breton Island," she says.
Dr. Musa hopes to continue hiring research assistants in the future and acknowledges funding support through CBU's Undergraduate Student Scholar Awards, the School of Arts and Social Sciences and Open Educational Resource funding through CBU's Centre for Teaching and Learning.
Congratulations to these amazing student research assistants!
