Natasha Ferguson
817 McGillivray Street
Kamloops, BC
V2B5R5
250-320-6736
Professional Summary:
Graduate-level researcher, Metis citizen, and practitioner with an interdisciplinary background in political science, education, and human rights. Holds a Master’s degree with applied experience in Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) initiatives, organ trafficking/transplant tourism, and supporting institutional efforts toward inclusive policy and practice. Skilled in qualitative research, critical analysis, and equity-informed approaches to social justice issues. Seeking opportunities to contribute to research, policy, or advocacy work advancing equity and human rights.
Education:
Master of Arts in Human Rights and Social Justice
Thompson Rivers University, Kamloops, BC
Expected: December 2026
- Practicum: Contributed to institutional Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) initiatives
- Conducted qualitative and critical analysis of global organ trafficking and health inequities
- GPA: 3.93
- Awards: Indigenous Incentive Bursary; Indspire Building Brighter Futures Bursary, Indigenous Study Recognition Award
- Finalist for Canadian Sociological Association/Société canadienne de sociologie de la santé 2026 Student Awards Competition 2026
Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.)
Thompson Rivers University, Kamloops, BC
June 2021
Associate of Arts, Political Science
Thompson Rivers University, Kamloops, BC
December 2022
Certification:
TCPS 2: CORE-2022 Certification (Ethical Conduct for Research Involving Humans)
Government of Canada, 2026
- Completed training in ethical standards for research involving human participants
Mental Health First Aid Certification
Mental Health Commission of Canada, 2024
- Training in mental health awareness, crisis response, and trauma-informed support practices
Anti-Racism and Anti-Discrimination Training
School District 73,2021
- Completed professional development focused on equity, inclusion, anti-racism, and anti-discriminatory practices
EDI Active Bystander Certification
Thompson Rivers University, 2026
- Professional development focused on recognizing, responding to, and interrupting harmful, discriminatory, or exclusionary behaviour in institutional and community settings
Relevant Experience:
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Practicum Student
Thompson Rivers University
April 2026-August 2026
- Supported institutional Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion initiatives aimed at fostering inclusive and equitable environments
- Assisted in the development and implementation of EDI-related programs, resources, and/or policies
- Conducted research and analysis on equity and social justice issues to inform institutional practices
- Collaborated with staff and stakeholders to advance inclusive practices and awareness
Research Assistant – CAPPP Conference
Canadian and the Asian Pacific Policy Project
2026
- Contributed to the Canadian Pacific Asian Policy Project (CAPPP) through research and conference support focused on public policy and governance
- Analyzed and synthesized key policy discussions and stakeholder perspectives into a comprehensive summary document
- Authored a formal report presented to stakeholders in Ottawa, supporting knowledge translation in policy contexts
- Demonstrated strong analytical writing, research synthesis, and policy communication skills
Teaching Assistant, Political Science
Worked with Rob Hanlon
Thompson Rivers University
September 2026-December 2026
- Supported course delivery by facilitating discussions and assisting students with course material
- Provided academic support and feedback on assignments and key concepts
- Contributed to grading and evaluation processes in accordance with course standards
- Strengthened student engagement and understanding of political science concepts
Teacher (On-Call)
School District 73, British Columbia, Canada
2021-Present Day
- Adapted lesson plans and teaching strategies to meet diverse student needs and learning styles
- Maintained classroom management and continuity of instruction in varied classroom settings
- Applied inclusive and equity-informed teaching practices to support diverse student populations
- Delivered classroom instruction across multiple grade levels and subject areas
Program Ambassador
Thompson Rivers University
2026
- Represented the program to prospective and incoming students
- Communicated program expectations, opportunities, and values clearly and professionally
- Supported student engagement and community-building initiatives
- Acted as a liaison between students and program representatives
Presentations:
“Prices of Life: Transplant Tourism and the Boundaries of Modern-Day Slavery” — Thompson Rivers University, 2026
- Examined transplant tourism through human rights and modern slavery frameworks
“The Price of Poverty: How Inequality Fuels the Indo-Pacific Organ Trade” — Thompson Rivers University, 2026
- Analyzed the relationship between global inequality and organ trafficking in developing regions
“Wrapped in Red: An Indigenous Creative Expression on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG)” — Thompson Rivers University, 2026
- Explored Indigenous justice issues through creative and critical expression
“The Social and Political Environment of North Korea” — Thompson Rivers University, 2017
- Assessed political structures and human rights conditions in North Korea
“Political Activism Through the Artwork of Ai Weiwei” — Thompson Rivers University, 2018
- Examined art as a form of political resistance and human rights advocate
Skills:
Research & Analytical Skills
- Qualitative research
- Critical discourse analysis
- Policy analysis
- Academic writing and synthesis
Equity & Social Justice
- Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) frameworks
- Social justice analysis
- Human rights research
Communication & Teaching
- Public speaking and presentation development
- Student engagement and facilitation
- Knowledge translation
Technical
- Microsoft Office
- Academic Research Data Basis
- Moodle
References:
Dr. Rob Hanlon
Associate Professor of Politics and Chair
Department of Philosophy, History and Politics
Director, Canada and the Asia Pacific Policy Project
Thompson Rivers University
1.250.371.5527 | rhanlon@tru.ca
Web: cappp.trubox.ca
Keisha Morong
Manager, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion & Anti-Racism
Office of EDI & Anti-Racism
Thompson Rivers University
1-250-852-7663
Siobhan Lane
District Resource Teacher
Student Information System Management
School District 73
250-320-1110
Gordon Morris
High School Teacher
ValleyView Secondary
School District 73
250-682-6643
Cover Letter:
Dear Hiring Committee,
I am writing to express my interest in opportunities related to policy, research, equity, and human rights. I am currently completing a Master of Arts in Human Rights and Social Justice at Thompson Rivers University, where my academic and applied work has focused on equity, social justice, global health inequities, and institutional inclusion. With a background in political science, education, research, and Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI), Anti-Racism, and Indigenous education, I bring a strong interdisciplinary foundation to roles that require critical analysis, communication, and equity-informed practice.
Through my EDI practicum at Thompson Rivers University, I contributed to institutional initiatives aimed at fostering inclusive and equitable environments. This experience strengthened my understanding of how equity principles can be applied within organizations, policies, programs, and professional practices. In addition, my graduate research has focused on organ trafficking, transplant tourism, structural violence, and global health inequities, allowing me to develop strong skills in qualitative research, critical analysis, academic writing, and social justice-based inquiry.
My experience as a Research Assistant with the Canadian Pacific Asian Policy Project further developed my ability to synthesize complex policy discussions and stakeholder perspectives into a formal summary report presented in Ottawa. This role strengthened my skills in research synthesis, policy communication, and knowledge translation. I have also gained valuable teaching, facilitation, and leadership experience through my work as a Teaching Assistant in Political Science, Teacher-on-Call, and Program Ambassador.
I would welcome the opportunity to contribute my research, communication, and equity-focused skills to your organization. I am especially interested in roles that advance inclusive policy, social justice, human rights, education, and community-centred change. Thank you for your time and consideration. I would be grateful for the opportunity to discuss how my background and experience align with your team’s work.
Sincerely,
Natasha Ferguson