Meet our PhD in Information students
Elphege Bernard-Tran (Ellie)
She/Her
Supervisor: Dr. Sandra Toze
Website
My research focus
My key research interest lies in exploring the intersection of transparency and accessibility within the ethical standards of AI.
What I bring
My experience as a Deaf woman has shown me the vital importance of information access—not just in terms of technology, but also in how systems are designed and how people are included.
My research is shaped by my lived experience as a profoundly Deaf individual and member of the LGBTQIA+ community. Growing up in Nova Scotia, I faced systemic barriers in education, employment, and technology—experiences that have fueled my commitment to accessibility, equity, and ethical information systems.
Why a PhD in Information
I chose this program because of its interdisciplinary approach and the ability to challenge traditional narratives in AI ethics and advocate for inclusive, accessible design that reflects diverse linguistic and cultural realities.
A scholar I would choose to have dinner with
Simone de Beauvoir. I studied her works on ethics, identity, and lived experiences during my philosophy degree. I’d love to talk with her about how existentialism and feminist theory intersect with modern questions of accessibility, equity, and technology.
Drew Fitzgerald
They/Them
Supervisor: Dr. Philippe Mongeon
Website
My research focus
My research revolves around documenting and analyzing gaps in the way society communicated information to, from, and about equity-deserving communities, and how those gaps can be remedied to reduce marginalization and harm. In particular, I want to focus on how the disability community and disabled students are impacted by such systems in order to remedy barriers for students with disabilities to fully participate in academia.
What I bring
I have navigated the academic system as non-disabled passing student, an allied advocate for other disabled students, and an openly disabled disability student and advocate. I have experienced how systemic ableism and intersectional barriers continue to harm communities and students, and I am determined to bring those stories to light with integrity and hope for the future. A lot of my work comes down to the intersection of policies and equity, where policies lay the groundwork for how information is communicated in a system, and trying to reduce barriers to equity allows me to help the communities that I have the privilege of working with in my research.
Outside of academia
If I am not reading or researching, I am mostly sewing! I own crochet hooks, and a 100-year-old sewing machine I rebuilt myself, and cross stitch needles and embroidery thread and yarn, etc. If it involves needle and thread, its on my list of things to try, and sewing a garment or crocheting a new piece, seeing time made physical and stories built into fabric, connects me to the world in a concrete way that always brings joy.
Maddie Hare
She/Her
Supervisors: Dr. Colin Conrad, Dr. Vincent Larivière
Website
My research focus
My doctoral research uses bibliometric methods to empirically observe EDI-related literature in the global research system. The outcomes can inform the development of mechanisms to better measure and track other outcomes or concepts through changes in the publishing landscape, particularly through scholarly journals as brokers between authors and the wider knowledge system. Rooted in history, my research reflects a deep curiosity about how we organize knowledge, build communities, and learn from the past to shape more equitable futures.
What I bring
I believe in the power of information and knowledge as communal resources that must be made accessible and inclusive. I’ve always been driven by a deep curiosity and reverence for knowledge. My desire to pursue a PhD was sparked by my Master's studies (MA, MI). Developing expertise to contribute meaningfully to our collective knowledge through research has become a central priority for me. I also enjoy supporting others in that work through teaching, research assistance, collaboration, and review.
Why a PhD in Information
Dalhousie has been my academic home for the last decade. The expertise of the faculty, supportive climate, and the research environment of the Department of Information Science make this PhD an ideal place for this journey.
A tool I can’t live without
Both Zotero and Spotify I consider essential to my academic life. My curated libraries in both applications are the cumulative efforts of many years. My only wish is for a year-in-review of my reference manager use (similar to Spotify Wrapped). Now that would be cool!
Poppy Riddle
She/Her
Supervisor: Dr. Philippe Mongeon
Website
My research focus
I have so many questions, but currently I'm investigating how bibliometric metadata may serve as an open and freely available source of scientific knowledge, and not just as the representation of published documents, which can often be out of reach for most people. I'm very concerned about the openness of science publications and how to make scientific knowledge more available to the public. There is a real need for trustworthy sources of information on important and politically manipulated topics such as the climate crisis.
Why this topic
I think it’s important to deconstruct technologies to understand what the possible impacts are on people. Much of the development of AI has been isolated, is not well understood by most people, and there are many unknowns regarding its impact. Right now, we're using AI irresponsibly—it’s like driving a dump truck to the grocery store. It is important to take these things apart to understand their working bits so that risks and benefits can be known and we can employ these tools appropriately.
What I bring
I have a background in design, and I think this reinforced my desire to solve problems, which I find very edifying. I think this shapes my research perspective in that I like work hands-on to deconstruct things I want to understand, and I enjoy sharing what I find with others.
Why a PhD in Information
After completing my Master's degree (MI), I wanted to develop more as a researcher. I also wanted more of a deep dive into an academic career to gain experience with funding, teaching, and collaboration with other researchers.
Someone I would choose to have dinner with
I'd chose dinner with my family any day. Its a far more invigorating and rewarding conversation! We enjoy sitting together, discussing the day, making each other laugh, drawing, or sharing what we read.