For immediate release

Kwantlen instructor Lisa Monchalin becomes first Aboriginal woman in Canada with a PhD in Criminology

Metro Vancouver, BC – (March 13, 2012) – She's an instructor, a speaker, an active member of the community and now Lisa Monchalin is the first Aboriginal woman in Canada to hold a Ph.D in Criminology. The Kwantlen Polytechnic University instructor completed her Ph.D in Criminology in December 2011 at the University of Ottawa.

"We are very fortunate to have someone with Lisa's background, education and commitment to the community as a faculty member," says John McKendry, President of Kwantlen. "Lisa exemplifies everything Kwantlen stands for—innovation, inspiration and transformation."

"My Ph.D thesis was a case study done in Winnipeg on Aboriginal Crime Prevention," says Monchalin, who is of Algonquin, Huron and Metis Nations. "Fuelled by various personal experiences and family history, I am very passionate about reducing crime affecting my people. The thesis provided practical solutions and concrete recommendations to reducing crime affecting Aboriginal people in Canada."

Monchalin's accomplishments extend well beyond her education. Since joining the University in May 2011, Monchalin has been actively involved with Kwantlen's Aboriginal Student Club, where her contributions have already been felt. She developed the Kwantlen Poly-U Aboriginal Drum Circle where she leads students in traditional Aboriginal drumming and singing.

An accomplished speaker, Monchalin participated in Kwantlen's Aboriginal Gathering Place Lecture Series where she spoke on "The Continued Struggle, Sexualization and Subjugation of Native Women".

Kwantlen students can benefit from Monchalin's contributions inside the classroom as well. Monchalin recently developed a specific Aboriginal Criminology course – Aboriginal Peoples and Justice that she will teach in Fall 2012.

Kwantlen Polytechnic University has been serving the Metro Vancouver region for more than 30 years, and has opened doors to success for more than 250,000 people. Four campuses—Richmond, Surrey, Cloverdale and Langley—offer a comprehensive range of sought-after programs, including business, liberal arts and science, design, health, trades and technology, apprenticeships, horticulture, and academic and career advancement. Over 17,500 students annually have a choice from over 200 programs, including bachelor's degrees, associate degrees, diplomas, certificates and citations.

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For more information about Kwantlen, contact:
Joanne Saunders
Director, Marketing and Communications
Tel: 604.599.2243
joanne.saunders@kwantlen.ca