Embracing the power of global perspectives, Trent University Durham GTA is hosting Anna Rudzinska and Kateryna Korpalo, two Ukrainian students, to join Master of Management (M.Mgt) research teams exploring the use of gaming simulations in military leadership training and how the African philosophy of Ubuntu can improve leadership practices. 

Through the Mitacs Globalink Research Award, Anna and Kateryna travelled to Trent University Durham to work with M.Mgt students and Dr. Rob Elkington, the professor leading the projects. 

“The students have proven a tremendous asset to the research projects we are working on with them. They are hard working, eager to learn, and bring innovative ideas and solutions to the table. I created research teams of the Mitacs students and M.Mgt students to strengthen the learning process and bolster the research outputs,” said Professor Elkington. 

Anna, a Marketing student going into her fourth year at the National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy, is helping to research the efficacy of gaming simulations for military leadership development. The research team is working on a journal article and a presentation at the Royal Military College of Canada. 

"I really value this experience, and especially to get the experience here in Canada - it's a great summer adventure,” said Anna. 

Kateryna, a recent graduate of the International Relations program at the National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy, is researching the African concept of Ubuntu, (“I am a person by virtue of other persons”), and exploring how this South African expression might inform Western notions of leadership.  

“This [research] opportunity isn’t only about the academic experience, it’s also about socializing, exploring new cultures, and exploring Canada. It provides opportunities to go somewhere and travel,” said Kateryna. 

Mitacs encourages diverse thinking and innovation through global partnerships. Canadian university students, including Trent students, have opportunities to do research abroad, and students from other countries have opportunities to do research work at Canadian institutions. 

A core pillar of Trent University is the fostering of an inclusive research culture that embraces diverse ideas, encouraging students and faculty to develop and flourish as global citizens. 

“The Mitacs program is excellent because it enables global partnerships for research development and training. It capacitates faculty with additional funded resources in quality students from around the world who have all expenses paid to support research in the host university,” said Prof. Elkington. 

Kateryna and Anna both encourage students to take the leap and apply to the Mitacs program.  

Kateryna said, “Just apply and don’t doubt your abilities.”