Meet the Team
Principal Investigator
Dr. Bonnie Stelmach
I am a Professor in the Studies in Educational Leadership program in the Faculty of Education at the University of Alberta.
My connection to rural runs deep. I was raised on a grain farm, participated in 4-H beef club, and did most of my high school teaching in Alberta rural schools. Similarly, my research has been situated in rural schools in Alberta and Saskatchewan. I live in rural Alberta now, and I love the sense of community that comes with rural life. And it matters to me that I get to live life loved by nature.
When I am not researching and teaching, I love hiking and camping with my dog, gardening and yard work, taking photos of old buildings in the countryside, reading, piano, and archery.
Co-investigator
Dr. Rae Ann Van Beers
I have been an educator for over two decades, putting my education degrees to good use by teaching people from Kindergarten to post-secondary students. I completed my PhD at the University of Calgary, in the Curriculum and Learning specialization. My research focuses mainly on social justice education, children’s rights, activism, and citizenship education. I find research with children and youth to be fascinating and love finding ways to include them in as many aspects of the research process as possible.
I am currently a Kindergarten and Learning Support Educator at a K-6 school in rural Alberta. This role has been a great opportunity for me to reconnect with my rural roots, having grown up on a mixed farm in southern Alberta.
Student Research Team Support
Dreann Wurban
I have a Bachelor of Science degree from MacEwan University and a Bachelor of Education degree from University of Alberta.
This will be my 3rd year teaching Grade 1 at NHCS! In my classroom, students are expected to follow the Golden Rule: Treat others how you want to be treated.
I grew up on a farm outside of Thorsby. I currently live in Leduc with my husband and our adorable beagle Arlo and our cat Lola.
I absolutely love reading! Anything mystery, thriller, or crime related is my favorite genre. I also love gardening in the summer and tending my flowers.
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Leah Peters
I am a fourth year student at the University of Alberta, completing my Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Education combined degree program specializing in Secondary Education.
I attended the Augustana campus for the science component of my program, majoring in Biology with a minor in Social Studies. Attending this community-oriented liberal arts faculty allowed me to learn across disciplines and stay connected with my rural roots.
I am from a small farming community in Central Alberta, so I appreciate the role of rural teachers and hope to educate rural students with interdisciplinary connections.
Contact the Principal Investigator
Address
116 St & 85 Ave, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada
Contact
Bonnie Stelmach