Please provide a brief summary of your paper/research.

My paper examines why workplace violence against nurses remains prevalent in Canadian health care settings despite existing legal protections. Nurses experience some of the highest rates of workplace violence in Canada, yet incidents frequently remain underreported and inadequately addressed. This reveals a significant gap between “law on the books” and “law in action”, with broader implications for nurses' well-being, patient care, and institutional accountability.

Using a qualitative socio-legal approach, I analyze occupational health and safety legislation, criminal law, case law, and academic literature to explore the disconnect between legal safeguards and their implementation in practice. The paper identifies inconsistent enforcement, underreporting, limited employer accountability, and institutional cultures that normalize violence as key barriers to safer working environments. It also examines how procedural rather than outcome-focused compliance measures can allow institutions to meet formal requirements without necessarily creating safer workplaces. Additionally, the paper considers the physical and psychological consequences of workplace violence and the limitations of relying on individual resilience and de-escalation strategies to address a systemic issue.

Ultimately, I argue that resilience alone is insufficient and that meaningful change requires stronger enforcement of existing laws and systemic reforms that recognize workplace violence as a preventable occupational hazard rather than an accepted part of nursing.

What led to your interest in this area?

From an early age, I have been interested in health care and finding ways to make a positive difference in people's lives. Moving to Canada at a young age shaped my perspective on the challenges individuals can face when adapting to new environments and the importance of having a strong support system. Being raised by my mother and supported by my family, particularly my grandmother, taught me the value of having people who genuinely care, offer encouragement, and provide support during difficult times.

As I grew older, I became increasingly aware of how much hardship exists in the world, strengthening my desire to pursue a path where I could contribute to meaningful change and improve the well-being of others. I believe genuine compassion is especially important in a world where people can sometimes feel overlooked or unsupported, and I hope to make a difference by helping others feel heard, understood, and valued.

Alongside this personal motivation, I have developed a strong curiosity about how health care systems operate and how laws and policies shape the experiences and well-being of individuals and health care professionals. This interest has motivated me to pursue research examining issues that affect health care professionals and the systems they work within.

What prompted you to submit your paper to the competition?

While completing an independent study under Professor Jacob Shelley, whose work aligns with my interests in health care and law, I was encouraged to consider publishing my research. This prompted me to explore opportunities to share my work beyond the university setting, which is how I came across the Global Undergraduate Awards (GUA).

I saw the competition as an opportunity to challenge myself academically, gain experience presenting my work to a broader audience, and connect with others who share an interest in addressing important issues through research.

What began as an independent academic project became an opportunity to take my work a step further and explore its potential to contribute to conversations beyond the classroom.

Can you describe how you felt when you found out you'd been selected as a winner?

Finding out that I had been selected as a regional winner in the Nursing, Midwifery & Allied Healthcare category was honestly surreal, especially because I had almost not applied at all. I initially thought I had missed my opportunity, but when the deadline was extended, I decided to submit my paper at the last minute.

Looking back, it is incredible to think that something I nearly passed up led to such a meaningful opportunity. I felt a mixture of surprise, excitement, and gratitude. Being recognized on an international level was incredibly encouraging and made me feel that the time and effort I had invested in my paper had truly paid off. It also reminded me of the importance of taking chances, even when you are unsure of the outcome.

Sometimes, opportunities arise unexpectedly, and you just have to give yourself the chance to pursue them. As I reflect on this experience, I am reminded that you don't have to be free of doubt to take a chance on yourself.

What are your plans for the future – do you plan to continue in this field?

My goal is to pursue a career in nursing, as I can see myself finding fulfillment in working directly with patients and supporting them through some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives. However, I also recognize that career paths do not always unfold as expected, so I am keeping an open mind about other opportunities, particularly in health management.

My interest in the intersection of health care and law has sparked my curiosity about how legislation, policies, and leadership decisions shape health care systems and protect both patients and professionals. Ultimately, I hope to build a career where I can draw on these interests to contribute to meaningful improvements in health care, regardless of the specific path I take.

Will you be attending the Global Summit in Dublin? If so, what are you most looking forward to there?

I will be attending the Global Summit in Dublin, and I am incredibly excited for the experience. Having never travelled internationally before, this will be my first time leaving Canada, making the opportunity especially meaningful and memorable.

I am looking forward to presenting my research during the poster session, sharing my work with an international audience, and exchanging ideas with students and leaders from different academic backgrounds. I am also excited to hear about the work being done across various disciplines and connect with people who share a passion for research.

Beyond the academic experience, I look forward to exploring Dublin, stepping outside my comfort zone, and embracing the opportunity to grow both personally and professionally. I am grateful to be part of an event that celebrates undergraduate achievement and brings together students from around the world.

What do you think the benefit of programs like the Undergraduate Awards is for students?

I believe that programs like the Global Undergraduate Awards are valuable because they give students the opportunity to share their work beyond the classroom and have their ideas recognized on a broader, international level.

As an undergraduate student, it can sometimes be difficult to see how your research might contribute to conversations beyond your university, so having a platform that celebrates student achievement can be incredibly encouraging.

These programs also allow students to connect with people from different academic backgrounds, exchange perspectives, and learn from one another's experiences. I think one of the greatest benefits is the confidence they can inspire in students by reminding them that their ideas and contributions matter, even at an early stage in their academic journey.