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Meet Our Students: Celebrating Success Stories – Desmond Oklikah

In our Meet Our Students: Celebrating Success Stories series, we highlight remarkable individuals whose academic journeys inspire and shape the future. This edition features Desmond Oklikah, a Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Geography & Environment, specializing in Migration and Ethnic Relations at Western University.

Oklikah’s passion for understanding the intersection of migration, housing, and health led him to the Geography & Environment program. His research focuses on the housing experiences of foreign caregivers in Canada, exploring how factors such as race, gender, and occupation influence housing access and stability.

"My Ph.D. research has taught me that people experience housing differently based on embodied characteristics. This understanding is crucial in developing inclusive housing policies that address the unique needs of immigrant communities," he explains.

His academic journey has been enriched by an interdisciplinary approach, allowing him to integrate insights from various fields and collaborate across departments. As a teaching assistant for Healthy Cities, Oklikah deepened his understanding of how urban environments shape public health, directly informing his research and broadening his perspective on policy implications.

Mentorship has played a pivotal role in his success. Guided by professors like Dr. Isaac Luginaah, Dr. Godwin Arku, and Dr. Teresa Abada, Oklikah has honed his research, academic writing, and professional development skills. "The faculty provides advanced research training, interdisciplinary perspectives, and mentorship opportunities that are critical for a career in academia and policymaking," he shares.

Beyond his academic achievements, Oklikah has actively contributed to the university community. As a research fellow and teaching assistant, he has gained hands-on experience in both research and instruction. His leadership extends beyond campus, serving as a volunteer for the Canadian Centre for Activity and Aging and a committee member for the PSAC Racial and Equity Board, where he advocates for inclusivity and social justice.

Oklikah’s dedication to fostering academic and financial support for his peers is evident in his role as co-founder of the History Alumni and Friends Research Grant and his representation of graduate students on various committees. His contributions have helped build a more supportive and resourceful environment for fellow scholars.

Through conferences, workshops, and research assistantships, Oklikah has strengthened his critical thinking, research, and leadership skills. He has published multiple peer-reviewed articles on migration and housing, actively contributing to academic and policy discussions in his field.

His advice to future students? "Embrace interdisciplinary opportunities and seek mentorship and research roles—they will shape your academic journey and career in ways you never imagined."

Join us in celebrating Desmond Oklikah’s inspiring journey. Stay tuned for more success stories in our series, and follow our social media channels for updates on how our students are making an impact in the world.

 

If you want to share your own story or know someone who should be featured, please reach out to us!