This summer, we’re proud to welcome Mason Dicker to the CAnD3 team through McGill’s IMPRESS Program, the Indigenous Mentorship and Paid Research Experience for Summer Students. IMPRESS is part of McGill’s Branches Outreach initiative and provides paid, hands-on research opportunities for Indigenous undergraduate students from McGill, other Quebec institutions, and select students across Canada.
The program pairs participants with graduate student mentors and supports skill-building through research placements, professional development activities, and exposure to graduate pathways. The work done through the IMPRESS program advances McGill’s 52 Calls to Action, with a particular focus on Calls 4, 5, 6, and 10, which aim to expand access to research, mentorship, and graduate pathways for Indigenous students, while fostering more inclusive and equitable learning environments.
As an IMPRESS intern, Mason Dicker is an undergraduate Political Science student joining the CAnD3 team from Memorial University. Mason will be will be working closely with CAnD3 Director Amélie Quesnel-Vallée and Post-graduate Fellow Zilin Li to co-develop a policy brief, while also supporting the CAnD3 training program.
Originally entering university with a focus on music performance, Mason’s academic journey has shifted toward policy and community impact, interests he’ll continue to explore through his internship with CAnD3. We asked Mason a few questions to learn more about his path, interests, and goals:
Left to Right: CAnD3 Director Dr. Amélie Quesnel-Vallée with Mason Dicker
So Mason, if you had to build a time capsule to represent your university experience, what would you put inside?
I’d include my sheet music and vocal performance notes. Before switching to Political Science, I was planning to major in Music with a concentration in performance. That part of my university journey still means a lot to me and shaped how I express myself.
What’s one surprising talent or hobby you have that people might not know about?
I’m a singer! Not many people know that I originally came to university to study music and performance, it was a big part of my early academic experience.
Who has been the biggest influence on your academic or personal journey so far?
There have been many people who have supported me, but I’d say my parents have had the biggest influence. Their encouragement and example continue to guide me through both academic and personal challenges.
What drew you to your current field of study, and how does this internship connect to it and your future goals?
I was drawn to Political Science because I saw it as a way to help my community back home. This internship with CAnD3 gives me the chance to better understand policy in practice, which I hope will prepare me for future work in the field of policy and advocacy.
Finally, if you could have coffee with any researcher or public figure, past or present, who would it be and what would you ask them?
I’d have coffee with Lela Evans, who is a huge inspiration to me. She’s a Member of Parliament who’s done so much for the north coast of Labrador and Newfoundland, working tirelessly for equal treatment and helping meet the needs of our communities. I’d love to ask her how she stays grounded and motivated in her work, and how she maintains such a strong connection with the people she represents.
Thank you, Mason, for sharing your journey with us. We’re thrilled to welcome you to the CAnD3 team this summer and look forward to the insight, enthusiasm, and dedication you bring to the role. Welcome aboard!
