United by Diversity: Reflections on the 2025 OISE Graduate Student Research Conference
Between March 21st and 22nd, the OISE Graduate Student Research Conference welcomed over 180 graduate students from OISE, the University of Toronto, and several other schools across Canada, including McMaster University, York University, Western University, the University of British Columbia, and more.
The 2025 OISE Graduate Student Research Conference focused on the theme of United by Diversity: Strategies and Solutions for Equitable Education. The vision of the 2025 OISE GSRC was to highlight disparities in educational experiences, and to underscore concerns around equity, resources, and access in educational settings.
The artwork for the 2025 OISE GSRC, titled “Three Cities” was created by OISE doctoral candidate Mehdia Hassan, whose PhD research utilizes the art form of collage to explore everyday learning experiences and stories of Afghan youth in her Toronto neighbourhoods and communities. Hassan’s depiction of different cities and landscapes in the artwork represent the diverse environments and experiences that shape one’s identity. Hassan highlights education as an integral tool in fostering connection and transformation, fostering cross-cultural understanding, and empowering learners to contribute meaningfully to society. This vision echoes the conference’s commitment to inclusive education, where learning environments that honour diverse needs empower students to contribute meaningfully to an ever-evolving society.
Dr. Rosemary Sadlier, who is a distinguished author, historian, education, and social justice advocate was a keynote speaker at the GSRC. Dr. Sadlier, former President of the Ontario Black History Society, has been hugely impactful in the recognition and celebration of Black history in Canada. She led the campaign to declare February as Black History Month at all levels of government, which resulted in national recognition in 1995. As well, Dr. Sadlier’s work also helped secure the formal recognition of August 1st as Emancipation Day, marking the abolition of the transatlantic slave trade. With several prestigious honours such as the Order of Ontario, the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Award, and the Harry Jerome Award, and extensive experience and expertise in the realm of anti-racism and highlighting the contributions of Black Canadians, Dr. Sadlier brought invaluable knowledge to the GSRC through her keynote address.
More than 90 presenters contributed to the conference through individual presentations, roundtable discussions, panel presentations, and poster presentations. Presenters shared their research and insights on a wide range of topics, including Financial Literacy Education for Students with Intellectual Disabilities, the Long-Term Impact of Parental Involvement in Adolescence on Problem-Focused Coping in Adulthood, as well as Community and Cultural Care Practices of Black Women, Navigating their Sexual and Reproductive Care Need. To learn more about the research shared during the GSRC, visit the 2025 OISE GSRC Abstract page.
The 2025 GSRC could not have been possible without the tireless work of the GSRC organizing team. Conference Co-Chairs, Dareen Fatimah and Megan Ho brought their vision to life, creating an incredible two-day event where students came together to not only learn, but also to help foster change and co-construct a more diverse and inclusive learning environment. The GSRC was also made possible by the Academic & Speaker Coordination team and the Social Media Strategist. A special shoutout to Tao Lin, Erica Sung, Katherine Weird, Khandakar Akter, Alison Stratten, Marguerite Wang, and Josanne Buchanan.
We are already looking ahead to welcoming students back for the 2026 Graduate Students Research Conference!
