I hold bachelor's and master's degrees from two of Canada's best universities, and I'm currently working toward my Master of Laws in Europe. I've completed courses in editing and technical writing and won awards for my academic writing. I've also worked as an evaluator for the IELTS standardized English test. <br />?<br />Before returning to academia I was a policy advisor and communications staffer in politics, labour and a global non-profit. As a result, I'm familiar with terminology and current issues in a wide range of sectors, from health care to marine conservation to international affairs.<br />?<br />My own research focuses on democratic transition and human rights, and I have a sound knowledge of theory and current research in the fields of comparative politics, development studies, international relations and public international law. In the course of my MA I received over $26,000 in scholarships.<br /><br />My writing and editing portfolio includes an academic book (GIS for Coastal Zone Management, CRC Press 2005), major reports for a global NGO, and persuasive leaflets and press releases for national political campaigns.