Meet our graduate students: Daya Charchun

Q&A with Daya Charchun

Why did you decide to pursue the MA program?

I previously worked as a research assistant during my undergraduate degree, engaging in archival qualitative research on the institutional histories of colonialism in Toronto. Through that experience, I became captivated by research and wanted to explore it further within criminology, a field I have always been passionate about. Having grown up in British Columbia, I had heard so many great things about SFU's School of Criminology, particularly its strong reputation, extensive commitment to community-focused research, and supportive faculty, so I decided to apply. It felt like the perfect place to continue developing as a researcher and meaningfully contribute to the exploration of access to justice and social equity.

What are you currently working on, and what excites you the most about it?

There is always a lot I am working on that excites me, but this summer, I have been working on my Directed Readings course with professor Tetrault, in which I've explored the intersection of critical criminology and access to justice. This experience has been incredibly valuable, as it has allowed me to delve deeper into how these two areas intersect and inform one another. I have been able to think more critically about how theoretical frameworks in criminology can shape and strengthen access-to-justice work. Alongside this, I have been preparing to begin my thesis, exploring various variables and refining the questions I intend to pursue.

What’s been the biggest challenge you have faced during the program and how did you overcome it?

One of the biggest challenges I've experienced in my MA journey so far has been staying organized, especially with the number of readings and deadlines. I overcame this by reaching out to peers in my program to see how they were managing similar pressures and being transparent with my supervisor about where I was struggling. Finding a system that works for you is an individual process, but it never hurts to reach out to community for support. I tried methods like keeping a research journal and using my calendar app to organize tasks.

What career path do you envision after completing your MA degree?

I hope to continue conducting research and working in the access-to-justice field, whether through academic scholarship, community law-based initiatives, or a combination of both. I'm very open to new opportunities and would love to continue developing access-to-justice scholarship, while also supporting individuals with their legal problems on the ground. I see myself contributing to research, exploring ways to make justice more equitable, and staying actively involved in public legal education and outreach that makes justice more accessible in people's day-to-day lives.

Do you have any advice for prospective MA students?

I would advise new MA students to keep exploring different research subjects and not feel like they have to box themselves or their ideas into one lane. Exploring different research questions across their courses can open up directions they didn't expect. I'd also encourage them to join the School of Criminology Graduate Students Association to meet fellow peers and become part of the community! I would also tell new students to attend events and reach out to faculty whose work interests them, even just to have a conversation.

Tell me a bit about your work with Break the Divide

Volunteering with “Break The Divide Foundation” has been fulfilling for me, as it allows me to engage in meaningful work outside of my academic studies. The organization's mission is to help youth navigate the emotional realities of climate change by bridging mental health and climate action. I create and manage social media content for the organization and co-facilitate Climate Cafés and workshop events focused on raising awareness of climate issues and climate justice. In January of this year, I delivered a Coffee Chat presentation titled 'Unpacking Climate Justice: Break The Divide's Approach to Climate Emotions,' examining climate justice through a green criminology lens. The presentation explored how environmental harm, much like crime, disproportionately affects marginalized communities, and how climate change intersects with existing systems of inequality and injustice. I also touched on the emotional toll that climate change takes on young people specifically, and how organizations like Break The Divide are working to address both the practical and emotional dimensions of the climate crisis. Being a part of Break The Divide has allowed me to combine my passion for social justice with environmental advocacy and better understand how environmental issues are also issues of social and legal justice.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Outside of my studies, I work as a project coordinator with the South Asian Legal Clinic of British Columbia, where I help develop community legal education programs and support initiatives that make legal services more accessible. This role has been especially meaningful to me because it has shaped my research interests by providing firsthand experience with the importance of culturally responsive approaches to resolving legal issues. Working directly with community members has shown me that language access and cultural understanding are essential to individuals’ ability to navigate legal disputes and access justice. My experiences in the field and through conducting research have reinforced how much I value combining community-engaged practice with academic inquiry to create meaningful change.