I am originally from Mohkinstis, otherwise known as Calgary, Alberta, on Treaty 7 Territory. I now call Hamilton, Ontario home.

I am a PhD Candidate and Sessional Instructor in the School of Social Work at McMaster University. My forthcoming doctoral research is focused on exploring and highlighting the activism of young girls, specifically girls aged 8-12 years old.

My doctoral work is inspired by many years of community social work practice work with girls in Calgary. While I was practicing as a community social worker, I witnessed first hand the many ways that girls are working to influence positive social and environmental change in their peer groups, schools, communities, and beyond. I pursued doctoral studies because I wanted to further support the many creative ways that they are working to make our worlds better.

In my downtime, you might find me enjoying local arts and music shows, out for a leisurely run around the city, or exploring different coffee shops trying to find the best americano and little sweet treat.

Alexe Bernier


  • McMaster University

    Expected 2025

  • Gender Studies and Social Justice Research

    McMaster University

    Expected 2025

  • International and Community Development

    University of Calgary

    2016

  • Psychology

    University of Calgary

    2014

Education

Above: A piece of community art that was created by a group of girls (aged 10-12 years old) in a summer camp that I facilitated in 2016. They were displeased with the ways that school dress codes affected how they could express themselves.

Their message reads: DON’T PUT GIRLS IN A BOX.


Awards

SSHRC Doctoral Scholarship

2022-2025

Lorne and Pat Gordon/YWCA of Calgary Graduate Scholarship

Ontario Graduate Scholarship

2020

2015

Alberta Graduate Scholarship

2014