Just over two years ago, Cindy Robin was completing a master’s in economic development and policy analysis at England’s University of Nottingham and had never heard of Memorial University.

Now, as a Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Scholar with $21,000 in funding, she is enrolled in her second master’s program in the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences’ political science department.

“Cindy is one of those understated students who doesn’t speak unnecessarily, but when she talks, presents, submits papers, she completely blows you away with her insights,” says Dr. Amanda Bittner, who encouraged Ms. Robin to switch to the two-year thesis program from the one-year internship program.

Citizenship by investment

Ms. Robin’s thesis, under the supervision of Dr. Isabelle Côté, looks at issues pertinent to citizenship by investment programs.

Ms. Robin, who is originally from Dominica in the West Indies, says there are several countries that have programs where citizenship and passports are provided to non-residents based on investment.

“There is no concrete research that I have been able to find to date, so I am narrowing down my approach in order to address the issues,” explains Ms. Robin, who felt political science was a good addition to her background in economics.

She completed an undergraduate program in economics and accounting at the University of the West Indies prior to attending graduate school in England.

According to Ms. Robin, the political science department has been very supportive and encouraging. Coming to Memorial was, she says, “a very good decision.”

“If someone asked me if they should come here I would tell them yes – if they can handle the cold,” she said, laughing.

QEII Scholars

The Queen Elizabeth scholarship program fosters a dynamic community of young global leaders that create lasting impacts at home and abroad. Through professional experiences, the program provides international education opportunities for discovery and inquiry.

Queen Elizabeth scholars engage with communities, learn about cultures and create projects and actions that impact the world. They are part of a global network of young scholars who share knowledge, exchange ideas and collaborate on meaningful initiatives.

The program is managed through a unique partnership of the Rideau Hall Foundation, Community Foundations of Canada, Universities Canada and Canadian universities.