Organizing Committee 

Ademola Adesola is an assistant professor in the Department of English, Languages, and Cultures, Mount Royal University, Canada. Ademola had his postsecondary education at Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria, and the University of Manitoba, Canada. Ademola teaches and researches postcolonial literatures, African and Black diaspora literatures, and literary depictions of children and warfare. Ademola has published essays and book chapters, including a monograph entitled Representations of Child Soldiers in Contemporary African Narratives. His poems have appeared in different publications. His debut book of poetry due for release in May 2026 is Dancing with My Tongue. 

Christina Collin is currently pursuing a degree in the Honours History program at Mount Royal University. She is passionate about medieval history and has a growing interest in foodways in the Middle Ages. Outside of academics, she enjoys playing golf and making pottery. She looks forward to connecting with fellow students at the CURE conference.  

Kari Kinnear is an Honours Psychology graduate from Mount Royal University whose research interests focus on neurodevelopmental conditions, cognitive disorders, memory and holistic mental health. Her current work examines sarcasm perception and social cue processing in ADHD and neurotypical populations. She is the Lab Coordinator for Dr. Cheryl Techentin’s lab, and has upcoming presentations at BASICS, CSBBCS and WFRN. She aims to pursue graduate studies in clinical neuropsychology. In her free time, she has begun training for endurance events, including an upcoming Gran Fondo and fall sprint triathlon. 

Kirk Niergarth is a Professor in the Department of Humanities at Mount Royal University.  He is co-editor of the journal Labour / Le Travail.  

Dan Devoe is a psychology professor at Mount Royal University, specializing in research methods, behavioral science, and student-led research development. His work emphasizes methodological rigor, critical thinking, and the production of high-quality empirical research, particularly within honours-level training. He has extensive experience supervising undergraduate theses and supporting students in the design, execution, and dissemination of research.

In addition to his academic work, Dan is developing a series of illustrated children’s books that focus on clear, engaging storytelling. This creative work reflects a broader interest in communication and the ability to translate complex ideas into accessible formats.

Leanna Ireland is an assistant professor in the Department of Economics, Justice and Policy Studies at Mount Royal University.  Her research sits at the intersection of crime, technology and digital society, where she examines how emerging technologies reshape patterns of harm, risk, and regulation in online environments.