Samantha McAleese, PhD is a Research and Evaluation Associate for MediaSmarts, working with the Director of Research to fulfill the organization’s comprehensive research agenda and complete internal program and project evaluations. In collaboration with staff and partners of MediaSmarts, Samantha conducts literature reviews, writes funding proposals, prepares research ethics applications, designs and implements qualitative and quantitative research studies, analyzes data, writes research reports, and disseminates research findings. In addition to building internal evaluation capacity at MediaSmarts, Samantha also connects with external research and evaluation partners (both academic and community-based). Samantha recently obtained her PhD in Sociology at Carleton University and has more than a decade of experience working and volunteering within the non-profit sector in Ottawa. Samantha brings to MediaSmarts extensive knowledge of qualitative research approaches, publication experience (including both academic and general media sources), facilitation and public speaking skills, familiarity with practices and resources in adult education, and a passion for strengthening the relationship between academia, non-profit organizations, and the community.