During the summer of 2009, Kelsey was employed as a researcher and policy analyst by both the National Centre for First Nations Governance in Vancouver, BC and the government of the Nisga’a First Nation in the Nass Valley, BC. Both placements were related to building policy capacity, though the latter in particular challenged her to think about policy development in an innovative and nuanced manner. Additionally, it further cemented her belief that the creation of strong and effective public policy must be based upon successful collaboration and dialogue across all layers of a community.

Her current research interests have been shaped by her experiences in Croatia, the Czech Republic, Egypt and, most recently, Canada. She has been published by the Journal of International Affairs at the University of California, Davis as well as by the Journal of Public Policy & Governance at the University of Toronto. Currently, she is in the process of completing a SSHRC-funded research project related to the socioeconomic integration of Muslim immigrants in Toronto and is also employed by the Mowat Centre for Policy Innovation to complete a report on fiscal sustainability in OECD jurisdictions. With a strong background in economics, statistical analysis and qualitative research methods, Kelsey is well suited to develop inventive and robust solutions to policy problems.

In her spare time (and when the Toronto weather allows) Kelsey enjoys running, biking, swimming and diving. She also loves traveling, particularly via train, as well as exploring new cultures and communities.