Realize your future with TMU Graduate Studies
![Pearson Ripley](/content/dam/graduate/images/2019/ripley_pearson_310.jpg)
Future focus
Pearson Ripley
Documentary Media MFA alumnus
A recipient of Nikon’s 100th Anniversary Storyteller’s Scholarship, Pearson Ripley has chronicled life in Nepal, Cambodia and Guatemala through his photography. His major research paper, “Shut Away,” focuses on undocumented Latin American immigrants seeking sanctuary in U.S. churches.
How has your TMU graduate education been?
I've grown dramatically as a photographer through the Documentary Media program. The faculty have had a huge effect on my practice. I've learned how to think critically about my creative decisions and write about my own work more effectively.
How did your supervisors support your research?
TMU gave me an incredible support system for executing my first long-term, large-scale documentary project. My supervisors Dr. Blake Fitzpatrick and Don Snyder both have extensive knowledge and experience and gave me honest, straightforward critiques that really informed my work. Whenever I had a question, they were always there for me.
Do you feel well-prepared for your career?
There's no straightforward career path for documentary photography, but TMU has prepared me in an invaluable way by giving me a comprehensive understanding of the documentary framework and introducing me to Toronto's thriving photography and film community. Now, I have a fantastic point of departure to chase down my dream career.
"[TMU] has prepared me in an invaluable way by giving me a comprehensive understanding of the documentary framework."
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‘The journey continues to be amazing’
Cyrus Sundar Singh, Communication and Culture PhD student and Documentary Media MFA alumnus
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Shaping the future of health care
Kittie Pang, Master of Health Administration (Community Care) student
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A new look at the world’s oldest profession
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Making black-and-white more grey
Nathaniel Brunt, Communication and Culture PhD student and Trudeau Scholar
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Supporting women through building science
Building Science master's students
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Using drones to locate people with dementia
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Building sustainability into architecture
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Flipping the script on Black men's pain
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Standing up for immigrant women
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Giving refugees a second chance
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Secret marathon meets social change
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Transgender research meets transformed lives
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Cannabis research meets new potential
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Jewelry business meets digital disruption
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City issues meet the big picture
Dr. Colin Robert Phillips, Policy Studies PhD
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Cancer research meets better patient care
Dr. Michael Kolios, Professor and Associate Dean, Research and Graduate Studies, Faculty of Science
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Professional passion meets real-world opportunities
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Inspirational faculty meets innovative research
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Life-changing experience meets long-term success
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Ancient traditions meet empowered youth
Dr. Réal Carrière, Policy Studies PhD