Successful Dissertation Defense – Alexandra Pulchny

Congratulations to Alexandra Pulchny for successfully defending her dissertation on May 29th.  Her dissertation is titled: Pathways to Post-Secondary Education. A Multi-Method Investigation of the Impacts of Support Systems and School Belonging on Students and Post-Secondary Intentions.

Abstract

This dissertation explores the factors influencing students’ transitions into post-secondary education (PSE) in Canada. It focuses on the support systems around students, including their families, schools, and communities. The first part reviews existing research to identify what shapes students’ transitions, such as family background, parental education, geography, and their race and gender. The second part explores how students’ sense of belonging – built through parental support, school culture, and relationships with teachers and peers – shapes their plans for PSE. It pays special attention to how race, gender, and academic streaming influence this process. The third part features a case study of an after-school STEM program in Hamilton, Ontario, designed for at-risk and underrepresented youth. This program shows how community-based support can help students feel more confident, connected, and ready for PSE. Overall, this dissertation highlights the importance of strong, inclusive support networks – both in schools and beyond – to help all students, especially those facing barriers, reach their post-secondary goals.