Shirin Akter is a researcher specializing in food security, agricultural economics, and governance. She is currently pursuing her PhD in the Global Governance program at the Balsillie School of International Affairs, with a research focus at the intersection of urban food security, sustainable development, migration, gender, and governance. Her academic interests particularly emphasize governance strategies that support marginalized populations in vulnerable urban environments.

Shirin’s doctoral research investigates policy environments that influence urban food security through governance frameworks related to migration dynamics, gender equity, and sustainability considerations. She aims to understand how effective governance can mitigate vulnerabilities faced by marginalized groups in urban food systems, emphasizing comparative policy analysis and multi-level governance frameworks.

Previously, Shirin earned her MSc in Food, Agriculture, and Resource Economics from the University of Guelph, where her thesis analyzed the competitiveness of Canada’s and Ontario’s agri-food exports to ASEAN, revealing critical insights into trade dynamics and policy implications. She also holds an MSc in Agricultural Economics from Bangladesh Agricultural University, where her research on urban consumer behavior towards branded fluid milk was published in the Journal of Bangladesh Agricultural University.

Additionally, Shirin contributed to the project “Sustainable Ground Water Irrigation for Food Security in the Northwest Region of Bangladesh,” highlighting the significance of inclusive governance and targeted policy interventions to address food and water security challenges.

Shirin has extensive methodological expertise, proficient in analytical tools such as RStudio, STATA, and SPSS, and possesses significant experience in managing interdisciplinary research projects and effectively communicating complex policy issues. Her professional and academic journey reflects a consistent commitment to addressing complex societal challenges, particularly through the lens of governance, economics, and sustainable development.

Through her PhD studies at the Balsillie School of International Affairs, Shirin seeks to deepen her understanding of global food governance structures, collaborate with renowned faculty members, and contribute innovative solutions to urban food security challenges.