Sierra Van Tent is a current graduate student in the Master of International Public Policy program at the Balsillie School of International Affairs. She earned a BA with distinction in Political Science from the University of Waterloo in 2023, with Minors in Legal Studies and Peace and Conflict Studies.

Sierra has previously worked for the Politics of Reproduction group where she contributed to the first large-scale study of egg donation in Canada. The study aimed to document and understand the experiences of egg donors and to improve relevant law and policy.

In addition to her studies, Sierra is a research assistant at the University of Toronto’s Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work. Her research focuses on Indigenous policy and child welfare outcomes for Aboriginal children and youth, environmental justice and social work, and maintaining cultural connections for youth in care.

Sierra’s research experience has deepened her commitment to understanding people’s experiences and the impact of policy on their lives. She believes this understanding is crucial for identifying gaps in the current framework and proposing future policy improvements.