Research Interests
- Antrhopology
- International Humanitarian Law
- Human Rights
- Migration
- Refugees
Jennifer Lopes, a Legal-Anthropologist and a Part-time Professor at the University of Ottawa, deeply committed to advancing the field of migration and human rights, brings a wealth of experience to her work. With over six years dedicated to her research journey, Jennifer's primary focus lies in examining access to justice and the rights of asylum-seeking children, particularly through her ethnographic exploration of courts, including asylum claim hearings.
In addition to her extensive research, she has contributed her expertise as a Research Coordinator at the Faculty of Nursing, Université de Montréal, where she engaged in a research project on "Migrant Families with Children and Transnational Family Support." This initiative, funded by SSHRC, spanned from 2018 to 2020 under the leadership of Dr. Lisa Merry, further enriching her understanding of the complex challenges faced by migrant families.
Her commitment to addressing human rights issues from diverse perspectives extends beyond research. She has taken an active role as a Programme Support Officer at the International Bureau for Children's Rights in Montreal. In this role, she was involved in various aspects of children's rights, including lecturing at the Summer School on Children's Rights at UQAM, developing programs for the Americas and the Middle East, and conducting research and analysis related to justice systems and child protection. This multifaceted experience provides her with unique insights into the intricate interplay between international law, justice systems, and human rights.
Her diverse teaching experience, primarily in anthropology courses, and her previous roles at the Institute of Feminist and Gender Studies underscore her dedication to holistic education. While she has primarily taught anthropology, her contributions have expanded to include courses on antiracist and anticolonial feminism, feminism, and transnationalism. Her pedagogical approach is a testament to her goal of fostering a deep understanding of human rights and legal pluralism, encouraging critical thinking and meaningful discussions.
Jennifer Lopes is not only a dedicated researcher, teacher, and advocate but also an official member of several key organizations in the field. She is a proud member of the Childhood, Law and Policy Network (CLPN) at Queen Mary University of London (UK), emphasizing her commitment to international collaboration. Jennifer is also an official member of the Équipe de recherche interdisciplinaire sur les familles réfugiées et demandeuses d'asile (ERIFARDA), further solidifying her role in advancing research on asylum-seeking families. Her active involvement in these research networks highlights her dedication to promoting children's rights and her preparedness to address the pressing issues at the intersection of migration, human rights, and international law.