My Start At 'The Lab'

 

THE LAB 

 MY PLACEMENT AT THE RED CROSS MIGRATION LAB 

 

This is my first preliminary blog post in concern of the structure and objectives of my Capstone Placement for Global Studies Research (HUSO 2346) at RMIT University.

Well here it is folks! The final academic baby steps before the humanitarian cartilage strengthens in these proverbially developing knees and allows me to run straight on to a career! 
I'm currently undertaking my placement at the Red Cross Migration Lab as an associate researcher. I am the academic Oompa Loompa, the researching Igor and the pro-bono Money Penny! 

As a Research associate it is my primary position with 'The Lab' to investigate the contextual and theoretical literature concerning how Pacific Island Communities can respond to the adverse effects of local environmental degradation and wether the responses and strategies undertaken have made positive impacts to mitigate such community issues. The research I shall be assisting with aims to highlight the perspectives and experiences of Pacific Island communities and consider whether they consider migration a useful tool to adapt and mitigate the impacts of climate change.  

Regular blog posts over the coming weeks shall explore and convey research and findings concerning the following questions:

1. Does migration enable individuals, families and communities to alleviate the impacts of climate and environmental change in countries of origin? If so, in what ways (e.g. climate change preparedness, disaster risk reduction, resilience, and longer-term adaptation) and how does this occur? 

2. What are the humanitarian impacts of migration in the context of climate and environmental change on people, families, and communities, both at home and in countries of destination? How might this change in the future as climate and environmental impacts worsen across the region? 

3. What factors influence the accessibility and inclusivity of migration pathways from the Pacific, and what are the barriers to, and consequences of, migration and mobility for people from the Pacific, especially indigenous peoples and people living in outer islands and remote areas? 

My findings in lieu of these research questions shall be formally presented to The Red Cross Migration Lab Staff in the form of A literature review and annotated Bibliography. 

It is my objective via these Blog posts to flesh out and reflect upon how my placement at 'The Lab' will contextualise the educational strengths and abilities I have attained whilst continuing my Masters of International Development.