Testimonials

Partners

The Network for Economic and Social Trends (NEST) Research Consultancy is an invaluable partner for any organization seeking deep, data-driven insights to drive strategic decision-making. Their team of seasoned researchers and analysts bring a wealth of expertise across a range of social trends, delivering actionable intelligence that has consistently helped us navigate an increasingly complex societal landscape. NEST's rigorous methodologies, innovative analytical approaches, and keen interpretive skills make them a trusted advisor I would highly recommend to any forward-thinking community leader.

- Stephenie Ferrera, Project Coordinator, Sarnia-Lambton Local Immigration Partnership

We collaborated with NEST to complete an innovative, community-grounded research project. Specifically, we partnered with NEST to collect and analyze novel data of experiences of hate in Ontario. We selected NEST because of their track record, academic and community involvement, and commitment to providing opportunities for students to gain practical experience in applied research. NEST worked with us to achieve our project objectives and provided excellent guidance whenever we needed it. We look forward to deepening our partnership.

- Rachel Mansell, Vice President, Mosaic Institute

Faculty Members

Working with NEST’s consultancy was a tremendous opportunity to do cutting edge research with community partners. Working together also meant that the project had greater reach and potential impact. I would definitely recommend this model for other scholars or community partners who can both benefit from this cooperation.

            - Kaitlynn Mendes, Ph.D., Associated Professor, Department of Sociology

Students

Working with the NEST Consultancy during my time as a graduate student proved to be incredibly enriching. It offered me the opportunity to gain practical experience beyond academia while pursuing my studies and to get exposure to different workplace dynamics and expectations. The NEST Consultancy team showed great empathy toward my student commitments and accommodated my schedule with flexibility. I found it very rewarding to meet with community members directly, hear about their needs, and work on research that directly addresses those needs and hopefully benefits the community members.

- Rama Eloulabi, Ph.D. Candidate, Department of Psychology

Working as a PhD researcher with the NEST Consultancy brought me a sense of fulfillment in serving the community, rather than solely pursuing academic publications. Through the Consultancy, I received the opportunity to work on a project in partnership with the Mosaic Institute, funded by the Province of Ontario. It was rewarding to engage with community members and incorporate their perspectives into the research. This experience has strengthened my commitment to continue serving the community as an academic researcher, and I am immensely grateful for this amazing opportunity.

  • Bidushy Sadika, Ph.D. Candidate, Department of Psychology
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Working with the NEST Consultancy on applied community-based research has been a transformative experience during my graduate studies. It has expanded my research toolkit, enabling me to conduct various types of research and write for diverse audiences. Focusing primarily on migration, diversity, and the integration of newcomers in Ontario, I have directly engaged with community stakeholders who make a tangible impact in our local communities, further emphasizing the importance of bridging the gap between academia and the community.

- Zsofia Agoston Villalba, M.A. Graduate, Department of Anthropology