Joanna Marrisse (“Joanna”) Nicolas is a graduate of the University of Alberta Augustana with a passion for interdisciplinary research, leadership, and public engagement. Her academic interests span gender studies, Canadian history, law, and popular culture, with a particular focus on video games and the ways media reflects and shapes society.

Throughout her academic career, Joanna has presented research at regional and national conferences, published articles for public audiences, and contributed to research projects examining topics such as gender representation in video games, wartime bigamy, and Canadian legal history. She is committed to making academic research accessible and fostering meaningful conversations that extend beyond the classroom.

In addition to her research, Joanna has held numerous leadership roles, including Vice President of Communications for the Augustana Students’ Association (2024-25) and President of The Augustana Choir (2024-25). Her experiences as a research assistant, music teacher, photographer, and student leader have shaped her collaborative approach to learning, communication, and community engagement.

This website serves as a portfolio of Joanna’s research, publications, presentations, and writing. Through her blog, she explores the intersections of history, gender studies, gaming, and popular culture, sharing research and insights that make academic ideas engaging and accessible to a wider audience.