Convocation Profile: Cynthia Olufade

On Wednesday, June 10, 2026 Cynthia Olufade will attend Convocation to receive her PhD in Anthropology.  Her thought-provoking thesis, Tracing Transnational Networks: The Social Dynamics of the Sex Trafficking of Nigerian Edo Women to France was received to much acclaim.

We caught up with her and asked her some questions about her journey at the UofA.

What led you to choose your current area of study, and why the U of A for your studies?

I did African Studies for my master’s and was introduced to some core anthropological questions/theories, I met some really cool anthropologists who exposed me to some of the rudiments of the discipline (Shout out to Prof. Ogunsanya and Benson, it took my breath away! On choosing the U of A, it was by divine alignment, I knew I wanted to come here, so I cold emailed my supervisor and he responded almost immediately, I applied while in the hospital and got accepted!

Tell us about your experience in your faculty.

Truly, at the start of my studies as an international student straight from Nigeria, I didn't know what to expect. However, the support was immense, from my supervisor (Joseph Hill), to Prof. Marko, and Heather, the then graduate student advisor. In no time, I felt at home. It was Heather who advised me to apply for the CGS-D when I became eligible and the rest is history. I also appreciate the numerous awards the faculty and my department advertised that I eventually clinched (haha)

What is one of your favourite memories from your time at U of A?

We had this study group and we met at Rutherford level 2, the discussions, work sessions, and moral support from the group formed part of my fondest memories.

Tell us about your favourite professor and/or class.

My supervisor! His class on the supernatural taught me a lot and it was there I learnt practical peer review process, always looked forward to his seminars.

What advice do you have for current and future students?

Doing a PhD is not just school, it's a full-time job, please trust the process, keep a journal, play hard too!

How do you plan on celebrating convocation?

I’ll have a nice dinner with the boyfriend and I intend to take my kids and mom out, they were the real MVPs…

What's next after graduation?

I love research, to do research these days you need some form of institutional affiliation, so I guess that's where I'm headed!

Congratulations Cynthia and all the best in your future endeavours!