Dr. Tara Cookson

Assistant Professor

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Biography

Tara Cookson is an Assistant Professor and a Tier 2 Canada Research Chair in Gender, Development, and Global Public Policy at the University of British Columbia's School of Public Policy and Global Affairs. She has a background in ethnographic quantitative methods and focuses on power dynamics in development policy, particularly in relation to gender data, social protection, and care work. Tara’s work emphasizes public scholarship and integrates academic research with practical publications aimed at influencing international policy processes. She authored the award-winning book 'Unjust Conditions: Women’s Work and Hidden Cost Cash Transfer Programs', which highlights the challenges faced by women in the labor market. Tara's research has been published in various prestigious journals, and she co-founded the Ladysmith Collective, a feminist research initiative that connects scholarship to practical solutions in gender data. She collaborates with major global development organizations, including UN Women and UNICEF, to enhance gender data analysis and action.

Research Interests

Experience

Assistant Professor

2018-09-01 — Present

University of British Columbia • Vancouver, Canada

Teaching and researching gender policy and development.

Awards

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Global Development Studies Book Award Honorable Mention

2020-01-01
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Globe Book Award

2019-01-01
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Sarah Whaley Book Prize

2019-01-01
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Bill Gates Sr. Prize

2014-01-01

Requirements for University of British Columbia

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.3
IELTS
Listening
Required:6.5
Reading
Required:6.5
Writing
Required:6.5
Speaking
Required:6.5
Overall
Required:7
TOEFL
Listening
Required:22
Reading
Required:22
Writing
Required:21
Speaking
Required:21
Total
Required:100
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in Philosophy or related field 3 credits in formal logic 6 credits at the upper level in history of philosophy 3 credits at the upper level in ethics or value theory 6 credits at the upper level in metaphysics, epistemology, or philosophy of science
Application Checklist
  • Online application form
  • Application fee
  • Transcripts from all post-secondary institutions
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Writing sample (15-20 pages)
  • Statement of intent
  • Evidence of English language proficiency
Specialization Notes

Offers course-only and thesis routes. Focus areas include philosophy of science, mind, ethics, and Asian philosophy.