Nicholas Overgaard

Background

About Nicholas Overgaard

Doctorate in hand, I’m taking the knowledge and skills I’ve gathered in academia, applying them to a career in policy analysis and development, and helping foster greater public interest and expert-informed decision-making with the Government of Ontario. With over five years of experience researching, writing, analyzing, editing, presenting, and publishing a variety of projects, I understand how to clearly communicate complex ideas before a variety of audiences. Whether I’m updating stakeholders on the status of the Tree of Knowledge database project, discussing the nuances of Descartes’ mechanistic philosophy with undergraduate students in the sciences, or exploring the significance of a 17th-century french manuscript for The Champlain Society, clarity, curiosity, and enthusiasm are key to all explanations. In two terms as Student President, I’ve led thorough and fair consultations with stakeholders, and advised senior management and policy-makers on dozens of proposed policy changes. I’m familiar with all steps of the political process, and recognize that not all proposals and advice, no matter how well-supported by evidence, are ultimately accepted. Still, I strive for professionalism and diplomacy when consulting and advising both peers and superiors. In June 2019, I completed my doctoral program 1.5 years faster than the average PhD candidate in Canada. While I’ve developed invaluable research, writing, and public speaking skills in academia, I’ve also learned that I work best when contributing to and collaborating with a team, and am motivated by the potential real world outcomes of working in public service. Since defending my doctoral thesis, I’ve started a career in public service, working as a policy intern with the Ontario Ministry of Health.