Before joining MacEwan University’s Bachelor of Early Childhood Curriculum Studies Program as an assistant professor, Dr. Cankaya worked with PolicyWise for Children & Families as a research scientist. She was part of a research team working on issues, policies and practices affecting Alberta’s children by linking and analyzing cross-governmental, administrative data. Some of her other past work experiences consisted of working as a long-term consultant at UNESCO Institute for Statistics and as a kindergarten teacher in Thailand.
Dr. Cankaya is passionate about contributing to the happiness and health of children through her teaching and research. Currently, she serves on the board of the Terra Centre and is a member of the Edmonton Council for Early Learning and Child Care (ECELC).