Anthony Nairn

I was born in Ottawa, Ontario, but lived most of my younger years across Northern Ontario. Having the temporal difference to contemplate those days, I can truthfully say that growing up in a small town with parents who supported playing outside and exploring was, and is, amazing. I have much to be thankful for having lived so well under the parentage of caring people, and living the middle-class lifestyle that Canada allows, which has granted me the opportunities to do so much.

High-school was, for lack of a better phrase, a challenging time. Though I met some great people in my teenage years, some of which I still am close with, I did not have an easy time trying to fit in with the social standards and norms that were required of us. I went through many trials -- some typical, some severe. It resulted in an angry early twenties. 

Heading to Ryerson University for my undergraduate in Information Technology Management, I was disenchanted with the people I went to school with, the uselessness of some of the content taught (no offence to you B.Comm students, it was just not for me for many reasons) and the vulgarity of Toronto's streets (read below before taking offence!). I joined the military as an expression of this anger, and I am glad I did because it was an essential part of creating who I am today by giving me the context from which to come to terms with and let go of the anger. I met some wonderful people, including two of my closest friends. Fortunately for me, or unfortunately depending on how you see it, I was injured and subsequently honourably discharged. I can admit that it was very hard for me, but I had great people, both family and friends, that helped me through it. 

It was at this time that I had no idea what I wanted to do, and I couldn't find a job being in the small military town of Petawawa. So, I went back to school. I returned to Toronto and Ryerson to finish my undergraduate degree, which was now Arts and Contemporary Studies, on my own terms. I grew to love Toronto: it's streets, the rush of its people, the heartbeat it had. I also took to education. I achieved and maintained quite a high CGPA during this time, which continues today, and became close with some of my professors, of which I still am close with. They encouraged me to do graduate studies, for which I am grateful because that is exactly what I did. 

Wanting to be close to Petawawa, I decided to go to Carleton University for a MA of Sociology, which I enjoyed very much. I again met some wonderful people who have become friends I hold dear, and again, had the privilege of working with some truly wonderful faculty that cared for me equally in return.

On September 12, 2016, while running for exercise on campus, my heart went into ventricular fibrillation and then failed to cause cardiac arrest. I lost my memory of the end of August and all of September; and no, I did not see any bright lights, or have an out-of-body experience. This event has had a profound effect on my life. My relationships with my family and friends, my outlook on life, and understanding what a great gift it is to be alive -- all changed that fall.

I have since moved back to Toronto starting from August 2018 and completed another MA degree at the Institute for the History and Philosophy of Science and Technology at the University of Toronto where I worked with Prof. Yiftach Fehige. I am now currently in a Ph.D. at York University in their Humanities department working with Prof. Bernard Lightman. I am also grateful to be working as Executive Assistant with the International Society for Science and Religion, which has enabled me to meet and engage with scholars all across the globe.  

Check out all that I have on this site, including my CV, blog, and photos. If you want more, my social media accounts are linked in the footer of each page down below. If you want to reach out, ask me something you have on your mind, or just talk, please do not feel odd messaging me -- that is why I have a contact section!