On Ice and in Research: Meet Jennifer MacInnis Moore
Date Posted: Dec 7, 2024
Growing up in Port Hood, a community known for its love of hockey, Jennifer MacInnis Moore spent much of her childhood on the ice. From attending hockey camps as a young teenager at the University College of Cape Breton (UCCB – now Cape Breton University) to being part of groundbreaking research on the first “Home of girls’, women’s and para hockey” in Canada and the world, her journey has truly come full circle.
Jennifer is in her second year of the Bachelor of Arts Community Studies, with a concentration in Communication. She decided to pursue her own academic goals when her youngest started school. “I was skeptical about going back to school as a mature student and a busy mom of four, but from the first day, I knew it was the best decision,” shares Jennifer. “I have had so many great opportunities happen to me so far. I have made many new friends and love the community spirit here.”
Jennifer’s path to research began with a conversation with Dr. Bettina Callary, who is leading a research project on Building sustainability in the “Home of girls’, women’s and para hockey.” It led Jennifer to reminisce about the thriving female hockey league in the 1990s and early 2000s. As a young girl, she spent her summers staying on campus and playing hockey for hours in the Canada Games Complex. “When Dr. Callary mentioned her research and asked if I wanted to help, I immediately said yes,” she shares. “To see how far female hockey has come and the new arena dedicated to girls’, women’s and para hockey is incredible. It felt like the perfect opportunity to be a part of something so special.”
Through a remarkable community effort, the Cape Breton Blizzard Female Hockey Association and CBU, along with the CAPERS Women’s Hockey team, won the national title of Kraft Hockeyville 2022, securing $250,000 to revitalize CBU’s arena. As the first facility devoted to advocacy for equity and inclusion in hockey, this inspiring story required documentation and analysis. Dr. Callary’s research, awarded $10,000 through the CBU’s 50th Anniversary Scholar Awards, aims to inspire similar initiatives across Canada and beyond.
As a research assistant, Jennifer has been deeply involved in the project, from conducting interviews with key participants and transcribing recordings to analyzing data and connecting codes to themes. Through this experience, Jennifer has developed a strong understanding of critical thinking, data interpretation and communication. “I have learned to be patient and let the interviewees take the conversation in directions I didn’t expect, then guide it back on track,” she explains.
Jennifer credits the experience as transformative for her academic outlook. “When I first returned to school, I was in a rush to finish my degree, but this project changed everything,” she shares. “I’ve realized I love research, the intellectual challenge it brings and the process of continuous learning.” Working alongside dedicated professionals under the guidance of Dr. Callary has inspired Jennifer and solidified her desire to continue in this academia.
For students interested in research, Jennifer encourages them to embrace the opportunity. “Stay curious and never hesitate to ask questions, even if they seem basic,” she says. “A willingness to learn can take you far, and the supportive environment at CBU makes all the difference. It’s a tight-knit community where you feel the urge to succeed, so jump right in!”
Jennifer proudly recalls being selected to play in the Esso Women’s Nationals tournament during the 1999-2000 season. “Some of the players in the tournament included Hayley Wickenheiser, Cassie Campbell and Caroline Ouellette, to name a few,” she shares. “Many of these incredible women have since been inducted into the Hockey Hall Of Fame, and they were playing right here in Sydney. It is so inspiring to see CBU become the first-ever home to girls’, women’s and para hockey.”
Looking ahead, Jennifer sees a bright future for the soon-to-be-open facility and the groundbreaking research that supports it. “With the opening of the arena being the first of its kind in the world, I believe this research can be the inspiration for many more arenas like this,” she says. “It serves as an influence to continue to break down barriers for marginalized groups, support inclusion and ensure hockey is a game for everyone.”
From the rinks of her hometown to groundbreaking research, Jennifer is paving the way for herself and inspiring others to pursue their passions. As CBU marks its 50th Anniversary, Jennifer is proud to be part of a project that not only shapes the future of hockey but also reinforces the University’s commitment to making meaningful contributions on a local and global scale.