Ryan Whiston
“As a student coming from another university community to start my PhD, it was important to me to get involved in every opportunity available to learn about and contribute to the York community. Community and community development are essential to student success.”
Ryan Whiston is a second-year PhD student in the Social and Political Thought program. He has a background in social and moral philosophy and deliberative democratic theory. He holds a TESL Canada Standard One certification, a Master of Arts in Political Science and a BA in Politics from Acadia University. He serves as a Student Senator for the Faculty of Graduate Studies and is a member of the Faculties of the Future Working Group.
Ryan has a history of volunteer work and community development in Nova Scotia, prior to his move to Toronto; volunteering at local food banks, supporting the annual Summer Special Olympics, and contributing to community development of the Maple League of Universities. In his time at York, Ryan continues his volunteerism through service on numerous committees—program, faculty, and Senate—including recent Forward Action Plan working groups and CUPE funding committees for in-need students.
Ryan was recognized by the Maple League of Universities in 2020 for involvement in starting the Maple League Reader, an undergraduate history journal on Genocide and Justice. In 2025, Ryan was recognized as one of two recipients of The Robert Everett Exceptional Leadership in Student Governance Award for his significant commitment and service to the York community.