The Rani Sivanathan Graduate Scholarship

Where is your hometown?

I always find this question surprisingly tricky to answer! I was born in Cairo, Egypt, where I spent my childhood, but I grew up in Oakville, Ontario. I still have family in both places, which makes both feel like home.

Why did you choose Smith School of Business/Queen’s?

I completed my undergraduate degree in Commerce at Smith School of Business, graduating last spring. I chose to return for my Master’s because of the school’s exceptional academics and supportive community. During my undergrad, I always felt encouraged by faculty, staff, and peers alike, and I knew that same welcoming environment would continue into my graduate studies. The teaching here is both rigorous and insightful, providing a strong foundation for growth. Beyond the classroom, the collaborative culture at Smith fosters meaningful connections and continuous learning, making it an ideal place to continue my education.

What has been your favourite experience at Queen’s so far?

This is such a tough question because I’ve had so many memorable experiences here. Academically, I think my favourite experience — one that’s still ongoing — has been the seminar series. They’ve been incredibly engaging and educational, and it’s been amazing to learn about research from outside Smith, and even beyond the business school world. On the non-academic side, one of my favourite experiences has to be our consortium week. I was so nervous going into the program, not knowing what to expect, but meeting the rest of the cohort in such a relaxed, casual setting really put me at ease from day one.

What are your aspirations after graduation?

After graduation, I hope to pursue a career in academia. Throughout my MSc, I’ve had the opportunity to engage deeply with the research process, and it’s opened my eyes to a side of academia I hadn’t fully appreciated before. I’ve grown to love the curiosity-driven nature of research, asking meaningful questions, exploring complex ideas, and contributing to a broader understanding of important topics. This experience has solidified my desire to continue along this path, with the hope of making a lasting impact in the field.

What is one interesting fact about you?

A fun fact about me is that I am fluent in 3 languages, English, French and Arabic! Also currently trying to learn Coptic — which is a dormant Afro-asiatic language!

Research Overview

The Impact of Zero-Sum Beliefs on Universal Healthcare Policy Support

Mariam’s research explores how intuitive beliefs shape perceptions of the world, even when lacking evidence. A key example is the zero-sum belief— the idea that one group’s gain comes at another’s loss. This mindset influences perceptions of success, fairness, and resource distribution. The study examines the impact of zero-sum thinking on support for universal healthcare. If viewed as a threat to personal access, universal healthcare may face opposition from those who hold zero-sum beliefs. By analyzing these cognitive frameworks, the research provides insights into public opinion and offers strategies for effectively framing redistributive policies in a polarized society.