Nick Vlahos is a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Centre for Deliberative Democracy and Global Governance. He holds a PhD in political science from York University, Canada, with specialization on the interconnection between political economy, decentralization and democratization. Nick is interested in both participatory and deliberative democracy, particularly how public decision-making can mitigate inequality. Nick has conducted participatory qualitative research, written academic and public-facing material as well as public sector reports, given presentations to various audiences, has several years of being a tutorial instructor for undergraduate students, held public sector project management roles, worked closely with and part of community associations, and has facilitated multiple conversations with a variety of public, political and private stakeholders. Prior to the role at UC, Nick worked in the public sector in Canada, in the Toronto Community Housing Corporation and the Civic Innovation Office in Toronto. These roles entailed working closely with residents in local decision-making processes.
Nick here answers our light-hearted questions.
Where do we find you this weekend?
This weekend you’ll find me on the links, which is jargon for Lakeview Golf Course. It’s become my local spot for golfing because of its reasonable distance from the city centre. I’m especially excited because I’m going with two of my closest friends, that are also my cousins. Wish me luck.
What’s the ideal start to a Sunday? Gentle start or a jolt?
The absolutely perfect way for me to start a Sunday (and I do this often) is to catch a morning European football game, preferably my team, Barcelona. I’ll happily settle for other games just as long as I have a coffee pot in hand.
What’s the best thing you’ve watched on TV recently?
The best thing I’ve watched recently…for a TV show, it’s probably The Chair. Too bad it was only like six episodes. That said, I’ve only recently discovered Sebastian Maniscalco’s comedy specials on Netflix. All of them are PURE GOLD.
A glass of something you’d recommend?
An ice cold beer, preferably a local lager from wherever you are.
What’s that you’re singing in the shower?
Singing less so than thinking. Lots of organizing happening in the shower, lots.
Soundtrack of your choice?
As in movie soundtrack? Probably Pulp Fiction just because my parents had it on repeat in my house/car growing up, and because I’m also a big hip-hop/rap fan, maybe Gang Related with Tupac.
Best vacation you’ve been to?
That would be Spain in 2019. Best paella in Valencia, loved roaming random streets in Sevilla, and Barcelona was a blast. I saw Messi score a free kick live too, what a time.
Tell us something about yourself that would surprise us.
Most people wouldn’t know that I married into a Muslim family. It’s been a great fusion of cultures (Greek/Italian and Pakistani), especially for the food. Achar for rice, it changes everything.
The ideal dinner menu?
That’s transporting me back about 15 years or so to my Italian grandparent’s house on Christmas. Eggplant, zucchini, pasta, fresh bread, homemade wine, fish, some meat cut, cannoli’s, the whole deal.
Ideal dinner venue?
I like to travel, so something that looks out of the ordinary and different from what I’m used to in the concrete jungle. Probably outside on a patio either facing some body of water, or on some quaint cobblestone alley.
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