University of Waterloo PhD student Karmvir Padda has been honoured with the prestigious P.E.O. Scholar Award (PSA), standing out as one of 100 selected applicants across North America. Padda was recognized for her research on online radicalization and extremism and her dedicated efforts to make academia more inclusive and supportive for all scholars.
Karmvir Padda, a PhD candidate in the department of Sociology and Legal Studies at the University of Waterloo, has been awarded the P.E.O. Scholar Award by P.E.O. international for her contributions to the field of sociology on online radicalization and extremism. Padda’s research delves into the semantics of extremist movements, analyzing how language is used to justify extremist actions and goals.
This award recognizes the academic excellence and achievement of PhD candidates from across North America for excellence in their contributions to their field of study while maintaining leadership positions to support higher education. After a competitive review process, Padda was one of 100 women out of over 800 nominees to receive this award. She was notified in April 2024 that she was the selected recipient of the P.E.O. Scholar Award.
PEO international was established in 1991 with the aim of uplifting, supporting, and motivating women. Their mission is to help women around the world advance through education. Reflecting on why she applied for this award, Padda identified the importance of securing additional funding for her studies and how her unique perspective as a first-generation, immigrant woman has shaped her experiences in academia. Padda shared:
“My positionality in academia has been deeply influenced by my intersectional identity as a first-generation, immigrant woman. I've faced various forms of discrimination, both inside and outside academia, which often made me question my place in this field. This award represents women supporting women, and my application for this award stemmed from my desire to be a role model and empower other women in academia who may feel unseen or unsupported. This award gives me the platform to inspire women like me, to create community-building programs, and to help them recognize their skills and potential for success.”
With the opportunities and funding provided by the P.E.O award, Padda is eager to develop community-based initiatives aimed at empowering and supporting graduate students navigating academia. In the meantime, Padda is contributing to efforts on campus aimed at upholding equity in the assessment of teaching in higher education through her role as a Research Assistant in the Teaching Assessment Processes Office.
To connect with Karmvir, please reach out via email at: kkpadda@uwaterloo.ca
Article by Sarah Seabrook from the Office of the Associate Academic Vice President.