(Upcoming) Principal Investigator [PhD Dissertation]
Supervisors: Stephanie Begun (Chair); Izumi Sakamoto; Candace Christensen; Ankur Srivastava

Using Multiple Minority Stress and Critical Consciousness as a conceptual framework, my dissertation explores how diasporic queer South Asians in Toronto navigate structural, interpersonal, and internalized oppression. Employing a conceptual framework I designed (in progress) that positions Theatre of the Oppressed as a critical praxis to engage internalized oppression, I engage diasporic queer South Asians in a 4-session workshop to examine how embodied and relational participatory approaches can engage with the perceptions and manifestations of internalized oppression.
This project is currently in development.

PI: Tin D. Vo
(2025-2026) Doctoral Research Fellow

Using a write-draw storying method, this project engages Indigenous and non-Indigenous 2S/LGBTQIA+ youth and elders of Greater Sudbury and surrounding areas to explore how strengths, resources, and existing supports in Northern Ontario can be mobilized to enhance wellbeing and address inequities.
Areas of involvement: ethics preparation; coordination and co-facilitation of community engagement sessions; co-analysis of qualitative data, and co-development of manuscripts.

→ Learn more about this study here!

Psychosis Education Hub (FIFSW, UofT) , PI: Amar Ghelani
(2025-2026) Research Assistant; Simulation Video Actor

This simulation-based project focuses on enhancing social work education in psychosis care through the co-development of structured learning guides for both actors and students engaged in standardized patient simulations. Developed in collaboration with clinicians, educators, and individuals with lived experience, this project integrates clinical knowledge with embodied and experiential learning approaches to support engagement with psychosis in practice settings. These resources are currently used in MSW-level training to strengthen students’ skills in assessment, relational engagement, and trauma-informed care.
I supported with coordination, ethics protocol preparation, data collection, as well as manuscript and resource development.

→ Publications based on study: [1]
→ Learning resources and videos from study

Mishritata Lab (OISE, UofT) , PI: Dirk Rodricks
(2024-2026) Research Assistant

Using cultural arts practices such as Kalaripayattu and Afro-Caribbean movement as methodology, this project explores how embodied movement illuminates themes of border-crossing and diasporic identity among South Asian communities in Toronto.
I contributed to data collection, qualitative data analysis (NVivo), manuscript development, and conference presentations.

→ Publications based on study coming soon!
→ Conference presentations

CYBER Lab (NUS), PI: Jungup Lee
(2022-2024) Research Associate

A qualitative study examining the lived experiences of young persons with disabilities navigating bullying and cyberbullying during their schooling years. Drawing on retrospective interviews, this work highlights how bias-based bullying shapes long-term wellbeing and social participation.
I led qualitative data analysis (NVivo) and contributed to data collection, manuscript development, and conference presentations

→ Publications based on study [1] [2]
→ Featured summary (SSR, NUS)
→ Recorded talk based on study

Supervisors: Jungup Lee; Peilin Liang

A mixed-methods study examining how Theatre of the Oppressed facilitated embodied reflection, relational support, and critical engagement among 16 queer and trans men navigating stigma and minority stress in Singapore.

→ Publications based on study [1] [2]
→ Recorded talk based on study

Supervisor: Corrine Ghoh

A qualitative study exploring how participating in Theatre of the Oppressed (including a Forum Theatre performance) enabled nine racialized youth offenders to critically reflect on their lived experiences of marginalization and claim agency. This project marked my early engagement with Theatre of the Oppressed as a method for fostering dialogue, agency, and critical consciousness within marginalized youth contexts.

→ Publication based on study
→ Contact me for a copy