Lydia Pandian

Lydia Pandian is an Assistant Professor with the Department of Social Science, in the Faculty of Arts at the University of New Brunswick in Saint John. Lydia is a social justice advocate, researcher, and educator. She has been involved in numerous research projects and published articles, developing a wealth of knowledge and skills in teaching and research in academia. Lydia's research interests include the health of marginalized communities, women's and children's rights, and social justice issues. She is passionate about advocating for the rights of seasonal migrant workers, employment, health and education rights of South Asian rural women and animal rights.

Lydia's CIHR-funded doctoral study is particularly fascinating as it examines the emotional health of Indian Immigrant mothers in the GTA. Adopting a Global South Indigenous arts-based methodology grounded in Critical Race Feminism, her research aims to redefine policies and mental health services available to immigrant mothers from South Asia and promises to make a significant contribution to the field of Social Work. She also received The Penny Family Ontario Graduate Scholarship, Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS), and McMaster Social Work Graduate Scholarship.

Lydia's dedication to her students and teaching philosophy has not gone unnoticed. The Madras School of Social Work (Chennai, India) has recognized her commitment to an inclusive, student-focused, anti-racist and anti-oppressive pedagogical approach with the Certificate of Recognition for Excellence in Teaching.