Mohit Dudeja Awarded the Henry Mandelbaum Graduate Fellowship for Excellence

Mohit Dudeja (PhD student and Contract Lecturer, Faculty of Education/Department of Gender and Women’s Studies) has won the Henry Mandelbaum Graduate Fellowship for Excellence in Social Sciences, Humanities, or Arts (Doctoral Student), awarded by the Ontario Confederation of University Faculty Associations (OCUFA).

Each year, OCUFA recognizes 10 members of the academic community, including one doctoral student who demonstrates academic excellence, provides significant community service, and shows exceptional academic promise in their university career.

Mohit’s doctoral research investigates the experiences of Indian queer international students in small Canadian cities. Mohit plans to conduct in-depth interviews to explore the challenges faced by these students in navigating the intersections of their sexual and cultural identities in unfamiliar social contexts.

“International queer students face a double barrier, transitioning to studying and living in Canada within the nexus of both identities, being both queer and international,” says Mohit. “Even queer campus groups fail to address the diverse identities and experiences of international students, and their shifting sexual identity and liberation relative to their home countries may raise worries about returning home. Research identifies that queer international students’ space in the Canadian social community is complex, frustrating, demoralizing, and frequently re-traumatizing. Building upon existing research, my doctoral study will investigate the lived experiences of queer Indian students in post-secondary programs. The findings will inform the development of inclusive policies and support systems for this population.”

Mohit adds that “I am deeply grateful for the recognition the prestigious OCUFA award provides. It reaffirms that I am on a solid pathway for my doctoral research, framed broadly as Social Justice. This recognition fuels my commitment to the pursuit of knowledge and positive change. I sincerely thank all who have contributed to my academic journey, and I feel fortunate to have such guidance and encouragement, especially from my supervisor, Dr. Gerald Walton."

Mohit will attend the OCUFA Awards of Distinction event, which will take place in Toronto in October.

Congratulations, Mohit!