From science to social justice to medical school: Simran Bedi (MA SocJ 2024)

My name is Simran and I came to Canada to fulfil my dream of becoming a doctor. For this purpose, I completed my undergraduate studies in Applied Life Sciences - giving me a strong science background. Throughout my undergraduate years, I was exposed to different worldviews and also had the privilege of listening to the stories and challenges of students from different walks of life. It was clear to me that various social, economic and political factors were influencing my life along with the lives of many around me. The pandemic further made these social disparities evident. A culmination of these experiences motivated me to pursue my Masters in Social Justice Studies. This program helped me build a strong background on various factors - beyond an individual's control - that influence their overall wellness and health outcomes. I worked on projects that focused on immigrant health in rural Ontario and on challenges faced by International Medical Graduates trying to enter the Canadian workforce. However, it was truly my colleagues and professors in the program whose contributions shaped my knowledge and personal growth the most. As a medical student, I often reflect on the difficult yet important discussions we engaged in during my Masters, to ground myself as they serve as a gentle reminder of why I chose medicine in the first place - to serve.

Simran Bedi standing in the Agora, a Lakehead University Building

Social Justice Studies Graduate Wins Governor General’s Award

Maya Oversby, a 2025 graduate of the Social Justice Studies MA, won the Governor General’s award as the top graduate student in the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities. Maya is the first Social Justice Studies graduate to win this award.  She was also the top student in the program, and received both recognitions at the May 28 Convocation. 

 

Maya (She/her) is Red River Métis and Irish/English artist born and raised in Treaty Three Territory in Dryden, ON.  Maya completed her Creative Project on counter mapping with beadwork titled “Confronting Land Disposition through Kinship and Beadwork.” She worked under the direction of Dr. Kiera Loukes and Dr. Juan Sanchez Martinez. 

 

“SJS gave me a space to explore Indigenous research methodologies and critique what Social Justice means to me within the context of my positionality. I felt well supported and encouraged throughout the duration of my degree. I am so thankful for the amazing educators, peers and friends that supported me along this journey.”

 

Maya will be contract lecturing this upcoming Fall semester for the School of Outdoor Recreation, Parks and Tourism. In her spare time, Maya will continue to bead and spend time on the land!

Maya Oversby holding two awards in front of Lake Tamblyn, Lakehead University campus.

 

News & Events

News

Dec
16
Congratulations Simran (NOSM)

Oct
3
Adoption: Experiences of Surrendering Mothers and Adult Adoptees

In the decades following World War II, almost 600,000 infants were born to unmarried women in Canada and recorded as “illegitimate births.” Over 66%... full story

Sep
12
International Day of Peace Event by Gender and Women’s Studies, Social Justice Studies and Mendlife Canada!

Join Lakehead University and Mendlife Canada for a hybrid International Day of Peace event on September 19th, 2025 (1–4 PM), featuring student-led... full story

Aug
6
Debora Cruz (MA Social Justice Studies 2023) launches first book.

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Stories

 

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