Dr. Lydia Pandian

Biography

Lydia Pandian is an Assistant Professor at the University of New Brunswick in Saint John, where she specializes in social justice, health, and rights issues for marginalized communities. As a CIHR Scholar, Lydia has engaged in numerous research projects and has published articles that contribute to the understanding and advocacy of social justice. Her research interests focus on the rights of women and children, with a particular emphasis on seasonal migrant workers, health education rights for South Asian rural women, and animal rights. Her CIHR-funded doctoral study explores the emotional health of Indian immigrant mothers in the Greater Toronto Area and employs a Global South Indigenous arts-based methodology grounded in Critical Race Feminism. This research aims to redefine the policies and mental health services available to immigrant mothers from South Asia, promising to make significant contributions to the field of Social Work. Lydia has received several scholarships for her academic achievements, including the Penny Family Ontario Graduate Scholarship and the Ontario Graduate Scholarship. Her dedication to teaching and student development has been recognized by the Madras School of Social Work in Chennai, India, where she received a Certificate of Recognition for Excellence in Teaching.

Research Interests

Experience

Awards