Meet KPU: Sunny Mangat

Sunny Mangat, a criminology instructor at Kwantlen Polytechnic University, is a South Asian, Punjabi woman born and raised in Surrey, B.C. She earned a PhD in sociology from the University of Roehampton in England, focusing her research on sexual violence concerning women in South Asian communities. 

Mangat is also a community advocate. She has built strong connections with the international student community, helping to address their struggles and needs throughout her research. 

She was recently awarded the 2024 Convening and Collaborating Award presented by the Micheal Smith Health Research BC Convening & Collaborating (C2) Program, which works to build capacity and develop research that can have a direct impact on people. 

Mangat’s research focuses on the struggles of and sexual violence faced by marginalized communities. Learning how to improve the sexual and reproductive health of women and LGBTQ+ students from India is within her research scope. 

The following responses were sent in an email statement to The Runner. 

When did you join the KPU community and why? 

I joined KPU as faculty in 2022, but my connection goes way back — I was a student here years ago when I earned my associate of arts degree. Growing up in the neighbourhood and attending high school across from the Surrey campus, KPU always felt like a natural fit. Coming back as faculty was surreal, like déjà vu, but also like coming home. In many ways, KPU has always had my heart.

What is your favourite story of your time at KPU? 

Oh gosh, I have so many! But a recent favourite isn’t really a story — it’s more of a feeling. Last summer, I taught CRIM 2331 (Sociological Explanations of Criminal Behaviour) for the first time and I focused on building a strong sense of community. It was amazing to see it come to life — the students really connected, and the energy in the room was incredible. Even though it was a summer course, they showed up, not just for me, but for each other. One student recently told me they’re still friends with their group, meeting up for drinks and joking about how they can’t stop analyzing crime or people’s perception of it. And I loved that because I’m all about community!

What’s something you’d like to say to people new to KPU? 

Say yes, we are often quick to say no, or often in self-doubt (for a variety of reasons, I won’t get into that). But be open to new experiences and people, even if it feels uncomfortable. Saying no can mean missing out on opportunities you never imagined for yourself, whether it’s a research position, collaborating with someone totally different from you, or even making a new friend!

What are you working on right now? 

I am currently working on a research project, focusing on sexual health of women and LGBTQ+ international students from India. This is a team project, where I have the privilege to work with my colleague Dr. Tara Lyons, Dr. Asma Sayed, two wonderful students of mine, and a number of community partners. 

We are in the first phase looking to understand and develop research questions that we are hopeful to carry out into a qualitative research project down the road. Given the number of international students from India, not just at KPU but across institutions, this is an area that is near and dear to my heart because I am South Asian but also because I care for our students. And the current climate of anti-South Asian racism, particularly against international students, makes them more vulnerable to violence, abuse, and exploitation.

What’s something you’d like people to know about you? 

This is a good question, and I don’t know if there is anything specific. Just like most of us, I’m always figuring out something new — even about myself. I’m here and I suppose in the spirit of collaboration, I’m always happy to connect with others.