about me

I am Dr. Wendy Aujla (she/her), a first-generation PhD and applied Sociologist. I am based in Amiskwacîwâskahikan, Treaty 6 Territory (Edmonton, Alberta).

I am a passionate advocate, community-based researcher, and expert on violence against women. My research interests are gender-based violence such as domestic violence, “honour”-based violence crimes, and forced marriages. I am committed to listening carefully to the voices of victim-survivors and community leaders in action-driven research that builds safer communities free from violence.

I enjoy undertaking and supporting applied research projects that positively impact communities.

I love mentoring university students to achieve their academic and career pathways that are not always linear!

I am frequently invited to speak at professional organizations, national, and international conferences. I also take on requests from the media on domestic violence.

Outside of my work, I love reading books, baking goodies, yoga, cycling on my peleton, watching the Oilers play, and most of all, travelling with my son, Zayan and husband, Harry.

Qualifications

  • Gender-based violence expert with extensive training on addressing the needs, risks, and barriers impacting newcomers and/or other immigrant groups

  • Training in intersectional, anti-oppressive, trauma-informed, and culturally safe approaches

  • Experience conducting applied research with real-world application

  • Experience conducting literature reviews

  • Excellent qualitative research method skills (e.g., trained and experienced in using qualitative analysis software such NVivo, but familiar with other programs)

  • Knowledge of research ethics and guidelines in an academic environment (e.g., institutional approvals and knowledge of the Tri-Council Policy Statement 2: Ethical Conduct for Research Involving Humans – TCPS 2: CORE-2022)

  • Sensitivity to ethical issues, especially privacy and confidentiality

  • Critical thinking and analytical skills

  • Collaborative community-based research experience (e.g., a strong relationship builder with a collaborative approach for working within and for the community)

  • Experience developing and maintaining strong relationships with gender-oppressed and marginalized communities

  • Excellent interpersonal skills and proven ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders

  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team

  • Superior organizational, communication (written and verbal) skills

  • Strong presentation skills for a variety of audiences through live events (in-person/online)

  • Skills in knowledge translation and mobilization activities (e.g., in gender-based violence)

  • Experience in social media content creation and strategies

  • Demonstrated capacity to meet deadlines

  • Leadership and mentorship experience

  • Enthusiastic about teaching at the post-secondary level (e.g., experience teaching Sociology and Criminology Field Placement courses)

Awards & Recognitions

Most recent, recognitions for my work include the United Cultures of Canada Association Peace in Families Award (2020) and the Family and Community Safety Inspiration Award (2018) for leadership in family violence prevention.