By Mary Giles
Kanika Samuels-Wortley is currently finishing her PhD in sociology at the University of Waterloo. Her research interests include youth and crime, policing, race and racism, corrections and critical race theory. Race, crime and the overrepresentation of Black and Indigenous youth in the criminal justice system fuel her research aim to advance critical race discourse in Canada.
“I am very excited to be a part of an institute that is actively dedicated to social change,” she says. “My research complements the already important work that is being done. I am dedicated to examining the intersection of race, inequality and justice in Canada. I hope my work will contribute to our academic knowledge on this important topic and to meaningful reform; however, being a mentor and educator to students of all backgrounds is perhaps my greatest responsibility. After more than 10 years of university education, I have never had a Black professor. This alone is evidence of the change that is necessary if Canada’s diverse composition is going to be reflected in higher education.”
In the winter term, Samuels-Wortley will be teaching quantitative methods in criminology and a special topics course on race and the Canadian justice system.
A love of hiking, food and travel has brought Samuels-Wortley to many different parts of the world. Her favourite spot to appreciate all three is Italy, where she enjoys discovering small towns, cities and the incredible cuisine.
Tuesday, October 27, 2020 in Faculty, FPA Voices
Share: Twitter, Facebook
