2025 Chet Mitchell Memorial Award Winner: Gurleen Bhatti
Meet Gurleen Bhatti! Gurleen is heading into the second year of our MA Program and is completing a thesis under the supervision of Dale Spencer.
Gurleen is also the recipient of this year’s Chet Mitchell Memorial Award in Law! This award is given annually to a deserving student enrolled in the Master of Arts program in Legal Studies and is nominated by faculty members teaching in the graduate program. Gurleen was nominated by several faculty who all had incredibly positive things to say about her academic skills, intellectual curiosity, and collegiality.
Read more below on Gurleen’s experience in our department.
What lead you to pursuing your MA in Legal Studies at Carleton?
I was drawn to the critical and interdisciplinary lens that many of the legal studies faculty at Carleton are committed to. This is something that was important to me personally, as well as my approach to the area of research I was interested in. And, after a year, I can safely say they did not disappoint! The emphasis on the complexities of the legal field and meaningful social transformation has been challenging and engaging. One of the other reasons I chose this program is because I feel like I found my place and purpose in academia, so I wanted to be a part of and learn from exceptional and progressive scholars.
Tell me more about your research, and what do you hope to gain out of it by the time you complete your degree?
My MA thesis focuses on policing. More specifically, I am examining police accountability and how the Ontario Special Investigations Unit conducts its investigations of complaints. Police oversight in Canada is an area that very little is known about, both academically and to the public. By the time I complete my degree, I am hoping to become a better learner, a well-rounded researcher, and take advantage of the opportunities that come with being a grad student in this space.
What advice would you give to incoming students?
My advice for incoming students sounds cheesy but it’s true: follow your passion. Lean into the conversations and topics that interest you – take the time to understand why they interest you and what kinds of research you would be excited to contribute to. I would also say that self-discovery goes hand in hand with community. Be part of the academic community you’re in – whether it be through departmental events, panel discussions, or getting involved in the larger Carleton student body. These will be a big source of inspiration, commitment, and joy, especially because academia can sometimes be a very isolating experience. But it does not have to be!
Are you interested in learning more about our MA program? Check out our website here for more details!