Karmvir K. Padda

(She/Her)

I am a PhD candidate specializing in radicalization, extremist use of the internet, ideologically motivated violent extremism, hate crime, computational social science, and research methodology. My work integrates both traditional qualitative and quantitative methods with advanced computational techniques, such as topic modeling, sentiment and emotion analysis, and network analysis. My research focuses on analyzing extremist manifestos to understand how perpetrators justify their actions. I examine the language used by extremists and track how these narratives evolve and spread across different online spaces, including mainstream platforms (e.g., Reddit) and alt-tech platforms (e.g., Stormfront, 8kun, Gab).

Beyond my doctoral research, I have over a decade of experience contributing to interdisciplinary projects on disinformation, misinformation, human trafficking, and the broader dynamics of online discourse and digital influence. Additionally, I have more than eight years of teaching experience, designing and delivering courses in sociology, criminology, and research methods with a focus on student-centered learning, applied research skills, and inclusive pedagogy.

Education

  • 2025 
    University of Waterloo, PhD, Sociology
  • 2020 
    Simon Fraser University, MA, Criminology
  • 2018 
    Humber College, Bachelor of Social Science, Criminal Justice (Honours)
  • 2015 
    Humber College, Ontario Diploma, Police Foundations

Publications

  • 2025
    Unveiling Chaos: A Socio-Criminological Exploration into the Capitol Insurrection, Sociology of Crime, Law, and Deviance
  • 2024
    Bridging Theory and Practice: Teaching Qualitative Field Research Methods in Sociology and Criminology, Journal of Security, Intelligence, and Resilience Education
  • 2024
    Critical Criminology, Understanding Crime in Canada, 3rd edition
  • 2023
    Deploying Artificial Intelligence to Combat Covid-19 Misinformation on social media: Technological and Ethical Considerations, IEEE-sponsored 56th Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences
  • 2022
    COVID-19 Misinformation on social media: Ethical Questions of Research and Regulation in the Canadian Context, The COVID-19 Pandemic Collection: Ethical Challenges and Considerations

Grants and Contracts

  • 2021
    Joseph-Armand Bombardier CGS Doctoral Scholarship
    Role:
    Principal Investigator
    Funding Source:
    Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada

Professional Memberships

  • Canadian Sociological Association
  • American Society of Criminology
  • Western Society of Criminology
  • Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences
  • American Sociological Association

Contact Karmvir for

  • General
  • Media request
  • Speaking request
  • Consulting / Advising
  • Research collaboration
  • Research supervision