Punam Mehta, BSc, BA (Hons), MSc, PhD

Research summary

Dr. Mehta’s research is deeply rooted in Winnipeg, Manitoba, where she has led significant projects, including a yoga and body mapping initiative for mothers with addictions and a recent study on HIV stigma.

Dr. Mehta’s research interests and courses taught focus on program planning. Through her research focus, Dr. Mehta advances global and community health through feminist-informed health promotion, arts-based methodologies, and feminist pedagogy. Her research centres on marginalized populations, promotes equitable health outcomes, and shapes the next generation of inclusive public health practice. 

Research affiliations/groups

• Board member – Women’s Health Clinic, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
• Visiting Fellow – St John’s College, University of Manitoba
• Organizer – Visionary Lens, storytelling and documentary photography to promote respect and dignity in community and global health

Keywords

• arts-based research methodologies
• decolonizing research methods
• feminist health promotion
• feminist pedagogy
• feminist travel writing and health
• health equity
• inclusive public health
• yoga and wellness

Dr. Punam Mehta is a feminist teacher-scholar whose research is deeply rooted in her hometown of Winnipeg, Manitoba. She is dedicated to enhancing wellness and improving the lives of individuals and communities locally and globally. Her work emphasizes equity and inclusion, integrating yoga and wellness and feminist travel experiences into innovative approaches to health promotion.

Education

Teaching and Learning Certificate, Centre for the Advancement of Learning, University of Manitoba (2023)

Doctor of Philosophy, Applied Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba (2014-2021)

Master of Science, Department of Community Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba (2004-2007)

Bachelor of Arts (Honours), Women and Gender Studies, Faculty of Arts, University of Winnipeg (2004)

Bachelor of Science, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Winnipeg (2004)

High school diploma, The Collegiate, University of Winnipeg

Awards

Nominated: Olive Beatrice Stanton Award for Excellence in Teaching, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences

Visibility Award, Racial Equity and Inclusion Association, University of Manitoba

Inspirational Professor Award, Justice For Women Student Group, University of Manitoba

Aboriginal Capacity and Development Graduate Fellowship, University of Manitoba

Dean of Medicine Health Research Award for Master of Science Thesis, University of Manitoba

Margaret Laurence Endowment Fund, Program of Women’s Studies, University of Winnipeg