Nisha Manhas wins the Gunraj Gill Memorial Award in Political Science

SFU’s Department of Political Science celebrates the achievements of Nisha Manhas who has won the 2022 Gunraj Gill Memorial Award in Political Science. This undergraduate award is granted annually to a political science major or honours student who excels academically and has a demonstrated history of volunteerism or activism in organizations related to political science.

A fourth-year political science major, Manhas has made volunteering a priority as well as studying. For Embark Sustainability, she worked as a digital engagement coordinator. This position involved editing the organization’s blog, creating social media content, producing a video series, and more. She was also a research and design volunteer with GLOCAL, a not-for-profit organization that promotes civic awareness through local engagement and global understanding in Canada. Most recently, Manhas volunteered at the SFSS Women’s Centre at SFU.

“These places have taught me a lot about sustainability, policy and research, and feminism, respectively,” she says. “They have really shaped my perspectives and helped me realize what I like doing, and what I don’t like doing. It also feels amazing to contribute to places that have such a positive influence on the community, and on people around me.”

Manhas’ post-graduation plans include doing public policy work, or more specifically social advocacy.

Learn more about our undergraduate awards and scholarships.