Hermandeep Deo

Being a Public Scholar means doing research with tangible impact. For me, that starts with real-world problems identified by those directly affected, and then drawing on the literature to explore them in depth. My work emphasizes collaboration and reciprocity by integrating complex concepts and social structures into practical, accessible forms of knowledge that spark dialogue and help change systems.

Public Scholars Initiative
Faculty
Faculty of Applied Science
Program
Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD)
Research supervisor(s)
Helen Brown
Lydia Wytenbroek
Home Town
Surrey
Country
Canada
Selected Award(s)
UBC Public Scholars Award
Carol Mae Acton Fellowship in Nursing, Cordula and Gunter Paetzold Fellowship, Faculty of Applied Science Graduate Scholarship

Research description

Through my doctoral research, I am studying how young, racialized women experience health care while living with chronic pain. Although chronic pain is increasingly common in women aged 20 to 29, especially for those that experience systemic inequities, their voices are rarely heard in research. These women often face stereotypes and dismissal in clinical settings. For example, as being judged as “too expressive” or having their physical concerns overshadowed by mental health labels. The result is a cycle of misdiagnosis, disbelief and invisibility. My research looks at how racialized women navigate these challenges and how they resist them, often reshaping the way they talk about pain in order to be believed. I am collaborating with a local artist who shares these experiences to co-create an arts-based counter-narrative. Together, we aim to challenge stereotypes and highlight the real, complex stories of young women living with pain.

What does being a Public Scholar mean?

Being a Public Scholar means doing research with tangible impact. For me, that starts with real-world problems identified by those directly affected, and then drawing on the literature to explore them in depth. My work emphasizes collaboration and reciprocity by integrating complex concepts and social structures into practical, accessible forms of knowledge that spark dialogue and help change systems. The Public Scholars Initiative strengthens this work by providing the resources and connections that make such collaboration possible.

In what ways do you think the PhD experience can be re-imagined with this Initiative?

Attending a polytechnic university, my undergraduate experience focused on the practical application of knowledge. Entering graduate school was a significant shift from these environments, especially after working as a nurse in practice. The PhD experience often emphasizes publications, conferences and academic networking, which can feel daunting for students who were not exposed to research opportunities early on. The Public Scholars Initiative re-imagines the PhD by creating space for students with diverse professional backgrounds and real-world experience to thrive, while also recognizing the unique value they bring to academic research.

How do you envision connecting your PhD work with broader career possibilities?

Over the past year, I have met PhD graduates leading non-profit organizations, partnering with health authorities, advancing research and advocacy in health organizations, and teaching in a variety of settings. These examples have shown me the importance of remaining open to opportunities and willing to adapt as circumstances change. For me, the work I am pursuing in my PhD is rooted in the hope of contributing to a health system that becomes more accessible to those experiencing inequities. With so many areas in need of equity-focused research, I see multiple pathways for applying the knowledge I gain throughout this journey.

How does your research engage with the larger community and social partners?

My research questions have always grown out of conversations with community members who share their experiences with me, and I maintain ongoing dialogue with those communities throughout the process. For my dissertation, I am collaborating with a local artist whose lived experiences helped shape the focus of the study. Together, we are developing an arts-based knowledge translation project, supported by the Public Scholars Initiative, that aims to share these stories in ways that are accessible beyond academia.

Why did you decide to pursue a graduate degree?

Before graduate school, I was working as a public health nurse. I pursued a master’s degree to strengthen my skills as an educator, but the program also broadened my understanding of the larger social and structural forces that shape health. It made clear the importance of not only teaching and supporting individuals, but also advocating for more equitable systems. That shift in perspective is what ultimately led me to pursue a PhD, as a way to deepen this work and contribute to systemic change in health care.

Why did you choose to come to British Columbia and study at UBC?

Growing up in Surrey, the Lower Mainland has always been home to me, so location was an important factor in my decision. I also completed my master’s at UBC, where I felt well supported by my supervisors and faculty. Near the end of that program, I had the chance to learn from the professors who are now my co-supervisors, and I knew that working with them at the doctoral level would be an invaluable opportunity. Their mentorship, along with UBC’s strong environment for health equity research, made it the right place for me to continue my studies.