PhD
Instructor, Criminology & Sociology
Faculty of Arts and Sciences
School of Social Sciences
Criminology
Sociology
604.984.4953 ext. 4953
Fir Building, room FR401
mandanakarimi@capilanou.ca
Education
PhD, Political Sociology, University of Shiraz
MA, Sociology, University of Victoria
BA, Social Planning
Bio
Mandana Karimi (PhD) is a sociologist whose work bridges political sociology, environmental studies and program evaluation.
She earned her PhD in Political Sociology from the University of Shiraz and an MA in Sociology from the University of Victoria, where she was awarded the Stephens Family Research Award in Organic and Sustainable Food Systems.
Karimi currently serves as a Sessional Faculty in the Department of Sociology and Criminology at Capilano University, where she teaches courses such as Introduction to Sociology and Sociology of Social Issues in British Columbia. She also works as an Evaluation Specialist with Fraser Health Authority, supporting applied research, evaluation design and evidence-based program improvement.
Her research explores climate change, water governance, and sustainability in semi-arid regions and she has published widely in journals such as Groundwater for Sustainable Development and the Journal of Environmental Management.
Karimi has presented internationally, including at the New York Conference on Groundwater Monitoring and Management, where her presentation was recognized as Best Presentation in 2024.
Karimi currently teaches in the Department of Sociology and Criminology at Capilano University, offering courses such as Introduction to Sociology and Sociology of Social Issues in British Columbia.
She also teaches program evaluation courses, including Evaluation 101 and Logic Model Development, at Fraser Health Authority.
With over seven years of teaching experience across Canada and Iran, Karimi brings an international and interdisciplinary perspective to her pedagogy. Her teaching emphasizes connecting sociological theory to real-world social and environmental issues, encouraging students to apply critical and reflective approaches to understanding society.
Karimi’s research focuses on the intersection of political sociology, environmental sustainability and social issues and policy. She examines how governance, culture and social structures influence responses to climate change, water management and resource sustainability. Her work combines qualitative and applied research to inform environmental and health program evaluations. Through her publications and projects, Karimi seeks to connect sociological inquiry with practical solutions that promote social and environmental justice.
Karimi has published in several peer-reviewed journals, including Groundwater for Sustainable Development, Journal of Environmental Management, and Journal of Political Knowledge. Her recent works explore climate change adaptation, water governance, and sustainable agricultural systems in semi-arid regions. She has also contributed book chapters published by Springer and Elsevier on water policy and climate resilience.
Karimi regularly presents her research at international conferences, including the New York Conference on Groundwater Monitoring and Management, where she received the Best Presentation Award in 2024. She actively collaborates on interdisciplinary research projects that link sociology, environmental studies, and public policy.
Stephens's Family Research Awards in Organic & Sustainable Food Systems. The Department of Sociology. The University of Victoria, Victoria. B.C. Total value: $5000.00, Nov 26, 2021.
Best Presentation at the New York Groundwater Monitoring and Management Conferences, 2024.