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Research Interest:

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.

Selected Publications:

1. Padda, K., (2025). Unveiling Chaos: A Socio-Criminological Exploration into the Capitol Insurrection. In Deflem, M., Vol. 29 of Sociology of Crime, Law, and Deviance 
2. Padda, K., (2024). Bridging Theory and Practice: Teaching Qualitative Field Research Methods in Sociology and Criminology. Journal of Security, Intelligence, and Resilience Education. 18 (6), 1-9
3. Padda, K. (2023). Critical Criminology. In Boyd, N., Understanding Crime in Canada, 3^rd edition. Emond Publishing
4. Frank, G., Cartwright, B., Weir, G., Padda, K., & Strange, SM. (2023). Deploying Artificial Intelligence to Combat Covid-19 Misinformation on social media: Technological and Ethical Considerations. Proceedings of the IEEE-sponsored 56th Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences
5. Padda, K., Strange, SM., Cartwright, B., & Frank, R. (2022). COVID-19 Misinformation on social media: Ethical Questions of Research and Regulation in the Canadian Context. In Egal, E., & Patton, C., The COVID-19 Pandemic Collection: Ethical Challenges and Considerations (pp. 49-78). Ethics International Press
6. Padda, K. (2020). Fake News on Twitter in 2016 U.S. Presidential Election: A Quantitative Approach. The Journal of Intelligence, Conflict, and Warfare 3(2), 1-26.