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Research / Areas of Expertise
- Settler Colonialism, Forced Displacement, and Housing Rights
- Settler Colonialism, Military Violence, and Human Security
- Anti-Racism, Islamophobia, and Discrimination Against Muslim, Arab and Palestinian Communities.
- Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) in Higher Education
- Migrants with Precarious Legal Status Access to Justice and Human Rights.
Education
- (2022) Ph.D. Social Work, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
- Thesis Title/ Challenging Spatial Oppression in A Context of Housing Rights Denial: A Case Study in So-Called Area C, West Bank, Palestine.
- (2009) MSW, School of Social Work, McGill University, Montreal, Canada.
- ISP Title: Housing and Social Exclusion
- (1998) B.Arch. Architectural Engineering, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
Dr. Nuha Dwaikat-Shaer
Assistant Professor, Faculty of Social Work
Dr. Nuha Dwaikat-Shaer is an Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Social Work at Wilfrid Laurier University, where she brings a unique blend of expertise in architecture, social work, and community development. With over two decades of experience working in colonial and neocolonial conflict zones, her research and practice focus on housing rights, spatial justice, and anti-oppressive practices in marginalized communities. Her work is deeply rooted in decolonization, equity, and human rights principles, with a particular emphasis on the intersections of settler colonialism, forced displacement, and resistance.
Dr. Dwaikat-Shaer’s research examines the various ways in which power, the violence of settler colonialism, discrimination, and the exploitation of vulnerability intersect and are rooted within institutions that produce and reproduce different forms of oppression. Her interest in these areas is not only a political choice in her research but a deeply personal one. As a Palestinian, Arab, Muslim and first-generation immigrant woman, her lived experiences have shaped her worldview and deepened her understanding of the multifaceted nature of oppression and discrimination, as well as their impact on underrepresented and vulnerable individuals and groups.
Dr. Dwaikat-Shaer’s academic journey is marked by a commitment to bridging theory and practice. Her groundbreaking Ph.D. research at McGill University, Challenging Spatial Oppression in a Context of Housing Rights Denial, examined the impact of settler-colonial policies on housing rights in the West Bank, Palestine. This work has positioned her as a leading voice in the intersection of social work, critical urban planning, and human rights.
Dr. Dwaikat-Shaer’s career spans diverse roles, including architect, educator, researcher, and social consultant, in both Palestine and Canada. She has led transformative projects such as the Housing Rehabilitation Program for Marginalized Communities in Nablus, which renovated over 600 homes, and the development of solar energy systems in vulnerable Palestinian communities at acute risk of home demolition and forcible displacement. These initiatives improved living conditions and empowered women and marginalized groups to take an active role in community development and support their Sumud on their land.
At Laurier, Dr. Dwaikat-Shaer is deeply engaged in teaching and mentorship, offering courses on anti-racism, social movements, and responding to global crises. She is actively involved in graduate and undergraduate supervision, guiding students in exploring critical issues such as refugee agency, green social work, and racialized experiences in academia. Her dedication to equity and inclusion is further reflected in her role as a co-investigator on projects like Building Instructor Capacity for Equity and Belonging, which seeks to decolonize and transform teaching practices.
Dr. Dwaikat-Shaer’s work has been recognized with numerous prestigious awards, including the Québec Merit Scholarship for Foreign Students, the Civil Society Scholar Award, and the Margaret McNamara Memorial Fund Award from the World Bank. Her research has been supported by organizations such as the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC), the Ontario Law Foundation, and the Open Society Foundations.
Beyond academia, Dr. Dwaikat-Shaer has extensive international community development experience. She has collaborated with the Palestinian Ministry of Local Government, UN-Habitat, and local and International NGOs to promote sustainable development and housing rights in communities at risk of displacement in Palestine working with vulnerable populations to take an active role in community resilience and sustainability.
Dr. Dwaikat-Shaer is also a prominent figure in media and public discourse. She was featured as one of the main characters in the National Film Board of Canada’s documentary Grassroots in Dry Lands, which highlights her work in promoting social justice and community development in conflict zones. Her insights have been shared in interviews and publications, including an interview with Palestine Note on empowering women to be leaders.
Her current research examines the experiences of Palestinian, Muslim, and Arab scholars and students in academia, particularly in the context of geopolitical conflicts, as well as the development of culturally responsive classrooms. She is also investigating access to justice for migrants with precarious legal status in rural southern Ontario, highlighting her commitment to addressing systemic inequities and advocating for equity-seeking communities.
A sought-after speaker and collaborator, Dr. Dwaikat-Shaer has presented her work at numerous conferences and workshops worldwide. She is an active member of the Canadian Association for Social Work Education (CASWE-ACFTS) and serves on the Steering Committee of Laurier’s Centre for Research on Security Practices.
Dr. Dwaikat-Shaer’s interdisciplinary approach, combined with her passion for social justice, community empowerment, and decolonization, as well as her unique integration of social work, critical urban planning, and human rights not only enriches the academic environment but also provides students with a critical and global perspective on contemporary social issues.
My research is shaped by my lived experiences as a Palestinian, Arab, Muslim, and first-generation immigrant woman, as well as my professional trajectory across architecture, social work, and community development. With over two decades of experience working in conflict zones marked by colonial and neocolonial systems, my work is committed to addressing the systemic inequities and multifaceted forms of oppression faced by marginalized populations and amplifying their voices.
Driven by a belief in the principles of decolonization, human rights, and social justice, my work aims to challenge intersecting forms of oppression—such as settler colonialism, forced displacement, racialized violence, and institutional discrimination—that disproportionately impact vulnerable populations.
My research is not only an academic pursuit but also a deeply personal and political endeavour to advance social justice, empower communities, and foster resilience in the face of systemic violence and exclusion. Drawing on my interdisciplinary expertise, I focus on bridging theory and practice across key areas of inquiry:
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Settler Colonialism, Forced Displacement, and Housing Rights: I examine the intersections of settler colonialism and forced displacement, with a particular emphasis on housing rights in Palestine. My work explores the broader implications of these dynamics for marginalized communities globally, highlighting the structural and socio-political forces that perpetuate dispossession.
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Settler Colonialism, Military Violence, and Human Security: This research explores the interconnectedness of settler colonialism and military violence, and its impact on human security. I investigate the direct and indirect effects of settler colonial systems on the well-being and survival of Palestinian communities, with a focus on ongoing resistance movements and the lived experiences of those subjected to military aggression.
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Anti-Racism, Islamophobia, and Discrimination Against Muslim, Arab, and Palestinian Communities: My work critically examines the structural dynamics of racism, including Islamophobia, anti-Muslim, anti-Palestinian, and anti-Arab discrimination. I explore how these intersecting forms of racism perpetuate social, political, and institutional exclusion and their profound effects on the identities and experiences of affected communities.
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Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) in Higher Education: I focus on the challenges and opportunities in promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion in academic institutions. My research aims to create more just and inclusive environments for equity-seeking groups, particularly within higher education, by exploring systemic barriers and advocating for transformative pedagogical practices.
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Access to Justice for Migrants with Precarious Legal Status: I investigate the legal and social challenges faced by migrants with precarious legal status, particularly regarding their access to justice and essential social services. This research examines how systemic vulnerabilities impact migrants' ability to navigate legal and social support systems and seeks to identify pathways to improve their access to justice.
Current Research Projects & Experience
- (2024/ 2026), PI: "Resilience and Vulnerability: The Impact of Geopolitical Conflicts and the Gaza Genocide on Palestinian, Muslim, and Arab Scholars and Students in Academia."
- (2024/ 2026): PI, Cultivating Culturally Responsive Classrooms: Centering Student Voices and Experiences. Applied for WLU Early Career Research Grant in December 2024, the result will be announced in February 2025.
- (2023-2025), PI, "Precarity, everyday lives, and access to justice: Precarious status migrants seeking legal aid in rural southern Ontario.” Total of $ 39,679 ($ 25,000 from The Ontario Law Foundation + $14,679 institutional support).
- (2023-2025), Co-PI, Building Instructor Capacity for Equity and Decolonization, Wilfrid Laurier University Internal grant, ($22,500).
Previous Research Projects & Experience
- (2020-2022), Co-I, "Service needs of sexually & gender diverse Muslims and their families: A partnership with Salaam Canada." SSHRC Partnership Engage Grants: $24,204. The Principal Investigator is Maryam Khan; Co-Is Dr. Rahman Momin and Dr. Michael Woodford.
- (2020-2021), Co-PI, "Working through security: methods of making security practices visible through research.” SSHRC’s Individual Connection Grants. Total of $43,156 ($19,356 from SSHRC + $23,800 institutional support).
- (2015-2022), PI- PhD thesis: Challenging Spatial Oppression in A Context of Housing Rights Denial: A Case Study in So-Called Area C, West Bank, Palestine. (CAD 60,000) Québec Merit Scholarship for Forgein Students (programme de bourses d'excellence pour étudiants étrangers-DS), FRQSC.
- (2015-2018), Research Coordinator and R. Assistant, "Recruitment and Placement Agencies: Silent Partners in Migrant Employment": Dr. Jill Hanley (PI). ($ 265,00) SSHRC Insight Grant, McGill University, School of Social Work.
- May 2018 / (declined) The Fonds de recherche du Québec - Société et culture (FRQSC) Post Doc Fellowship.
- 2017-2018 / International Graduate Mobility Award, Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (GPS), McGill University. Internship at MoLG & UN-Habitat, Palestine.
- 2017-2018 / Lotte Marcus Sheldon Research Award, McGill University.
- 2016-2017 / Social Work Graduate Award.
- 2015-2018 / Québec Merit Scholarship for Forgein Students (programme de bourses d'excellence pour étudiants étrangers-DS), FRQSC.
- 2015-2016 / Graduate Excellence Award in Social Work, McGill University.
- 2015-2016 / Graduate Research Enhancement and Travel Award, McGill University.
- 2014-2015 / One of 23 finalists in the 2014-2015 Trudeau Scholarship competition.
- 2014-2015 / Civil Society Scholar Award, Open Society Foundations.
- 2014-2015/ Hazeldine Smith Bishop Fellowship, McGill University.
- 2014-2015 / Lotte Marcus Sheldon Research Award, McGill University.
- 2013-2014 / Margaret McNamara Memorial Fund (MMMF), World Bank.
- 2013-2015 / P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship (IPS).
- 2012-2014 / Global Supplementary Grant, Open Society Foundations.
- 2012-2013/ MCHRAT Graduate Award, McGill University.
- 2012-2013/ Hazeldine Smith Bishop Fellowship, McGill University.
- 2012-2013 / Graduate Excellence Award in Social Work, McGill University.
- 2007-2009 / International MSW Graduate Fellowship, McGill University, CIDA (Canadian International Development Agency), Quebec, Ministry of International Relations.
I am dedicated to mentoring students who are passionate about addressing systemic inequities and advancing social justice. With an interdisciplinary background in architecture, social work, and community development, I guide students through complex research topics such as spatial justice, housing rights, the impacts of colonialism and forced displacement, anti-racism, and access to justice for migrants with precarious legal status. I prioritize fostering critical thinking and independent scholarship while helping students develop the skills needed to make meaningful contributions to both academia and their communities.
- Dwaikat-Shaer, N. (2022). Challenging spatial oppression in a context of denied housing rights: A case study in so-called Area C, West Bank, Palestine (Doctoral dissertation, McGill University). eScholarship@McGill. https://escholarship.mcgill.ca/concern/theses/ww72bh72r
- Al-Shaer, N., Oun, T., & Dwaikat, N. (2022). Adopting Women Quota as a Necessity to Empower Women in the Arab World with Special Reference to the Social and Religious Factor. Journal of Positive School Psychology, 6(2), 5877-5889.
- Larios, L., Hanley, J., Salamanca, M., Henaway, M., Dwaikat-Shaer, N., & Ben-Soltane, S., Eid, P. (2020). Engaging migrant care-workers: Examining cases of exploitation by recruitment agencies in Quebec, Canada. I International Journal of Migration and Border Studies,6(1/2), pp.138 – 157. DOI: 10.1504/IJMBS.2020.108690
- Hanley, J., Salamanca, M., Dwaikat-Shaer, N., Larios, L., Henaway, M., BenSoltane, S. (2018). Transportation and Temp Agency Work: Risks and Opportunities for Migrant Workers. Cahiers de géographie du Québec Vol. 62 (177), 409-422.
- Salamanca, M., Hanley, J., Dwaikat-Shaer, N., Larios, L., Henaway, M., Ben-Soltane, S. (2018). La Asociación de Trabajadores y Trabajadoras Temporales de Agencias de Empleo de Montreal (ATTAP): Una experiencia de auto-organización con trabajadores y trabajadoras in/migrantes de Méxicoy Latino América. Hispanic Issues "Panoramas Migratorios". College of Liberal Arts, University of Minnesota. Minnesota.
- Hanley, J., Larios, L., Salamanca, M., Henaway, M., Dwaikat-Shaer, N., & Ben-Soltane, S., Eid, P. (2017). Gender dynamics of temporary placement agency work: (Im)migrants, know your place! Canadian Diversity, vol. 14, no. 2, p. 37-42.
Papers in Review
- Dwaikat-Shaer, N., Iqbal, S., Curry-Stevens, A., Kuron, L., Tang, L., & Wang, S. Building faculty efficacy in teaching: Bringing equity and decolonization into focus. [revise and resubmit with the Journal of Transformative Education]
Other – Publications
Podcast
- Dwaikat-Shaer, N. (Organizer & Panellist), Salamanca, O. J.& Smith, R. (panellists), Moore-Kloss, A. (host and producer). (2023, February). Research in settler colonial contexts: a Conversation on Palestine. CRSP Talk, Episode 20. https://crsp-talk.simplecast.com/episodes/research-in-settler-colonial-contexts-a-conversation-on-palestine-i158hs4i-3MIZgybs
Teaching Statement
I am committed to delivering high-quality, engaging, and inclusive education, which is reflected in my intensive teaching load of six courses per year. My teaching approach prioritizes fostering critical thinking, social justice, and the application of interdisciplinary knowledge in addressing real-world challenges. I offer courses that examine complex issues such as anti-racism, social movements, international social work, and the impacts of geopolitical conflicts on marginalized communities.
Despite the demanding course load, I remain deeply engaged in student mentorship and strive to create an environment where students are empowered to become independent scholars and passionate advocates for social change. I integrate research-informed practices into my teaching, encouraging students to critically analyze pressing issues like spatial justice, housing rights, forced displacement, and access to justice for vulnerable populations. I believe in nurturing a classroom atmosphere that promotes inquiry, empathy, and transformative learning, supporting students in both their academic and professional growth
Graduate Courses
- SK 501: Community Org & Group practice (Online)
- SK 504: Research 1 (Online)
- Sk 615: Research 2 (Online)
- SWRK 620 (McGill-MSW): Migration and Social Work.
- SWRK 626 (McGill-MSW): International & Community Development.
Undergraduate Courses
- SK 210: Anti-Racism and Social Work.
- SK 470H: Anti-Racism and Social Work Practice.
- SK 431: Responding to Global Crisis
- SK 431- International Social Work
- SK 421: Social Movements and Justice.
- SK 322- Qual. Rsch Methods & Analysis.
- Dwaikat-Shaer, N., Kuron, L., Curry-Stevens A., Iqbal, S., Wang S. & Tang L. (2023). Pedagogical praxis of care in higher education: Operationalizing EDI in teaching. At 7th International Conference for Culturally Responsive Evaluation and Assessment, October 3-6, Chicago, IL.
- Curry-Stevens A., Dwaikat-Shaer, N., Iqbal, S., Kuron, L., Wang S. & Tang L. (2023). EDI in teaching: Effective Approaches. The 35 National Conference on Race and Ethnicity in Higher Education (NCORE). May 30-June 3rd, 2023. New Orleans, USA.
- Tang L., Iqbal, S., Curry-Stevens A. & Dwaikat-Shaer, N., Kuron, L., Wang S.(2023). Confronting racism in social work education: pathways to integrating equity, decolonization, and culturally responsive teaching in social work classrooms. The 2023 Conference of the Canadian Association for Social Work Education (CASWE-ACFTS). May 30- June 2, 2023.
- Iqbal, S., Kuron, L., Dwaikat-Shaer, N., Curry-Stevens A., Wang S. ,Tang L, (2023). Building Equity and Belonging in Classroom Practices. Teaching and Learning Innovations Conference (TLI). MAY 17-18, 2023. The University of Guelph, ON, Canada.
- Kuron, L, Curry-Stevens A., Dwaikat-Shaer, N., Iqbal, S., Wang S. & Tang L (2023). Increasing educators’ capacity for equity and belonging in the classroom. The Association of Leadership Conference, July 17, Nashville, TN.
- McKenzie, C., Ngo, A., Dwaikat-Shaer, N., and Skop, M. (2021). The Time is Now: Anti-Racism and the Caswe-Acfts Accreditation Standards and Procedures. The 2021 Conference of the Canadian Association for Social Work Education (CASWE-ACFTS). June 1- 3, 2021, Zoom -Real time.
- Dwaikat-Shaer, N. (2020). Law as a tool of oppression and resistance: Palestinians resisting legalizing home demolition (domicide) a forcible displacement in so-called area C/ Palestine. The 2020 Conference of the Canadian Association for Social Work Education (CASWE-ACFTS). June 1- 4, 2020, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada. (Cancelled).
- Dwaikat-Shaer, N. (2019). Palestinian women resisting home demolition (domicide) and forcible displacement in so-called area C/ Palestine through everyday practices. PN 2019 Montreal conference: Resisting Displacement & Dispossession. June 21 – 22, Planners Network, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
- Dwaikat-Shaer, N. (2018). The Matrix of Rights Denial: Policies, Practices and Contextual Constraints Affecting Housing Rights in Occupied Palestinian Territories. Paper submitted to the 48th Annual Conference of the Urban Affairs Association, April 4 – 7, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
- Salamanca, M. & Dwaikat-Shaer, N. (2018). Im/migrants’ Vulnerability Exploitation in the Labour Market and its Linkage with “Care Deficit.” Paper submitted to the 48th Annual Conference of the Urban Affairs Association, April 4 – 7, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
- Dwaikat-Shaer, N. (2017). “Rebuilding to Remain”: Everyday Resistance to Realize Housing Rights among Occupied Displaced and Refugee Palestinians in so-called Area C. the 2017 Conference of the Canadian Association for Social Work Education (CASWE-ACFTS), 29 May-1 June, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
- Dwaikat-Shaer, N. (2017). Challenging the Denial of Housing Rights and Fostering Resilience through Spatial-Planning in so-called Area C/ Palestine. the 2017 Annual Conference of the Canadian Association of Geographers (CAG): Toward a Just and Sustainable World, 29 May-2 June, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
- Dwaikat-Shaer, N. & Klodawsky, H. (2017). Media and social change: Filming social work practice in a conflict zone. the 2017 Conference of the Canadian Association for Social Work Education (CASWE-ACFTS), 29 May-1 June, Ryerson University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
- Dwaikat-Shaer, (2017). Whose voice fills the (w)hole? “Housing-Related Initiatives in a Long–Term Conflict Zone: a qualitative multi case-study.” The Thirteenth International Congress of Qualitative Inquiry,17-20 May, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, USA.
- Dwaikat-Shaer, N., Hanley, J, Salamanca, M. (2017). Longitudinal case studies of agency workers’ employment trajectories: “Placement and Recruitment Agencies as silent partners in migrant employment.” paper presented at The Thirteenth International Congress of Qualitative Inquiry,17-20 May, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, USA.
- Hanley, J., Henaway, M., Salamanca, M., Dwaikat-Shaer, N., Ben-Soltani, S., Larios, L. (2017). How to defend the rights of (im)migrant agency workers? An initial analysis of individual rights advocacy from the Immigrant Worker Center. Metropolis Conference. March 2017.
- Hanley, J., Larios, L., Dwaikat-Shaer, N., Henaway, M., Ben-Soltani, S., Salamanca, M. (2017). Consent, Circumvent or Contest? The Choices of (Im)Migrant Agency Workers facing Labour Violations in Montreal. The Canadian Association for the Study of International Development (CASID) Conference” Scholar/Practitioner Collaborations: Next Generation Leadership for the New Development Paradigm,” May 31-June 02, 2017. Ryerson University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
- Hanley, J., Salamanca, Dwaikat-Shaer, N.,, Henaway, M., Larios, L., Ben-Soltani, S. (2017). Les agences de placement et la sécurité économique parmi les immigrants : Obstacles systémiques et vulnérabilités personnelles. Journée droit social et du travail, Montreal, March 2017.
- Hanley, J., Salamanca, M., Dwaikat-Shaer, N., Henaway, M., Larios, L., Ben-Soltani, S. (2017). Le transport et le travail d’agence dans l’espace urbaine : Contraintes et opportunités pour les migrants à statut précaire. Colloque. The 85th ACFAS Congress, 8-12 May 2017. McGill University. Montreal, Canada.
- Salamanca, M., Hanley, J., Dwaikat-Shaer, N., Henaway, M., Larios, L., Ben-Soltani, S. (2017). Temp Agencies as the Pathway to Employment for Asylum Seekers and Refused Refugees: Implications for Social and Labour Rights. The 10th Annual Conference of the Canadian Association for Refugee and Forced Migration Studies “Forgotten Corridors. Global Displacement and the Politics of Engagement,” 15-18 May 2017. Centre for Asia-Pacific Initiatives, Canadian Association for Refugee and Forced Migration Studies & University of Victoria, Victoria, Canada.
- Salamanca, M., Hanley, J., Dwaikat-Shaer, N., Hinawy, M., Larios, L., Ben-Soltani, S. (2017). Learning to “Manage” Immigrants’ Vulnerabilities: The Role of Temporary Placement Agencies in Precarious Labour Contexts of Montreal. the 4th Annual Conference “150 Years of Workers’ Struggles within Canada and Beyond: Legacies of the Past and Trajectories for the Future” (As part of the Congress of the Humanities and Social Sciences), May 31 – June 2, 2017. Canadian Association for Work and Labour Studies (CAWLS). Ryerson University. Toronto, Canada.
- Salamanca, M., Hanley, J., Dwaikat-Shaer, N., Hinawy, M., Larios, L., Ben-Soltani, S. (2017). Emergent actors against the temporary placement industry in Montreal: The case of the Immigrant Workers Centre (IWC) and the Temporary Agency Workers Association (TAWA). the 54th annual Conference of the Canadian Industrial Relations Association (CIRA), “The Changing Nature of the Workforce and the Workplaces”, May 30-June 1, 2017. Congress of the Humanities and Social Sciences. Canadian Industrial Relations Association (CIRA). Ryerson University. Toronto, Canada.
- Salamanca, M., Hanley, J., Dwaikat-Shaer,, Hinawy, M., Larios, L., Ben-Soltani, S. (2017). Agences de placement et travail immigrant. Apprentissage de la gestion des vulnérabilités des travailleurs et travailleuses immigrants. The 85th ACFAS Congress, 8-12 May 2017. McGill University. Montreal, Canada.
- Dwaikat-Shaer, N. (2014). Housing the poor in a long-term conflict zone. Paper presented at the Open Society Foundations Global Supplementary Grant Conference, 26-28 March, NY, USA.
- Dwaikat-Shaer, N. (2012). Rights-Based Community Practice model and its application in the fields of housing in an emerging state. Paper presented at the 11th CIVICUS World Assembly Conference, 3–7 September, Montréal, Canada.
- Dwaikat-Shaer, N. (2011). Inadequate housing and its impact on quality of life for disadvantaged populations in the West Bank. Paper presented at the Role of Social Work in Palestinian Society conference. November 1st, An-Nnjah National University, Nablus, Palestine.
2009–2014: GrassRoots in Dry Lands. A feature length documentary by Helene Klodawsky about a new breed of social worker making a difference in intractable conflict zones. Funded by the National Film Board of Canada, Inform Action Films, The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, Rogers. (One of the main caricatures).
2011: Educating, Inspiring, and Empowering Women to be Leaders: An interview with professor Nuha Shaer. Palestine Note.
Contact Info:
Office location: DAL208, 97 Dalhousie St.
Languages spoken: English and Arabic