Ishara Mahat

Ishara Mahat is a Contract Instructor in the Department of Sociology and Anthropology at Carleton University, with affiliations to the University of Ottawa. She holds a Ph.D. in Development Studies from Massey University (New Zealand), an M.Sc. from Asian Institute of Technology (Bangkok), and a PG Diploma from University of Dortmund (Germany). Her work bridges gender studies, rural energy systems, and participatory development methodologies. Mahat has served as an ESRC panel member (2016-17) evaluating poverty alleviation proposals from South Asia, Southeast Asia, and West Africa.

Research interests focus on gendered impacts of energy technologies in South Asia, indigenous development paradigms, and spirituality's role in development narratives. She has conducted post-doctoral research at University of Western Ontario exploring gender-energy-poverty intersections. Her consulting experience includes work with McGill Institute of Global Food Security and CIDA on gender mainstreaming projects.

Publications emphasize Nepal's rural energy policies, participatory research methods, and critiques of development discourses. Over 20 years, her work demonstrates consistent focus on gender equity through energy access, with notable contributions to understanding how household energy systems impact women's labor burdens and human development outcomes.

Teaching includes courses like ANTH 2850A/B (Development Anthropology) and SAST 1001, integrating field research experiences into pedagogy. Professional service includes roles in project evaluation for international agencies and contributions to energy policy formulation in Nepal.