Criminology student reflects on her Honours Program experience

Criminology student Ekam Kochhar has recently completed the Honours Program and will cross the stage this coming summer. Describing herself as someone who always asks, “but why is it done that way?”, Ekam found the program a natural fit.

Working closely with her supervisor, professor Margaret Hall, Ekam completed her thesis titled, “White-collar crime: Criminal fraud in corporate settings”. In the following Q&A, she reflects on the challenges, rewarding moments, and her overall Honours experience.

How has the Honours program challenged you academically or personally?

Academically, the program pushed me to evolve my research skills far beyond what I thought I was capable of. Transitioning my methodological approach from the pilot study in the summer 2025 directed readings seminar into a full-scale, rigorous thesis was a steep learning curve. I was so thankful to Dr. Margaret Hall, who helped me push my limits and make this project what it is! Personally, diving deep into the complexities of corporate criminal liability and navigating decades of dense appellate decisions required a level of mental endurance and self-doubt management I hadn't anticipated. It truly taught me resilience!

Can you describe a moment when you felt especially proud of your work?

I felt an overwhelming sense of pride during my thesis defence. As I stood there presenting my research, I remember looking over and catching the expression on my supervisor, Dr. Margaret Hall’s face. I haven't always been the strongest writer, and the journey to clearly articulate such complex legal arguments was a challenging one. But in that moment, seeing her genuine pride, I realized she wasn't just looking at my thesis; she was seeing my evolution. Having a mentor who guided me through this entire process, witnessed my growth and recognized how far I had come was deeply validating. That quiet moment of acknowledgment and shared pride meant the absolute world to me.

What was the most rewarding part of working on your project?

The absolute most rewarding part was the relationships and the support system that carried me through. Having the incredible guidance of a dedicated mentor (Dr. Margaret Hall) who pushed the boundaries of my capabilities, alongside the constant reassurance from my honours cohort and Dr. Danielle Murdoch, made the solitary nature of writing feel deeply collaborative. Knowing I had that unwavering support from my academic community, combined with the continuous love and sacrifice of my parents, kept me grounded, making completing the project so much sweeter.

What was the biggest challenge you faced, and how did you overcome it?

The biggest challenge was managing the immense volume and complexity of the legal data I was handling. Whenever I felt lost in the cases, I would take a step back, return to my core search parameters, and let my supervisor's guidance help me find the best way possible!

If you could describe your Honours Program experience in one sentence, what would it be?

It was a beautifully demanding journey that tested my limits, deepened my passion for unravelling complex legal issues, and showed me the profound impact of having an exceptional community of mentors and loved ones behind me.