His research, teaching, and creative practice engage with the critical role of technology, artistic interventions, and DIY cultures among communities in contested spaces. Sawhney established Voices Beyond Walls, an initiative to conduct digital storytelling and youth media workshops in Palestinian refugee camps. He recently began a pilot research study in the West Bank and Gaza on the role of participatory media in building resilience and civic agency among children and adolescents. His recent documentary film Flying Paper explores the participatory culture of kite making among children in Gaza.