His interests include democracy (its history, philosophy, and challenges); trust and integrity; inequality and disadvantage; and theoretical and empirical inquiries into the political conditions for flourishing.

Previously, Mahendra was a course coordinator and tutor at the University of Adelaide, a Young Ambassador for UNICEF Australia, a writer for Radio Adelaide, and the co-creator of a MOOC on Shakespeare. He is also a board member and volunteer for Edmund Rice Camps SA.

Mahendra graduated from the University of Adelaide with a First Class Honours Degree in Politics (Valedictorian) and a Bachelor of Arts Advanced in Philosophy and Literature (Valedictorian).