Biography

Professor Upasana Mahanta focuses her research on the role of women in emergent political institutions, gendered understanding of conflict, women organizing and resisting in insecure contexts, and examining development through a gendered lens. She has an extensive publication record that includes numerous peer-reviewed journal articles, book chapters, books, special journal issues, and opinion pieces. Professor Mahanta earned her Ph.D. from the School of International Studies at Jawaharlal Nehru University in New Delhi. She was also a Shastri Doctoral Fellow in the Centre for Women’s and Gender Studies at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada. Prior to joining OPJGU, she was a faculty member at the Centre for Women’s Studies, Tata Institute of Social Sciences in Mumbai. In addition to her research and teaching responsibilities, Professor Mahanta has held various administrative positions at OPJGU, including Director of the Office of Student Life and Cultural Engagement and Senior Addition Registrar. Currently, she serves as the Dean of Admissions and Outreach.”