Education
2017 Ph.D. Southern Illinois University Carbondale, IL
Winner of the Outstanding Dissertation Award
Passed candidacy exams with distinction
Dissertation Title: Anna He Purnabramha: Women's Agency in
the Making of Bodies, Cuisines, and Culture in
Maharashtra, India.
Advisors: Dr. David Sutton & Dr. Robert Corruccini
2009 M.A. Southern Illinois University Carbondale, IL
Accelerated Masters
[thesis requirement waived for research paper]
Major: Biological Anthropology
Research Paper: Descriptive Osteology of Postcranial Remains
from Sanjan, Valsad District, Gujarat State, India.
Advisor: Dr. Robert Corruccini
2006 M.A. Deccan College (Deemed University), Pune, India
Major: Ancient Indian Culture, History, and Archaeology
Thesis Title: Post-cranial Skeletal Collection from
Sanjan: Bioanthropological and Taphonomic Approach.
Advisor: Dr. Subhash Walimbe
2004 B.A. St. Xavier's College (Mumbai University), Mumbai,
India
Major: Ancient Indian Culture
Winner of the Outstanding Dissertation Award
Passed candidacy exams with distinction
Dissertation Title: Anna He Purnabramha: Women's Agency in
the Making of Bodies, Cuisines, and Culture in
Maharashtra, India.
Advisors: Dr. David Sutton & Dr. Robert Corruccini
2009 M.A. Southern Illinois University Carbondale, IL
Accelerated Masters
[thesis requirement waived for research paper]
Major: Biological Anthropology
Research Paper: Descriptive Osteology of Postcranial Remains
from Sanjan, Valsad District, Gujarat State, India.
Advisor: Dr. Robert Corruccini
2006 M.A. Deccan College (Deemed University), Pune, India
Major: Ancient Indian Culture, History, and Archaeology
Thesis Title: Post-cranial Skeletal Collection from
Sanjan: Bioanthropological and Taphonomic Approach.
Advisor: Dr. Subhash Walimbe
2004 B.A. St. Xavier's College (Mumbai University), Mumbai,
India
Major: Ancient Indian Culture
Professional Experience
2020 - Present Associate Dean of Students for Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion,
Bridgewater College, VA
Supervisor: Dr. Leslie Frere
2020 - 2021 Diversity Lead, Kokomo Service Area, Ivy Tech Community College,
IN
Supervisor: Chancellor Dean McCurdy
2019 - 2021 Assistant Professor, Department of Life Sciences, Ivy Tech
Community College, IN
Supervisor: Dr. Tammy Greene
Courses Instructed:
> BIOL 222 - Genetics
> BIOL 211 - Microbiology
> BIOL 121 - General Biology
> BIOL 105 - Cellular and Molecular Biology
> APHY 201 – Advanced Physiology
> APHY 102 – Anatomy and Physiology II
> APHY 101 – Anatomy and Physiology I
2018 - 2019 Assistant Professor of Practice, Saluki Success Program &
Anthropology, Southern Illinois University Carbondale, IL
Supervisor: Dr. Nick Weshinskey
Courses Instructed:
> ANTH 581 – Graduate Seminar in Medical Anthropology
> ANTH 410M – Healing and Culture
> UNIV 401 – How to Navigate Graduate and Professional School
> UNIV 101U – Saluki Success: The First Year College Experience
2013 - 2017 Instructor, Saluki Success Program & Anthropology,
Southern Illinois University Carbondale, IL
Supervisor: Dr. Nick Weshinskey
Courses Instructed:
> UNIV 101U & 101A – Saluki Success: The First Year College
Experience
> ANTH 104 – Introduction to Anthropology
> UHON 351 (Co-Instructor) – World Religions and Mystic
Traditions, Honors Program Course
> ANTH 240A (Lab Instructor) – Human Biology: Introduction to
Biological Anthropology
2016 - Present Editor, Popular Anthropology Magazine
2010 - 2013 Teaching Assistant, ANTH 104 – Introduction of Anthropology,
Department of Anthropology, Southern Illinois University Carbondale, IL.
Instructor(s): Dr. Go Matsumoto, Dr. Lesley Daspit, and Dr. Robert
Corruccini.
2008 – 2010 Computer Lab Manager, Department of Anthropology, Southern
& Illinois University Carbondale, IL.
2012 – 2013 Supervisor: Dr. Paul Welch.
2009 (Summer) Receptionist & Cashier, University Museum, Southern Illinois
University Carbondale, IL.
Supervisor: Nate Steinbrink
2006 – 2008 Research Assistant & Education Department Assistant, Chhatrapati
Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (formerly Prince of Wales Museum
of Western India).
Supervisor: Sabyasachi Mukherjee
Technical Skills
- Clifton Strengths: Input | Learner | Individualization | Empathy | Connectedness
- 600+ hours of transcription experience.
- 10+ years of teaching experience.
- 5+ years of curation experience.
- 3+ years of advising & mentoring experience.
- Research Experience.
- Training Experience.
- Leadership Experience.
- Fluent in English, Hindi, and Marathi.
- Basic conversational ability in French.
- Proficient in Windows XP, Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows 10.
- Proficient in Android.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite Programs.
- Proficient in using data management software, specifically Filemaker Pro and Microsoft Access.
- Proficient in Banner, Canvas, and Desire2Learn.
- Proficient in Anatomage (3D Virtual Dissection Table).
- Proficient in Teams, Zoom, & Echo 360.
- Proficient in Respondus Lockdown Browser and Monitor
- Familiar with Blackboard.
- Familiar with Starfish, Ellucian Degree Works, iGrad, and Student Success Collaborative Campus.
- Familiar with Adobe Acrobat.
- Familiar with Adobe Creative Suite
- Familiar with Corel Draw.
- Familiar with Adobe Dreamweaver.
- Familiar with SPSS.
- 40+ WPM of typing speed.
Research Interests
- Food and Culture
- Medical Anthropology
- Effects of globalization, urbanization, and nutritional transition
- Chronic non-communicable diseases
- Urban and Rural Indian lifestyles
- Shifting gender identities as a result of modernization
- Perception and discourse about women's bodies
- Migration Studies
- Ethnic and Diasporic Identity
- Skeletal Biology
- Bioarchaeology of the Indian subcontinent
- Ancient Indian History
Teaching Interests
- Food, Society, and Culture
- World Religions
- Race and Ethnic Identities
- Gender Studies
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Biology
- Genetics
- Microbiology
- Medical Anthropology
- Introduction to Anthropology
- First Year Experience in College
- Navigating Graduate and Professional School
- Ethnographic Field Methods
- Indian Culture, History, and Archaeology
- Colonial and Post-Colonial Studies
- Human Osteology
- Bioarchaeology
Honors, Awards, & Nominations
2021 Horizon Award for Best Chapter Advisor of the Alpha Phi Pi Chapter for Phi
Theta Kappa Honor’s Society, Ivy Tech Community College, Kokomo, IN.
2020 & 2019 Nominated for the Good Egg Award at Ivy Tech Community College
Kokomo, IN.
2019 Outstanding Dissertation Award at Southern Illinois University
Carbondale.
2017 Selected as Favorite Faculty Member at SIU by Rachel Pudlowski (Student
Athlete), Carbondale, IL.
2017 Best Graduate Student Paper Award at the 5th annual Women Gender
Sexuality Studies Cross-Disciplinary Conference, Carbondale, IL.
2017 Career Development Reimbursement Award from the Graduate
Professional Student Council.
2017 Nominated for Dissertation Research Award at Southern Illinois University
Carbondale.
2010 Anthropology Graduate Student Association (AGSA) travel award.
2008 - 2009 J.N. Tata Endowment Scholar.
Theta Kappa Honor’s Society, Ivy Tech Community College, Kokomo, IN.
2020 & 2019 Nominated for the Good Egg Award at Ivy Tech Community College
Kokomo, IN.
2019 Outstanding Dissertation Award at Southern Illinois University
Carbondale.
2017 Selected as Favorite Faculty Member at SIU by Rachel Pudlowski (Student
Athlete), Carbondale, IL.
2017 Best Graduate Student Paper Award at the 5th annual Women Gender
Sexuality Studies Cross-Disciplinary Conference, Carbondale, IL.
2017 Career Development Reimbursement Award from the Graduate
Professional Student Council.
2017 Nominated for Dissertation Research Award at Southern Illinois University
Carbondale.
2010 Anthropology Graduate Student Association (AGSA) travel award.
2008 - 2009 J.N. Tata Endowment Scholar.
Trainings & Certifications
2021 Safe Zone Certified.
2021 Certified for Mitigating Bias in a Hiring Committee.
2020 Certified for Online Instruction.
2020 Certified for Virtual Instruction.
2020 Clifton Strengths Training.
2014 Anthropometric training in specific parameters, KEM (King Edward
Memorial) Hospital Research Centre, Vadu Rural Health Branch.
2021 Certified for Mitigating Bias in a Hiring Committee.
2020 Certified for Online Instruction.
2020 Certified for Virtual Instruction.
2020 Clifton Strengths Training.
2014 Anthropometric training in specific parameters, KEM (King Edward
Memorial) Hospital Research Centre, Vadu Rural Health Branch.
Synergistic Activities
2021 Training the Chancellor’s Cabinet on specific diversity topics each month
of the year at Ivy Tech Community College, Kokomo, IN.
2009-2011 Worked with: Dr. Kit Wessler & Dr. Robert Corruccini. Engaged in
preparing Native American remains at Wickliffe Mounds for repatriation. Trained undergraduate volunteers in basic osteology.
of the year at Ivy Tech Community College, Kokomo, IN.
2009-2011 Worked with: Dr. Kit Wessler & Dr. Robert Corruccini. Engaged in
preparing Native American remains at Wickliffe Mounds for repatriation. Trained undergraduate volunteers in basic osteology.
Invited Speaker
2021 Invited Guest Speaker for IVYT: First Year Experience Course. Topic:
Discussion about Diversity. Ivy Tech Community College, Kokomo, IN. April
2021.
2020 Invited Guest Lecturer for COMM 102: Introduction to Interpersonal
Communication. Topic: Negative Consequences of Stereotypes. Ivy Tech
Community College, Kokomo, IN. January 2020.
2019 Invited Guest Speaker for Cultural Chat and Chow, an event that starts a
conversation between students, faculty and staff about various cultural
topics. Topic: My Immigration Experience migrating from India to America.
Monthly Theme: International Migrants Day. Ivy Tech Community College,
Kokomo, IN. December 2019.
2019 Invited Guest Speaker for Bollywood Brunch Series held as a part of the
Global Studies Certification for the Associate Accelerated Program (ASAP).
Ivy Tech Community College, Kokomo, IN. November - December 2019.
2019 Invited Guest Lecturer for Challenge to Excellence Camp for High School
Students. Topic: My Academic Journey from India to America. Southern Illinois
University, Carbondale, IL. June 2019.
2019 Invited Guest Lecturer for Challenge to Excellence Camp for Middle School
Students. Topic: My Academic Journey from India to America. Southern Illinois
University, Carbondale, IL. June 2019.
2019 Invited to hold a Workshop on Intercultural Communication held for the McNair
Scholars Program Summer Workshops. Southern Illinois University,
Carbondale, IL. June 2019.
2019 Invited Guest Lecturer for ANTH 410I: Seminar on Identities. Topic: Indian
Caste Identities as a result of Political and Economic Changes in Contemporary India.
Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL. April 26, 2019.
2019 Invited to present with Dr. Nick Weshinskey and Laura Borger on ‘The
Effectiveness of the Saluki Success Program’ for the Carbondale Rotary Club at
the Lakeland Baptist Church, Carbondale, IL on April 24, 2019.
2019 Invited by the Undergraduate Anthropology Club at Southern Illinois
University Carbondale to speak about Careers in Anthropology. April 4, 2019.
2019 Invited Guest Lecturer for UNIV 301: Backpacks to Briefcases. Topic: What to
Expect When you Decide to go to Graduate School? Southern Illinois University,
Carbondale, IL.
2018 Invited to hold a Technology Workshop on how to navigate Desire2Learn, Microsoft
Office 365, Banner, and Degree Works for Incoming Freshmen Students Saluki
Weeks of Welcome. Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL. September
2018.
2018 Invited to hold a Workshop on Intercultural Communication held for the McNair
Scholars Program Summer Workshops. Southern Illinois University,
Carbondale, IL. June 2018.
2018 Invited Guest Lecturer for an English 120H: Honor's Composition course.
Topic: History of Scientific Racism and it's Denouncement. Southern Illinois
University, Carbondale, IL. April 2018.
2018 Invited Guest Lecturer for a CESL (Center for English as a Second Language)
course. Topic: Cultural Differences, Scientific Method, and Theory of Evolution.
Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL. April 2018.
2018 Invited to give a lecture on Hinduism to the Middle School Education Group
at the Carbondale Unitarian Fellowship. March 2018.
2017 Invited Guest Lecturer for UHON 355I-004: World Religions: Mystic
Traditions & Global Citizenry course. Topic: Hinduism & Buddhism. Southern
Illinois University, Carbondale, IL. September & October 2017.
2017 Invited to give a lecture about Experiences and Perspectives of International
Students & Differences between India and America for the Southern Illinois
University’s Summer Challenge to Excellence Camp’s Culture Class. June
2017.
2016 Invited to present with Nabil Salik about India: People and Culture at
Carterville High School iFest.
2015 Invited to present about Initial Experiences of International Students in the
United States of America at Church of Christ in Carbondale, Illinois.
Discussion about Diversity. Ivy Tech Community College, Kokomo, IN. April
2021.
2020 Invited Guest Lecturer for COMM 102: Introduction to Interpersonal
Communication. Topic: Negative Consequences of Stereotypes. Ivy Tech
Community College, Kokomo, IN. January 2020.
2019 Invited Guest Speaker for Cultural Chat and Chow, an event that starts a
conversation between students, faculty and staff about various cultural
topics. Topic: My Immigration Experience migrating from India to America.
Monthly Theme: International Migrants Day. Ivy Tech Community College,
Kokomo, IN. December 2019.
2019 Invited Guest Speaker for Bollywood Brunch Series held as a part of the
Global Studies Certification for the Associate Accelerated Program (ASAP).
Ivy Tech Community College, Kokomo, IN. November - December 2019.
2019 Invited Guest Lecturer for Challenge to Excellence Camp for High School
Students. Topic: My Academic Journey from India to America. Southern Illinois
University, Carbondale, IL. June 2019.
2019 Invited Guest Lecturer for Challenge to Excellence Camp for Middle School
Students. Topic: My Academic Journey from India to America. Southern Illinois
University, Carbondale, IL. June 2019.
2019 Invited to hold a Workshop on Intercultural Communication held for the McNair
Scholars Program Summer Workshops. Southern Illinois University,
Carbondale, IL. June 2019.
2019 Invited Guest Lecturer for ANTH 410I: Seminar on Identities. Topic: Indian
Caste Identities as a result of Political and Economic Changes in Contemporary India.
Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL. April 26, 2019.
2019 Invited to present with Dr. Nick Weshinskey and Laura Borger on ‘The
Effectiveness of the Saluki Success Program’ for the Carbondale Rotary Club at
the Lakeland Baptist Church, Carbondale, IL on April 24, 2019.
2019 Invited by the Undergraduate Anthropology Club at Southern Illinois
University Carbondale to speak about Careers in Anthropology. April 4, 2019.
2019 Invited Guest Lecturer for UNIV 301: Backpacks to Briefcases. Topic: What to
Expect When you Decide to go to Graduate School? Southern Illinois University,
Carbondale, IL.
2018 Invited to hold a Technology Workshop on how to navigate Desire2Learn, Microsoft
Office 365, Banner, and Degree Works for Incoming Freshmen Students Saluki
Weeks of Welcome. Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL. September
2018.
2018 Invited to hold a Workshop on Intercultural Communication held for the McNair
Scholars Program Summer Workshops. Southern Illinois University,
Carbondale, IL. June 2018.
2018 Invited Guest Lecturer for an English 120H: Honor's Composition course.
Topic: History of Scientific Racism and it's Denouncement. Southern Illinois
University, Carbondale, IL. April 2018.
2018 Invited Guest Lecturer for a CESL (Center for English as a Second Language)
course. Topic: Cultural Differences, Scientific Method, and Theory of Evolution.
Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL. April 2018.
2018 Invited to give a lecture on Hinduism to the Middle School Education Group
at the Carbondale Unitarian Fellowship. March 2018.
2017 Invited Guest Lecturer for UHON 355I-004: World Religions: Mystic
Traditions & Global Citizenry course. Topic: Hinduism & Buddhism. Southern
Illinois University, Carbondale, IL. September & October 2017.
2017 Invited to give a lecture about Experiences and Perspectives of International
Students & Differences between India and America for the Southern Illinois
University’s Summer Challenge to Excellence Camp’s Culture Class. June
2017.
2016 Invited to present with Nabil Salik about India: People and Culture at
Carterville High School iFest.
2015 Invited to present about Initial Experiences of International Students in the
United States of America at Church of Christ in Carbondale, Illinois.
Invited Discussion Panelist
2019 Member, Minority Round Table Diversity Committee Discussion at Ivy Tech
Community College, Kokomo, IN.
2019 Member, discussion panel titled ‘How to Prepare for Graduate School and the
Professional Workplace?’ organized by Center for Learning Support Services.
Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL. April 26, 2019.
2019 Member, discussion panel titled ‘International Feminist Voices: Global/Decolonial
Approaches to Feminism, Feminist Research, and Feminist Involvement’ organized
by American Psychological Association's Division 35: Society for the
Psychology of Women. Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL. April 19,
2019.
2018 Member, discussion panel of ‘Fighting for Diversity: Panel Discussion with SIU
Women’, an event for Women’s History Month organized by t by the Student
Multicultural Resource Center, Southern Illinois University Carbondale.
March 2018.
2017 Member, discussion panel titled ‘Identity, Belonging, and Citizenship –
Asian Bodies in the U.S.’ organized by the Student Multicultural Resource
Center for Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, Southern Illinois
University Carbondale.
2017 Member, discussion panel titled ‘Honoring Trailblazing Women in Business and
Labor’ organized by the Student Multicultural Resource Center and the
Women’s Resource Center, Southern Illinois University Carbondale.
2016 Member, discussion panel of ‘Who Runs the World? Girls!’, an event for
Women’s History Month sponsored by the Center of Inclusive Excellence,
Southern Illinois University Carbondale.
2015 Member, discussion panel of ‘Dialogue on Faith: A Woman’s Perspective’, an
event sponsored by the Center of International Education, Southern Illinois
University Carbondale.
Community College, Kokomo, IN.
2019 Member, discussion panel titled ‘How to Prepare for Graduate School and the
Professional Workplace?’ organized by Center for Learning Support Services.
Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL. April 26, 2019.
2019 Member, discussion panel titled ‘International Feminist Voices: Global/Decolonial
Approaches to Feminism, Feminist Research, and Feminist Involvement’ organized
by American Psychological Association's Division 35: Society for the
Psychology of Women. Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL. April 19,
2019.
2018 Member, discussion panel of ‘Fighting for Diversity: Panel Discussion with SIU
Women’, an event for Women’s History Month organized by t by the Student
Multicultural Resource Center, Southern Illinois University Carbondale.
March 2018.
2017 Member, discussion panel titled ‘Identity, Belonging, and Citizenship –
Asian Bodies in the U.S.’ organized by the Student Multicultural Resource
Center for Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, Southern Illinois
University Carbondale.
2017 Member, discussion panel titled ‘Honoring Trailblazing Women in Business and
Labor’ organized by the Student Multicultural Resource Center and the
Women’s Resource Center, Southern Illinois University Carbondale.
2016 Member, discussion panel of ‘Who Runs the World? Girls!’, an event for
Women’s History Month sponsored by the Center of Inclusive Excellence,
Southern Illinois University Carbondale.
2015 Member, discussion panel of ‘Dialogue on Faith: A Woman’s Perspective’, an
event sponsored by the Center of International Education, Southern Illinois
University Carbondale.
Professional Service
2021 - Present Member, Chancellor’s Extended Cabinet, Ivy Tech Community College,
Kokomo, IN.
2021 - Present Member, Guided Pathways Committee, Ivy Tech Community College,
Kokomo, IN.
2020 - Present Faculty Advisor for Phi Theta Kappa (PTK - an international honor society
for community and two-year colleges) Alpha Phi Pi Chapter at Ivy Tech
Community College, Kokomo, IN.
2020 - Present Member, Strategic Enrollment Planning Committee, Ivy Tech Community
College, Kokomo, IN.
2021 Member, Founder’s Award Committee, Ivy Tech Community College,
Kokomo, IN.
2019 - 2020 Secretary of the Diversity & Student Retention and Success Committee,
Lead of Sub-Committee focused on increasing minority student engagement on
and with our campus community through an extra- curricular focus, Ivy Tech
Community College, Kokomo, IN.
2020 Member, Director of Strategic Outcomes and Innovation Engineering
Search Committee for the Chancellor, Ivy Tech Community College,
Kokomo, IN.
2020 Member, Biology Faculty Search Committee for Science Department, Ivy
Tech Community College, Kokomo, IN.
2020 Member, CCEC Career Experiences Specialist Search Committee for Career
Coaching and Employer Connection (CCEC) Program, Ivy Tech Community
College, Kokomo, IN.
2020 Member, CCEC Career Coach Search Committee for Career Coaching and
Employer Connection (CCEC) Program, Ivy Tech Community College,
Kokomo, IN.
2020 Judge for Kokomo Science Fair for High School Students, Ivy Tech
Community College, Kokomo, IN. February 28, 2020
2019 Member, Support Person Search Committee for Associate Accelerated
Program (ASAP) at Ivy Tech Community College, Kokomo, IN.
2019 Judge for Student Creative Activities and Research Forum, Southern
Illinois University, Carbondale, IL. April 3, 2019.
2019 Chair of the Non-Tenure Track (NTT) Promotional Criteria Committee at
the Saluki Success Program, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL.
2017 Judge for for Undergraduate Creative Activities and Research Forum
(UCARF) Poster Session, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL.
2017 Chair for Conference Session Titled, “Black Narratives, Black Rhetoric, Black
Bodies in Performance”. 5th annual Women Gender Sexuality Studies Cross-
Disciplinary Conference, Carbondale, IL.
2016 Mentor for the International Mentoring Group Program organized by the
Center for International Education of Southern Illinois University
Carbondale.
2012 Member, Curatorial Project Coordinator Search Committee for Carrier
Mills Collection Rehabilitation Project, Center for Archaeological
Investigations, Southern Illinois University Carbondale.
Kokomo, IN.
2021 - Present Member, Guided Pathways Committee, Ivy Tech Community College,
Kokomo, IN.
2020 - Present Faculty Advisor for Phi Theta Kappa (PTK - an international honor society
for community and two-year colleges) Alpha Phi Pi Chapter at Ivy Tech
Community College, Kokomo, IN.
2020 - Present Member, Strategic Enrollment Planning Committee, Ivy Tech Community
College, Kokomo, IN.
2021 Member, Founder’s Award Committee, Ivy Tech Community College,
Kokomo, IN.
2019 - 2020 Secretary of the Diversity & Student Retention and Success Committee,
Lead of Sub-Committee focused on increasing minority student engagement on
and with our campus community through an extra- curricular focus, Ivy Tech
Community College, Kokomo, IN.
2020 Member, Director of Strategic Outcomes and Innovation Engineering
Search Committee for the Chancellor, Ivy Tech Community College,
Kokomo, IN.
2020 Member, Biology Faculty Search Committee for Science Department, Ivy
Tech Community College, Kokomo, IN.
2020 Member, CCEC Career Experiences Specialist Search Committee for Career
Coaching and Employer Connection (CCEC) Program, Ivy Tech Community
College, Kokomo, IN.
2020 Member, CCEC Career Coach Search Committee for Career Coaching and
Employer Connection (CCEC) Program, Ivy Tech Community College,
Kokomo, IN.
2020 Judge for Kokomo Science Fair for High School Students, Ivy Tech
Community College, Kokomo, IN. February 28, 2020
2019 Member, Support Person Search Committee for Associate Accelerated
Program (ASAP) at Ivy Tech Community College, Kokomo, IN.
2019 Judge for Student Creative Activities and Research Forum, Southern
Illinois University, Carbondale, IL. April 3, 2019.
2019 Chair of the Non-Tenure Track (NTT) Promotional Criteria Committee at
the Saluki Success Program, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL.
2017 Judge for for Undergraduate Creative Activities and Research Forum
(UCARF) Poster Session, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL.
2017 Chair for Conference Session Titled, “Black Narratives, Black Rhetoric, Black
Bodies in Performance”. 5th annual Women Gender Sexuality Studies Cross-
Disciplinary Conference, Carbondale, IL.
2016 Mentor for the International Mentoring Group Program organized by the
Center for International Education of Southern Illinois University
Carbondale.
2012 Member, Curatorial Project Coordinator Search Committee for Carrier
Mills Collection Rehabilitation Project, Center for Archaeological
Investigations, Southern Illinois University Carbondale.
News & Media
2022 Interviewed and quoted by BCVoice for a video entitled,
“Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Day Celebration”, a story about the
Bridgewater College's annual MLK Day celebrations, January 13, 2022.
2021 Interviewed and quoted by Kokomo Tribune for an article entitled,
“Ivy Tech Shows Off New Campus at Open House”, a story about the
Ivy Tech Community College - Kokomo's $4.3 million campus redevelopment
project and the demonstration of all the new facilities. September 19, 2021.
2019 Interviewed and quoted by The Southern Illinoisan for an article entitled,
“SIUC’s New Mandatory Freshman Orientation Class makes Big Impact on
Retention”, a story about how the UNIV 101 course and the Saluki Success
Program team has resulted in students wanting to stay enrolled in Southern
Illinois University Carbondale. March 3, 2019.
2018 Interviewed and quoted by SIU News for an article entitled, “Saluki Success
Program is there for students”, a story about how the UNIV 101 course and
the Saluki Success Program team creates an environment of support and
trust for first year students on the Southern Illinois University Campus.
October 12, 2018.
2008 Interviewed and quoted by Times of India for an article entitled, “Museum to
Unveil Harappan Gallery”, a story about the creation of a new gallery
displaying artifacts recovered from archaeological sites belonging to the
Harappan Civilization at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu \
Sangrahalaya (Formerly Prince of Wales Museum of Western India),
Mumbai, India. May 6, 2008.
2008 Interviewed and quoted by Hindustan Times for an article entitled, “The
Sunday Interview with Renu Jathar & Gauri Pitale: A New Look at the Past”, a
story about the creation of a new gallery displaying artifacts recovered from
archaeological sites belonging to the Harappan Civilization at the
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (Formerly Prince of Wales
Museum of Western India), Mumbai, India. May 11, 2008.
“Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Day Celebration”, a story about the
Bridgewater College's annual MLK Day celebrations, January 13, 2022.
2021 Interviewed and quoted by Kokomo Tribune for an article entitled,
“Ivy Tech Shows Off New Campus at Open House”, a story about the
Ivy Tech Community College - Kokomo's $4.3 million campus redevelopment
project and the demonstration of all the new facilities. September 19, 2021.
2019 Interviewed and quoted by The Southern Illinoisan for an article entitled,
“SIUC’s New Mandatory Freshman Orientation Class makes Big Impact on
Retention”, a story about how the UNIV 101 course and the Saluki Success
Program team has resulted in students wanting to stay enrolled in Southern
Illinois University Carbondale. March 3, 2019.
2018 Interviewed and quoted by SIU News for an article entitled, “Saluki Success
Program is there for students”, a story about how the UNIV 101 course and
the Saluki Success Program team creates an environment of support and
trust for first year students on the Southern Illinois University Campus.
October 12, 2018.
2008 Interviewed and quoted by Times of India for an article entitled, “Museum to
Unveil Harappan Gallery”, a story about the creation of a new gallery
displaying artifacts recovered from archaeological sites belonging to the
Harappan Civilization at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu \
Sangrahalaya (Formerly Prince of Wales Museum of Western India),
Mumbai, India. May 6, 2008.
2008 Interviewed and quoted by Hindustan Times for an article entitled, “The
Sunday Interview with Renu Jathar & Gauri Pitale: A New Look at the Past”, a
story about the creation of a new gallery displaying artifacts recovered from
archaeological sites belonging to the Harappan Civilization at the
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (Formerly Prince of Wales
Museum of Western India), Mumbai, India. May 11, 2008.
Membership in Professional Organizations
Life Membership Society of South Asian Archaeology (SOSAA).
Life Membership The Asiatic Society of Mumbai.
Life Membership The Asiatic Society of Mumbai.
Fieldwork
2014 – 2015 Research data collection for doctoral dissertation in the city of Mumbai
and parts of rural Konkan of Maharashtra, India.
2005 Deccan College Field School, excavation at Bhon, a historic Satavahana
dynasty site in Maharashtra, India.
2005 Archaeological Survey of India project, excavation at Sanauli, a Harappan
burial site in Uttar Pradesh, India.
and parts of rural Konkan of Maharashtra, India.
2005 Deccan College Field School, excavation at Bhon, a historic Satavahana
dynasty site in Maharashtra, India.
2005 Archaeological Survey of India project, excavation at Sanauli, a Harappan
burial site in Uttar Pradesh, India.
Presentations
Poster Presentations
2016
Pitale, G., Corruccini, R., Reichard, U., Nanyam, Y., & Vaddadi, P. (2016, April). Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases among Urban and Rural Deorukhe Brahmin Women of Maharashtra, India: A Comparative Analysis. Poster presented at the 85th Annual Meeting of the American Association of Physical Anthropologists, Atlanta, GA.
2010
Pitale, G. (2010, April). Analysis of Postcranial Remains from Sanjan, Valsad District, Gujarat State, India. Poster presented at the 79th Annual Meeting of the American Association of Physical Anthropologists, Albuquerque, NM.
2010
Pitale, G., Dutt, A., & Bhattacharya, S. (2010, April). The Pathological Lesions Observed on the Osteological Remains from the Site of Sanjan, Valsad District, Gujarat State, India. Poster presented at the 37th Annual Meeting of the Paleopathology Association, Albuquerque, NM & Poster Presented at the 7th Research Town Meeting of Southern Illinois University Carbondale.
Oral Presentations
2021
Pitale, G. & Hingst, Monica (2021, July). “Women in Leadership - Obstacles and Struggles”. Presented at Employee Diversity Series in Ivy Tech Community College, IN on July 7, 2021.
2021 & 2020
Pitale, G. (2020 & 2021, January). “Model Minority - A Problematic Myth”. Presented at Doing the Dream Student Diversity Conference in Ivy Tech Community College, Kokomo, IN.
2019
Pitale, G. (2019, April). “Anna He Purnabramha: Deorukhe Women’s Agency in the Making of Bodies, Cuisines, and Culture in Maharashtra, India”. Presentation at the CASA Research Flash Talk 3.0: An annual event held by the College of Applied Science and Arts (CASA) for faculty collaboration in Carbondale, IL on April 17, 2019.
2017
Pitale, G. (2017, April). “Sacred Villages and Profane Cities: On the Importance of Menstruation for the Purity of Food and Being among Deorukhe Brahmin Women from Maharashtra, India.”. Paper presented at the 1st Southern Illinois University Diversity Symposium, Carbondale, IL.
2017
Pitale, G. (2017, April). “ “Home-made Foods” are they “Inside” or “Outside” Foods?: Understanding Food Indigenization in the Context of Globalization, Urbanization, and Economic Restructuring in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India”. Paper presented at the Graduate and Professional Creative Activities and Research Forum, Carbondale, IL.
2017
Pitale, G. (2017, February). “Sacred Villages and Profane Cities: On the Importance of Menstruation for the Purity of Food and Being among Deorukhe Brahmin Women from Maharashtra, India.”. Paper presented at the 5th annual Women Gender Sexuality Studies Cross-Disciplinary Conference, Carbondale, IL.
2016
Pitale, G. (2016, December). “Sacred Villages and Profane Cities.”. Presented for ‘The Finding Bridges’ a colloquium series event of the Anthropology Graduate Student Association of Southern Illinois University Carbondale.
2016
Pitale, G. (2016, November). “Mother, I Want to Eat Outside Food: Understanding Food Globalization As Controlled at the Household Level by Indian Mothers”. Paper presented at the 115th annual meeting of the American Anthropological Association, Minneapolis, MN.
2016
Pitale, G. & Sutton, D. (2016 April). Understanding Food Indigenization in the Context of Globalization, Urbanization, and Economic Restructuring in Konkan, Maharashtra, India. Paper presented at the 76th annual meeting of the Society for Applied Anthropology, Vancouver, Canada.
2015
Pitale, G. (2015, April). Preliminary Report of Dissertation Fieldwork. Presented for ‘The Finding Bridges’ a colloquium series event of the Anthropology Graduate Student Association of Southern Illinois University Carbondale.
2011
Pitale, G. (2011, February). Holy Cow: India’s Sacred Cow Revisited. Presented for ‘The Finding Bridges’ a colloquium series event of the Anthropology Graduate Student Association of Southern Illinois University Carbondale.
2010
Pitale, G. (2010, March). Paleopathology of Skeletal Remains from Sanjan, Valsad District, Gujarat State, India. Presented for ‘The Finding Bridges’ a colloquium series event of the Anthropology Graduate Student Association of Southern Illinois University Carbondale.
2009
Pitale, G. (2009, October). Descriptive Osteology of Postcranial Remains from Sanjan, Valsad District, Gujarat State, India. Presented for ‘The Finding Bridges’ a colloquium series event of the Anthropology Graduate Student Association of Southern Illinois University Carbondale.
2007
Pitale, G. History and Collection of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya. Presented to the Head of the Royal Australian Navy at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (formerly Prince of Wales Museum of Western India).
2007
Pitale, G. The Harappan Civilization. Presented to the 4th grade students from Bombay Scottish School, Mumbai at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (formerly Prince of Wales Museum of Western India).
2016
Pitale, G., Corruccini, R., Reichard, U., Nanyam, Y., & Vaddadi, P. (2016, April). Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases among Urban and Rural Deorukhe Brahmin Women of Maharashtra, India: A Comparative Analysis. Poster presented at the 85th Annual Meeting of the American Association of Physical Anthropologists, Atlanta, GA.
2010
Pitale, G. (2010, April). Analysis of Postcranial Remains from Sanjan, Valsad District, Gujarat State, India. Poster presented at the 79th Annual Meeting of the American Association of Physical Anthropologists, Albuquerque, NM.
2010
Pitale, G., Dutt, A., & Bhattacharya, S. (2010, April). The Pathological Lesions Observed on the Osteological Remains from the Site of Sanjan, Valsad District, Gujarat State, India. Poster presented at the 37th Annual Meeting of the Paleopathology Association, Albuquerque, NM & Poster Presented at the 7th Research Town Meeting of Southern Illinois University Carbondale.
Oral Presentations
2021
Pitale, G. & Hingst, Monica (2021, July). “Women in Leadership - Obstacles and Struggles”. Presented at Employee Diversity Series in Ivy Tech Community College, IN on July 7, 2021.
2021 & 2020
Pitale, G. (2020 & 2021, January). “Model Minority - A Problematic Myth”. Presented at Doing the Dream Student Diversity Conference in Ivy Tech Community College, Kokomo, IN.
2019
Pitale, G. (2019, April). “Anna He Purnabramha: Deorukhe Women’s Agency in the Making of Bodies, Cuisines, and Culture in Maharashtra, India”. Presentation at the CASA Research Flash Talk 3.0: An annual event held by the College of Applied Science and Arts (CASA) for faculty collaboration in Carbondale, IL on April 17, 2019.
2017
Pitale, G. (2017, April). “Sacred Villages and Profane Cities: On the Importance of Menstruation for the Purity of Food and Being among Deorukhe Brahmin Women from Maharashtra, India.”. Paper presented at the 1st Southern Illinois University Diversity Symposium, Carbondale, IL.
2017
Pitale, G. (2017, April). “ “Home-made Foods” are they “Inside” or “Outside” Foods?: Understanding Food Indigenization in the Context of Globalization, Urbanization, and Economic Restructuring in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India”. Paper presented at the Graduate and Professional Creative Activities and Research Forum, Carbondale, IL.
2017
Pitale, G. (2017, February). “Sacred Villages and Profane Cities: On the Importance of Menstruation for the Purity of Food and Being among Deorukhe Brahmin Women from Maharashtra, India.”. Paper presented at the 5th annual Women Gender Sexuality Studies Cross-Disciplinary Conference, Carbondale, IL.
2016
Pitale, G. (2016, December). “Sacred Villages and Profane Cities.”. Presented for ‘The Finding Bridges’ a colloquium series event of the Anthropology Graduate Student Association of Southern Illinois University Carbondale.
2016
Pitale, G. (2016, November). “Mother, I Want to Eat Outside Food: Understanding Food Globalization As Controlled at the Household Level by Indian Mothers”. Paper presented at the 115th annual meeting of the American Anthropological Association, Minneapolis, MN.
2016
Pitale, G. & Sutton, D. (2016 April). Understanding Food Indigenization in the Context of Globalization, Urbanization, and Economic Restructuring in Konkan, Maharashtra, India. Paper presented at the 76th annual meeting of the Society for Applied Anthropology, Vancouver, Canada.
2015
Pitale, G. (2015, April). Preliminary Report of Dissertation Fieldwork. Presented for ‘The Finding Bridges’ a colloquium series event of the Anthropology Graduate Student Association of Southern Illinois University Carbondale.
2011
Pitale, G. (2011, February). Holy Cow: India’s Sacred Cow Revisited. Presented for ‘The Finding Bridges’ a colloquium series event of the Anthropology Graduate Student Association of Southern Illinois University Carbondale.
2010
Pitale, G. (2010, March). Paleopathology of Skeletal Remains from Sanjan, Valsad District, Gujarat State, India. Presented for ‘The Finding Bridges’ a colloquium series event of the Anthropology Graduate Student Association of Southern Illinois University Carbondale.
2009
Pitale, G. (2009, October). Descriptive Osteology of Postcranial Remains from Sanjan, Valsad District, Gujarat State, India. Presented for ‘The Finding Bridges’ a colloquium series event of the Anthropology Graduate Student Association of Southern Illinois University Carbondale.
2007
Pitale, G. History and Collection of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya. Presented to the Head of the Royal Australian Navy at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (formerly Prince of Wales Museum of Western India).
2007
Pitale, G. The Harappan Civilization. Presented to the 4th grade students from Bombay Scottish School, Mumbai at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (formerly Prince of Wales Museum of Western India).
Publications
2018
Pitale, G. Book Review of Through the Lens of Anthropology. An Introduction to Human Evolution and Culture, by Muckle, Robert J. and Tubelle De González, Laura. Social Anthropology.
2017
Pitale, G. Book Review of Metabolic Living: Food, Fat, and The Absorption of Illness in India, by Solomon, Harris. Society for Food and Nutrition (SAFN) Blog.
2011
Pitale, G. & Balkansky, A. (2011, June). Holy Cow: India’s Sacred Cow Revisited. Popular Anthropology. Vol 2(2). Pp. 11-17.
Pitale, G. Book Review of Through the Lens of Anthropology. An Introduction to Human Evolution and Culture, by Muckle, Robert J. and Tubelle De González, Laura. Social Anthropology.
2017
Pitale, G. Book Review of Metabolic Living: Food, Fat, and The Absorption of Illness in India, by Solomon, Harris. Society for Food and Nutrition (SAFN) Blog.
2011
Pitale, G. & Balkansky, A. (2011, June). Holy Cow: India’s Sacred Cow Revisited. Popular Anthropology. Vol 2(2). Pp. 11-17.
Reviews
2018
Finnis, E. (2018). Thesis Review and Interview: Deorukhe Women’s Agency in the Making of Bodies, Cuisine, and Culture in Maharashtra, India, by Pitale, Gauri. Society for Food and Nutrition (SAFN) Blog.
Finnis, E. (2018). Thesis Review and Interview: Deorukhe Women’s Agency in the Making of Bodies, Cuisine, and Culture in Maharashtra, India, by Pitale, Gauri. Society for Food and Nutrition (SAFN) Blog.
Voluntary and Community Service
2021 - Present Member of the Kokomo Diversity Taskforce which is focused on
increasing awareness among the Kokomo community about diversity
with a special focus on the LGBTQ+ people.
2020 - Present Member of Desi Rainbow Parents & Allies Inc., an organization that
provides support, education & advocacy for South Asian (Desi) families
with LGBTQ+ children/family members of all ages.
2010 - 2011 President of the Indian Student Association (ISA) at Southern Illinois
University Carbondale.
2010 - 2011 Finance Officer of the Anthropology Graduate Students Association
(AGSA) at Southern Illinois University Carbondale.
2009 - 2010 Vice-President of the Anthropology Graduate Students Association
(AGSA) at Southern Illinois University Carbondale.
2002 - 2003 Office-bearer of the Executive Committee of the Indian Music Group
(IMG), St. Xavier’s College, University of Mumbai.
2002 Volunteered for Janfest of the Indian Music Group (IMG), St. Xavier’s
College, University of Mumbai.
2001 Volunteered for Indian Performing Arts (IPA) department at Malhar, an
inter-collegiate youth festival of St. Xavier’s College, University of
Mumbai.
increasing awareness among the Kokomo community about diversity
with a special focus on the LGBTQ+ people.
2020 - Present Member of Desi Rainbow Parents & Allies Inc., an organization that
provides support, education & advocacy for South Asian (Desi) families
with LGBTQ+ children/family members of all ages.
2010 - 2011 President of the Indian Student Association (ISA) at Southern Illinois
University Carbondale.
2010 - 2011 Finance Officer of the Anthropology Graduate Students Association
(AGSA) at Southern Illinois University Carbondale.
2009 - 2010 Vice-President of the Anthropology Graduate Students Association
(AGSA) at Southern Illinois University Carbondale.
2002 - 2003 Office-bearer of the Executive Committee of the Indian Music Group
(IMG), St. Xavier’s College, University of Mumbai.
2002 Volunteered for Janfest of the Indian Music Group (IMG), St. Xavier’s
College, University of Mumbai.
2001 Volunteered for Indian Performing Arts (IPA) department at Malhar, an
inter-collegiate youth festival of St. Xavier’s College, University of
Mumbai.
Additional Qualifications
2007 Post Graduate Diploma in Comparative Mythology, University of Mumbai.
2003 Diplôme de Langue Française (Diploma of French Language), Alliance
Française.
2003 Diploma in Buddhist Studies, K.J. Somaiya Centre for Buddhist Studies,
University of Mumbai.
2003 Diploma in Pali, K.J. Somaiya Centre for Buddhist Studies, University of
Mumbai.
2002 Diplôme d’etudes en Langue Française DELF (Diploma for studying in
French language) examinations of the levels A1 and A2 conducted by the
French Ministry.
2001 Visharad Purna (Bachelor of Fine Arts) in Bharatnatyam, (A Classical Indian
Dance Form) Gandharva Maha Vidyalaya, Pune University.
2003 Diplôme de Langue Française (Diploma of French Language), Alliance
Française.
2003 Diploma in Buddhist Studies, K.J. Somaiya Centre for Buddhist Studies,
University of Mumbai.
2003 Diploma in Pali, K.J. Somaiya Centre for Buddhist Studies, University of
Mumbai.
2002 Diplôme d’etudes en Langue Française DELF (Diploma for studying in
French language) examinations of the levels A1 and A2 conducted by the
French Ministry.
2001 Visharad Purna (Bachelor of Fine Arts) in Bharatnatyam, (A Classical Indian
Dance Form) Gandharva Maha Vidyalaya, Pune University.
Workshops and Seminars
2004 Introduction to Historic Indian Coins and their Manufacturing Technique,
Department of Ancient Indian Culture, St. Xavier’s College, University of Mumbai and Indian Institute of Research in Numismatic Studies, Anjaneri.
2003 Historians’ Workshop for Students on Research Methodology, Heras Institute of Indian History and Culture, St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai,
University of Mumbai.
2003 Workshop on Manuscriptology, K.J. Somaiya Centre for Buddhist Studies,
University of Mumbai.
2002 Workshop on Calligraphy, Department of Ancient Indian Culture, St.
Xavier’s College, University of Mumbai.
Department of Ancient Indian Culture, St. Xavier’s College, University of Mumbai and Indian Institute of Research in Numismatic Studies, Anjaneri.
2003 Historians’ Workshop for Students on Research Methodology, Heras Institute of Indian History and Culture, St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai,
University of Mumbai.
2003 Workshop on Manuscriptology, K.J. Somaiya Centre for Buddhist Studies,
University of Mumbai.
2002 Workshop on Calligraphy, Department of Ancient Indian Culture, St.
Xavier’s College, University of Mumbai.