CV

Education

• PhD in Social Anthropology, SOAS, University of London, 2010
  Thesis: Rehearsing for Life: Theatre for Social Change in Kathmandu, Nepal
  Supervisors: Prof. David Mosse, Prof. Michael Hutt
• MA in Anthropology of Development, SOAS, University of London, 2001 (Merit)
  Thesis: “Struggles over resources are struggles over meaning”: Literacy and Rural Women Empowerment in South Asia
  Supervisor: Prof. David Mosse
• Laurea (4-year degree) in Philosophy, English & French Literatures, University of Padua, Italy, 1996 (Magna Cum Laude)

Academic & Research Roles

• • Research Fellow, Heidelberg University, Germany, Dec 2021– April 2026
    • Led research on Maithil heritage performances for the Heritage as Placemaking project, analyzing cultural landscapes, heritage performances and plural identities in Nepal.
    • Co-organized international events (e.g., 2024 Spring School) and presented at global conferences (e.g., SIEF 2023).
  • Independent Researcher, Jan 2020–Nov 2021
    • Conducted digital ethnography to evaluate COVID-19’s impact on Nepal’s creative industries, focusing on unsupported arts sectors.
  • Research Associate, South Asia Department, SOAS, UK, Sep 2011–Dec 2019
    • Supported interdisciplinary research on South Asian culture and development.
  • PhD External Examiner, London Metropolitan University, Jan 2019
    • Examined thesis: Intangible Heritage and Livelihoods: A Case Study on Purulia Chhau Dance, India.

Teaching Experience

Lecturer in Social Science & Course Co-Convenor, Ruskin College, Oxford, UK, Sep 2017–Dec 2019

Designed and delivered MA modules and BA modules  in full-time and blended formats.  Supervised BA and MA dissertations in social sciences.

Modules taught

– Power and Inequality (designed and taught in presence and in blended learning)
– Praxis (designed and taught in presence and in blended learning)
– Radical Research Methods (designed and taught in presence and in blended learning)
– Theoretical Understanding of Social Movements and Resistance (designed and taught in presence and in blended learning)

– Introduction to Sociology (Social Theory) for the BA Applied Social Science

– Sociology of Time and Space for the BA Applied Social Science

Lecturer in Social Anthropology & Course Leader, London Metropolitan University, UK, Sep 2011–Aug 2017

Lecturer in Social Anthropology and Course Leader (BA Anthropology). Designing, teaching and leading modules, mentoring and supervising students, administration, assessment and marking, performance evaluation, PhD internal examiner.

Modules taught

– Introduction to Applied Anthropology (designed and taught)
– Anthropology, body and health (designed and taught)
– Anthropology dissertation workshops and supervision
– Anthropology and International Development (designed and taught)
– Researching Cultures and Communities (seminar leader)
– Childhood, Youth and Education (seminar leader and teaching)
– Dissertation supervision (Education Studies and International Development)
– Understanding Applied Anthropology (revised and taught)
– Introduction to Social Anthropology (revised and taught)
– Gender, Anthropology and Development (revised and taught)
– Food and Power (revised and taught)
– Body and Health (revised and taught)
– Trends in Contemporary Society – Sociology (seminar leader)

Researcher Specialist & Trainer, Universitaria, Romania (via London Metropolitan University), Dec 2014–Dec 2015

Designed and delivered capacity-building training on qualitative research methods course for university staff (European Social Fund project).

Teaching Assistant, SOAS, UK, 2007

Supported anthropology courses and student learning.

International Development Experience

• Social Development Adviser & Country Representative, Fondazione Fratelli Dimenticati Onlus, Nepal, Jan 2009–May 2011
  • Coordinated and advised on education, health, and agriculture programs in rural East Nepal, enhancing meaning participation of marginalized groups and women in decision making, strengthening social cohesion and community resilience.
• Research Consultant, Fair Trade in Nepal, Fondazione Fratelli Dimenticati Onlus, Oct–Nov 2008
  • Delivered actionable insights on fair trade practices for NGO stakeholders.
• Field Researcher, Nepal, 2004–2008, 2012–2018   
  • Conducted PhD fieldwork and follow-ups on theatre for social change, collaborating with local NGOs and activists to explore theatre and the arts as methods for communities to voice grievances, to support social cohesion and grassroots advocacy