Nainika Dinesh | History of Education | Women Researcher Award

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Ms. Nainika Dinesh, History of Education, Women Researcher Award


Nainika Dinesh at University of Pennsylvania, United States

Nainika Dinesh is a PhD student in History at the University of Pennsylvania, specializing in the history of South Asia. She holds an MPhil in Modern South Asian Studies from the University of Oxford, where she graduated with distinction, and a B.A (Hons.) in History, along with a PG Diploma in Advanced Research & Studies, from Ashoka University, both earned summa cum laude. Nainika has held various academic and leadership roles, including positions at the University of Pennsylvania Museum and Krea University. She has been actively involved in diversity and inclusion initiatives and has facilitated workshops on intersectionality and consent awareness. Her experience also includes editing articles on education and South Asia and consulting on digital storytelling projects.

Profile:

Education:

University of Pennsylvania (since 2022)

University of Oxford

  • MPhil in Modern South Asian Studies, 2020 (Distinction)

Ashoka University

  • PG Diploma in Advanced Research & Studies, Minor in Performing Arts, 2018 (summa cum laude, CGPA 3.96)
  • B.A (Hons.) in History, Minor in International Relations, 2017 (summa cum laude, CGPA 3.96)

Professional Experience:

Nainika Dinesh has amassed a diverse range of professional experiences across academia, museum education, and consulting. At the University of Pennsylvania Museum, she serves as a Graduate Guide, leading tours and presentations for a global audience. In 2022, she worked as an Editor for Education South Asia, where she evaluated and edited articles focusing on education and the South Asian region. Nainika’s consulting role at Krea University in 2023 involved conducting research on the intersection of economy, technology, and education policies, and designing a syllabus for a course on new university models. Prior to this, she managed the Inclusion and Diversity Office and Career Services Office at Krea University, where she conducted research on intersectional pedagogy, organized workshops on diversity and consent, and curated internships for undergraduate students. Nainika also facilitated DEI workshops at Ashoka University, engaging hundreds of students in discussions on diversity and intersectionality. In her role with Omprakash, she consulted with the Kawempe Youth Centre in Kampala on a digital storytelling project and facilitated a webinar on hierarchies in education for NGOs worldwide. Additionally, Nainika has experience as a Teaching Practicum Assistant, Peer Tutor, and Research Assistant at Ashoka University, and has interned with United Way, managing social media campaigns and volunteer relations, and with WordsWorth, developing curriculums for beginner English learners.

Research Interest:

Nainika Dinesh’s research interests span a variety of areas within the field of South Asian history. Her primary focus is on the cultural and social history of modern South Asia, particularly examining themes of love, gender, and identity. She is interested in the representations of love in twentieth and twenty-first century India, exploring how these narratives intersect with broader social and political contexts. Nainika also delves into the study of British colonialism in India, with a specific interest in the lives and roles of British women missionaries during the twentieth century. Her research aims to uncover the complexities of their experiences and the impact of their work on colonial and post-colonial societies. Additionally, Nainika is engaged in the field of museum studies, investigating the responsibilities of museums in knowledge creation and narrative construction. She is particularly interested in how museums can address and incorporate diverse perspectives and histories in their exhibits and educational programs. Through her work, Nainika seeks to contribute to a more nuanced and inclusive understanding of South Asian history and its global connections.

Publication Top Noted:

Title: Whose Union? Federalism, Funding, and the Ideal Citizen-Student in Indian University Education (1950-1960)

  • Author: Nainika Dinesh
  • Journal: History of Education
  • Publisher: Taylor and Francis
  • Expected Publication: 2024