My doctoral dissertation explored the experiences of foreign-born faculty in the American academy. I studied how gender, race, national origin, ethnic culture, and foreign-born status intersect to affect the faculty's experiences at individual, interpersonal (i.e., among colleagues and students), and organizational levels. Additionally, I explored how the organizational and departmental culture of diversity impacts the faculty's meaning-making experiences related to their overall satisfaction and/or stress at work. Overall, my study explored the social and professional standing of a group of highly skilled workers in a foreign country and especially in the academy, which is considered a haven for social consciousness. For the purpose of my study, I interviewed 66 foreign-born faculty, search committee members, administrators (e.g., deans, chancellors, and department chairs), and administrative personnel (e.g., Human Resources, Equity and Compliance, and Affirmative Action officials) at a large public university in the rural Midwest. I also conducted an estimated 42 hours of ethnography in faculty meetings and class lectures.

My other research projects explore "moral panic" pertaining to immigration in the U.S.; the "fitting in" of immigrants in the American fabric via cultural practices; and Bollywood's role in redefining Indian masculinity among many others.

Besides research, I enjoy teaching. At GSW, I teach introduction to sociology, gender and society, human sexuality, sociology of family, and research methods. At SIUC, I taught undergraduate courses pertaining to gender, race/ethnicity, and introductory sociology. Prior to moving to the U.S., I taught for 3 years at the undergraduate level in India including courses, such as introductory sociology, Marxist thought, social institutions and organizations, research methods, and social problems in India.

In my leisure time, I enjoy cooking, watching movies, listening to music, and talking with

my family and friends.