Victim Researcher Profile

BIO

Born and raised in Mumbai and having moved to the US in 2004, Meghna's experiences of surviving sexual assault and sexual harassment motivated her to be an outspoken advocate against social injustice and gender violence. She received her PhD in Criminology, Law, and Justice from the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) with a specialization in Gender and Women Studies. Her dissertation explored representations of violence against women in Bollywood Indian cinema, and the implications on the Indian diaspora living in the US. She has 14 years of extensive work experiences both in campus and community settings, ranging from interdisciplinary gender violence research, program administration, teaching and training (including web conferences), volunteering, and community organizing. Meghna's advocacy and research interests lie at the intersection of gender and cinema/ popular culture, using popular culture and storytelling as a tool for social change and community dialogues, gender violence prevention education and outreach, cultural competency in community organizing and social justice initiatives, and racial, social and immigrant justice. She earned her MS in Criminal Justice (specializing in Restorative Justice & Victimology) from Saint Joseph's University, Philadelphia and also has her BA in Psychology from India. Her recent work experience included working as a Training and Technical Assistance Specialist in the PreventConnect online program at the California Coalition Against Sexual Assault (CALCASA). Meghna also has served as a blog correspondent for the Stop Street Harassment blogging program, presented her research at professional conferences, and published a book chapter, two encyclopedia entries and research papers. She recently joined the Board of Directors at the National Girls and Women of Color Council, Inc., where she aims to contribute to the organization vision of empowering young girls and women of color to reach their potential through mentoring and support.

VICTIMIZATION FOCUS

Campus Sexual Assault, Dating Violence (Teen), Domestic and Family Violence, Hate and Bias Crimes, Sexual Abuse or Violence (other than campus sexual assault), Stalking, Vicarious Trauma, Workplace Violence

SPECIAL POPULATIONS

Men and boys of color, Immigrants and refugees

RESEARCH EXPERTISE

Community-based participatory research, Data collection, Descriptive studies, Ethnography, Qualitative studies, Training and/or technical assistance

VICTIM RESEARCH EXPERIENCE

Community-based participatory research, Data collection, Descriptive studies, Needs assessment, Qualitative studies, Quantitative studies, Training and/or technical assistance