Assistant Professor at Institute of Engineering and Technology, India
Dr. Ina Goel is an accomplished scholar in Sociology and Anthropology, currently serving as an Assistant Professor at the Thapar School of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Patiala, India. With a Ph.D. in Anthropology from The Chinese University of Hong Kong, her research delves into medical and cultural anthropology, gender and sexuality studies, social medicine, and feminist geography. She has an h-index of 7 and over 150 citations, reflecting her impactful scholarly contributions. Dr. Goel has received numerous accolades, including the Likho Award for Excellence in Media and the Hong Kong Ph.D. Fellowship Award. Her work has been published in esteemed journals and books, addressing critical topics such as caste and kinship among Hijras and the socio-cultural impact of COVID-19. A dedicated educator and public intellectual, she integrates innovative teaching methods and outreach to bridge academia and community engagement, fostering critical thinking and inclusivity in her field.
Professional Profile
Education
Dr. Ina Goel Thapar has an impressive educational background rooted in interdisciplinary studies. She earned her Ph.D. in Anthropology from The Chinese University of Hong Kong, where her research explored intersections of medical and cultural anthropology with a focus on gender and sexuality studies. Prior to this, she pursued her Master’s degree in Sociology, which provided her with a strong foundation in understanding complex social dynamics, structures, and inequalities. Dr. Goel’s undergraduate studies further honed her analytical skills, enabling her to approach sociological and anthropological research with a critical and nuanced perspective. Throughout her academic journey, she has demonstrated a commitment to excellence, earning prestigious fellowships and awards for her academic achievements. Her diverse educational experiences have shaped her into a scholar deeply engaged with issues of social justice, inclusion, and transformative research, contributing significantly to the fields of sociology, anthropology, and feminist studies.
Professional Experience
Dr. Ina Goel Thapar has an extensive professional career marked by impactful contributions to academia, research, and social advocacy. As a medical anthropologist and sociologist, she has held teaching and research positions at prestigious institutions, where she has focused on themes like gender, sexuality, and marginalization. Her work has involved collaborations with international organizations and NGOs, enabling her to address pressing social issues, including health equity and LGBTQ+ rights. Dr. Goel has conducted fieldwork in diverse cultural contexts, enriching her expertise in understanding the lived realities of marginalized communities. She has also contributed as a keynote speaker and panelist at global conferences, sharing her insights on medical and cultural anthropology. Additionally, her involvement in academic publishing, mentorship programs, and interdisciplinary projects underscores her dedication to advancing knowledge and creating meaningful social change. Dr. Goel’s professional journey reflects her unwavering commitment to promoting inclusion and fostering cross-cultural understanding.
Research Interest
Dr. Ina Goel Thapar’s research interests lie at the intersection of medical anthropology, sociology, and gender studies, focusing on marginalized communities and social justice. Her work explores critical themes such as gender, sexuality, and health inequities, with a particular emphasis on the lived experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals and other underserved groups. Dr. Goel’s research delves into how cultural, social, and political contexts shape health outcomes, identity formation, and access to resources. She is deeply interested in the intersections of stigma, discrimination, and mental health, as well as the role of policies in fostering inclusivity and equity. Her interdisciplinary approach integrates qualitative methods, ethnography, and participatory research to understand and amplify the voices of marginalized populations. Dr. Goel’s commitment to fostering dialogue across disciplines and cultural boundaries positions her as a vital contributor to advancing scholarship and advocacy in social justice and human rights.
Award and Honor
Dr. Ina Goel Thapar has been widely recognized for her contributions to academia, research, and social advocacy, earning numerous awards and honors throughout her career. She has been the recipient of prestigious fellowships and grants that underscore her commitment to advancing knowledge and addressing social inequities. Her groundbreaking research on gender, health, and marginalized communities has garnered accolades at national and international platforms. Dr. Goel was honored with the Best Researcher Award for her innovative work in medical anthropology, and her dedication to community engagement has earned her recognition from various social justice organizations. Additionally, she has been invited as a keynote speaker and panelist at esteemed global conferences, further highlighting her expertise and influence. Her achievements serve as a testament to her tireless efforts in bridging academic scholarship and meaningful social impact, solidifying her reputation as a distinguished scholar and advocate for equity and inclusivity.
Conclusion
Ina Goel is a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to her exceptional academic achievements, interdisciplinary expertise, and impactful research on marginalized communities. Her ability to combine rigorous scholarship with innovative teaching and public engagement sets her apart. With continued focus on high-impact publications, broader dissemination, and collaborative projects, she has the potential to achieve even greater recognition and influence in her field.
Publications Top Noted
- Hijra communities of Delhi
- Author: I Goel
- Year: 2016
- Cited by: 85
- Beyond the gender binary
- Author: I Goel
- Year: 2014
- Cited by: 18
- Trajectories of the transgender: need to move from sex to sexuality
- Authors: I Goel, KR Nayar
- Year: 2012
- Cited by: 15
- India’s Third Gender Rises Again
- Author: I Goel
- Year: 2019
- Cited by: 14
- Queer Politics of Representation: Ram Mandir and Kinnar Akhada Controversy
- Author: I Goel
- Year: 2020
- Cited by: 10
- Understanding Caste and Kinship within Hijras, a “Third” Gender Community in India
- Author: I Goel
- Year: 2022
- Cited by: 9
- Caste and Religion Create Barriers Within the Hijra Community
- Author: I Goel
- Year: 2018
- Cited by: 9
- What Does it Mean to be a Hijra Mother?
- Author: I Goel
- Year: 2018
- Cited by: 6
- The Lifestyle of Hijras Embodies Resistance to State, Societal Neglect
- Author: I Goel
- Year: 2018
- Cited by: 5
- Understanding Caste and Kinship within Hijras
- Author: I Goel
- Year: 2022
- Cited by: 4
- Impact of Covid-19 on Hijras, a Third-Gender Community in India
- Author: I Goel
- Year: 2020
- Cited by: 4
- Transgender Identities
- Author: I Goel
- Year: 2018
- Cited by: 3
- Queering Kumbh Mela: Kinnar Akhada, the World’s First Transgender Hindu Spiritual Order
- Author: I Goel
- Year: 2024
- What Does The Idea Of Beauty Mean?
- Author: I Goel
- Year: 2024
- How much land do we need?
- Author: I Goel
- Year: 2022