Dr. Deepa Nair

Assistant Professor

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Biography

Deepa Nair is a historian specializing in Modern South Asia. Her research revolves around the politics, religion, education, and identity formation in modern India, particularly examining the effects of ethno-religious nationalism on minorities and nation-building in a secular India. Prior to joining Carnegie Mellon University, she taught at the University of Central Florida and Appalachian State University in North Carolina. Nair's teaching interests cover the history and culture of South Asia, including imperialism, decolonization, and nationalism, as well as the intersections of politics, religion, and gender in contemporary South Asia. She explores the legacy of the British Raj, the Partition, and the rise of ethno-religious nationalism, alongside issues of globalization, migration, and the South Asian diaspora. Nair is currently working on an edition of an anthology of South Asia, published by Cognella/Routledge, and a monograph focusing on education, state formation, and identity politics in South Asia. In recognition of her dedication to inclusive teaching, she was awarded the Provost's Inclusive Teaching Fellowship for the 2021-22 academic year.

Research Interests

Courses

South Asia - People, Processes, Culture Gender in South Asia Imperialism and Decolonization in South Asia Nations and Nationalisms in South Asia Nation, Culture, Society South Asian Cinema Muslim Representation in Media and Popular Culture Epidemics, Pandemics, Infectious Disease: Black Death to COVID-19 Social Inequity, Mental Health, and Physical Wellness during COVID-19 Imagining a Post-Pandemic Future

Requirements for Carnegie Mellon University

Doctorate Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.5
GRE General
Verbal
Required:158
Quantitative
Required:149
Analytical Writing
Required:4
Overall
Required:4
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in Psychology or related field Research experience/publications
Application Checklist
  • Online application
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Transcripts
  • GRE scores (optional but reported in profile)
  • English Proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo)
Specialization Notes

Admission is extremely competitive with no strict GPA cut-offs; holistic review is used.