Dr. Poulomi Saha

Biography

Poulomi Saha is an Associate Professor and Co-Director of the Program in Critical Theory at the University of California, Berkeley. Her research intersects American Studies, psychoanalytic critique, feminist queer theory, and postcolonial studies, examining issues surrounding racialization, gender, and sexuality within the context of historical and contemporary politics of resistance. Currently, she is completing a book focused on cults, exploring the complex dynamics of belief and the transformative powers that these groups can embody. Saha's work has received notable accolades, including the Harry Levin Prize for her book 'An Empire of Touch: Women's Political Labor & The Fabrication of East Bengal', which was published by Columbia University Press in 2019. She has contributed to various editorial boards and is affiliated with multiple programs and centers within Berkeley, including Gender and Women’s Studies and the Study of Religion. Her research combines cultural history with philosophical inquiry, utilizing archival materials and interviews to illuminate the narratives of well-known cults and their fascination within American culture, while also analyzing the implications of such labels.

Research Interests