Dr. Shalini Shankar

Professor

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Biography

Shalini Shankar is a sociocultural linguistic anthropologist whose research focuses on the South Asian American youth communities in Silicon Valley, New York, San Francisco, and Los Angeles, as well as their participation in spelling bee competitions. She examines the intersections of race, ethnicity, diaspora, and media in shaping contemporary youth culture. Shankar's book, "Beeline: Spelling Bees Reveal New American Childhood," investigates the mass-mediated phenomenon of spelling bees and their cultural significance in the context of immigration and competition. Her previous work includes "Advertising Diversity" and "Desi Land," both of which explore the complexities of cultural identity and representation within the advertising industry and educational systems. Shankar is actively engaged in various academic organizations and has received multiple research grants from the National Science Foundation. Her publications contribute to the understanding of race and ethnicity in American advertising and youth culture.

Research Interests

Experience

Professor

2013-01-01 — Present

Northwestern University • Evanston, IL

Shankar teaches courses in Sociology and Anthropology, focusing on linguistic aspects of race and diaspora.

Requirements for Northwestern University

Doctorate Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
TOEFL
Total
Required:90
IELTS
Overall
Required:7
Prerequisites
U.S. Bachelor's degree or equivalent
Application Checklist
  • Online application
  • Transcripts
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Statement of purpose
  • Resume/CV
  • TOEFL/IELTS scores (if applicable)
Specialization Notes

Standard PhD requirements for TGS departments including Chemistry, Physics, and Sociology.