International Studies and Programs (ISP) has appointed Soma Chaudhuri as the new co-director for global research, outreach and engagement for MSU’s Center for Gender in Global Context (GenCen). Chaudhuri will lead the center alongside Aminda Smith, who was recently appointed GenCen’s co-director for academic programs, outreach, and engagement.

Chaudhuri will be responsible for promoting gender-related research and outreach across the university and facilitating interdisciplinary global research and engagement among faculty teams. She will also develop and support strategic domestic and international partnership initiatives in the areas of gender and women’s studies and foster partnerships with similarly situated programs around the globe.

"Dr. Chaudhuri’s diverse experience clearly demonstrates her commitment to interdisciplinary teaching and scholarship that uphold the feminist ideals of equity and collaboration centered in GenCen’s mission,” said Steven Hanson, vice provost and dean for MSU International Studies and Programs.

Chaudhuri has been affiliated with GenCen since 2008 in a variety of roles, including serving on the advisory board and teaching affiliated graduate and undergraduate courses. Chaudhuri has also been a recipient of multiple GenCen strategic partnership grants and was a GenCen Faculty Fellow from 2018 to 2021.

Chaudhuri is an associate professor in the Department of Sociology. Her work spans areas on gender, development, violence, witch hunts, and social movements, with specific connections to violence against women. Her research has been funded by several grants including those from the National Science Foundation and Social Science Research Council. Chaudhuri earned a Ph.D. in Sociology from Vanderbilt University.

“Placing international research on gender at the center of academic knowledge and pursuit has been my lifelong passion,” said Chaudhuri. “I am excited about this opportunity to fully embrace my vision to develop international research partnerships at multiple levels and advance ISP’s goals to find innovative global solutions to enduring social problems, nurture global citizens through strategic partnerships, and generate global investment to sustain GenCen’s reputation as a hub for networking, research, and funding opportunities.”

Established in 2007, the Center for Gender in Global Context is housed in International Studies and Programs, MSU’s hub for international research, teaching and outreach. GenCen’s mission is to connect scholars, students and community stakeholders with feminist knowledge to advance social change.