Global Cinema, Indigenous Stories: Sneha Goswami鈥檚 PhD Research at the University of Memphis
Meet Sneha Goswami, a dynamic PhD student in the Department of Communication and Film
at the University of Memphis, where she also serves as a Teaching Assistant and Editorial
Assistant for Communication and Critical/Cultural Studies. Originally from Boinchigram, West Bengal, India, Sneha is pursuing her passion for
critical cultural theory and media studies with the goal of earning her doctorate
by Spring 2026.
A Journey Rooted in Curiosity and Culture
Sneha鈥檚 academic journey began with a fascination for Marxist cultural theory, sparked
during her master鈥檚 studies. The works of theorists like Spivak, Foucault, Derrida,
and Lacan deeply inspired her, but it was her MA thesis鈥攁 Marxist study of a tribal
festival in her village鈥攖hat truly cemented her academic calling. Working directly
with tribal communities, she developed a keen interest in how media constructs ideas
of tribalism, indigeneity, and nativity. That curiosity led her to pursue a PhD.
Why the University of Memphis?
For Sneha, choosing UofM was driven by both opportunity and alignment. The chance to work under the guidance of Dr. Marina Levina, coupled with a program structure that matched her research interests, made Memphis the perfect fit. The fully funded position and health insurance coverage were added incentives that made her transition as an international student smoother.
Research That Resonates
Sneha鈥檚 dissertation explores how global cinema represents Indigenous resistance against
settler colonialism and investigates internal power dynamics within Indigenous communities.
Her scholarly contributions are already making waves:
- 鈥淏eyond the Borders: An Artistic Archive of Sundarbans Movement鈥� 鈥� Featured in the Teaching Environmental Communication Zine (2024)
- 鈥淭heorizing Indigeneity in an Indian Context鈥� 鈥� Conditionally accepted in Communication and Critical/Cultural Studies
- 鈥淛hapan: A Festival of the People, By the People, For the People鈥� 鈥� Lokkotha Journal, Vol. 17 (2021)
- Forthcoming book chapter with UNESCO Chair Community Media via Rutledge
She is actively collaborating with faculty and alumni on multiple research projects and publications, further expanding her scholarly reach.
The Graduate School Experience
For Sneha, the most rewarding part of her PhD journey has been the opportunity to teach, present at conferences, publish her work, and engage with scholars she once studied in textbooks. Yet, the path hasn鈥檛 been without its challenges. Time management, burnout, and imposter syndrome have been persistent hurdles, but she navigates them with resilience and focus.
Her advice to future PhD students?
鈥淏e sure of what you want to do and follow your passion.鈥�
Looking to the Future
Sneha aspires to secure an Assistant Professor position at an R1 institution where she can continue teaching and conducting research. With several exciting publications on the horizon and a deep dedication to her dissertation, her future looks bright.
Life Beyond Academia
Outside the classroom and research lab, Sneha loves reading, watching films, and catching up with her family鈥攁nd her dog鈥攙ia FaceTime. She鈥檚 made close friends in Memphis and enjoys exploring local cafes, eateries, and of course, the vibrant music of Beale Street.
Her source of motivation?
鈥淚 remind myself that I left my homeland and my family behind at the age of 24 just
to follow my passion鈥� I need to stay focused all the time.鈥�