Associate Professor of Religious Studies South Asia Nanette R. Spina Associate Professor, Religious Studies, South Asia Her areas of interest include Hindu and Buddhist traditions in India, Sri Lanka, and North America. Her research inquiries explore the intersection of religion, gender, and migration, text and context, contemporary traditions and diaspora communities in North America. She utilizes historical and social scientific research methods (qualitative and quantitative) and has conducted field studies among religious communities in South Asia and North America. Her academic interests include: Transnational Studies in Religion, Indian Philosophical Thought, Ritual, Guru Traditions, Migration, and Women's Studies. Dr. Spina teaches courses on South Asian religious traditions in the Department of Religion, and also serves on the faculty of the Center for Asian Studies. Dr. Spina is currently program Co-chair for the American Academy of Religion, Religion and Migration Unit. Her monograph is entitled, “Women’s Authority and Leadership in a Hindu Goddess Tradition,” Palgrave Macmillan 2017. Education Education: PhD, McMaster University, Canada Selected Publications Selected Publications: Monograph Spina, Nanette R. Women’s Authority and Leadership in a Hindu Goddess Tradition. New York: Palgrave Macmillan, 2017.
