Postdoc Profile: Debalina Maitra

National Postdoc Appreciation Week (NPAW) celebrates the significant contributions postdocs make to research and discovery, both university and nationwide. This Postdoc Profile is a part of a series to commemorate NPAW which takes place from September 15 to 23, 2022.  

Q: What is your name?

Debalina Maitra

Q: Where are you from?

West Bengal, India

Q: Where do you work at ASU?

Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering

Q: Where did you earn your doctorate?

PhD Literacy Education, University of Wyoming

Q: What does your research focus on?

My work is diversity, inclusion, and equity-focused. I study racial equity and equitable pedagogy in the context of STEM (engineering) education for racially and culturally marginalized populations. I worked on several NSF grants to make engineering more inclusive for marginalized groups of students. I primarily work on the marginalized experiences of Black students in engineering in higher academia. I also have a solid interest in faculty development.

Q: Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

I am the only child of my parents. My parents are my best friends and support system. I love to go out, hike and, meet my close friends. I enjoy gardening a lot. I love to travel and explore new cultures, food and places. The best part of Arizona is the sunshine.

Q: What are your career goals? 

Hopefully making academia and education more equitable for everyone.