Balaka Basu

Balaka Basu is an Associate Professor of English at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, affiliated with the Department of English. Her research focuses on Children’s and Young Adult Literature, New Media Studies, Digital Humanities, Fan Studies, and Television Studies. She holds a Ph.D. in English from the Graduate Center of the City University of New York (2012) and a B.A. in English from Cornell University (2004, cum laude).

Her work examines narrative theory, adaptation studies, queer theory, and the intersection of popular culture with literary traditions. Notable publications include Contemporary Dystopian Fiction for Young Adults: Brave New Teenagers (2013) and essays on topics such as fan culture in Sherlock and Doctor Who. She teaches courses on Children’s Literature and Digital Narratives for Young People.

Dr. Basu has presented widely at conferences like the Modern Language Association and Children’s Literature Association, focusing on topics such as participatory culture, trauma in YA fantasy, and metafiction in speculative fiction. No grants or awards are explicitly listed in the provided materials.