Daina S. Eglitis

Dr. Daina S. Eglitis is an Associate Professor of Sociology and International Affairs at George Washington University, serving as full-time faculty since joining in 1998. She holds a Ph.D. from the University of Michigan and has conducted extensive research on postcommunist transformations in Eastern Europe, particularly focusing on gender dynamics, poverty, and class inequality. Her work bridges sociological theory with empirical studies, emphasizing marginalized voices in transitional societies.

Her research has been supported by prestigious fellowships including a Fulbright Scholarship at the Academy of Culture in Riga (2007–2008) and a role as Open Society Institute Scholar collaborating with Yerevan State University. Dr. Eglitis teaches courses on sociological theory, gender studies, and social inequality, innovatively integrating performative teaching methods like 'dramatic learning' to engage students.

Her scholarly contributions span topics from Latvian family structures in post-communism to comparative analyses of poverty in capitalist states. She actively participates in transnational academic collaborations, reflecting her commitment to fostering intellectual exchange in post-Soviet regions.

• Education: Ph.D., Sociology, University of Michigan (1998)
• Key Awards: Fulbright Scholar, Open Society Institute Higher Education Support Program Scholar
• Teaching Interests: Social theory, gender and society, class inequality
• Current Projects: Curriculum development with Armenian universities, memory politics in post-Soviet states