Kelly Pemberton

Dr Kelly Pemberton is Associate Professor of Religion and Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies at George Washington University. She holds a BA in French from Vassar College, MA in International Studies/Religion from University of Washington, and PhD in Religion from Columbia University. Her research examines mysticism, religious authority, civil society, and gender in South Asia and the Middle East, with current projects on Islam and gender activism globally.

Her publications analyze Sufi shrines in South Asia, Islamic discursive traditions, and contemporary Muslim women's movements. She has consulted for governmental and non-governmental organizations on Middle Eastern and Asian affairs, and serves as an expert witness in asylum cases. Her methodological approaches combine ethnographic fieldwork with textual analysis of religious and cultural discourses.

Honors include:

• Larson Fellowship in Health and Spirituality (2008-09)
• University Facilitating Fund Fellowships (2007, 2009)
• Global Women's Institute Research Fellowship (2014)