Kristen Rudisill

Dr. Kristen Rudisill is a Professor of Popular Culture and Director of the Asian Studies Program at Bowling Green State University (BGSU). She holds a PhD in Asian Studies from the University of Texas at Austin, an MA in Religious Studies from the University of Chicago Divinity School, and a BA from Bryn Mawr College, with additional studies in accounting at BGSU.

• PhD - University of Texas, Austin
• MA - University of Chicago, Divinity School
• BA - Bryn Mawr College
• Bowling Green State University - MBA, Accounting Specialization

Her research spans South Asian popular culture, focusing on Tamil theatre, dance, and literature across India, Sri Lanka, and diaspora communities. She explores intersections of performing arts, Hinduism, and transnational identity, particularly through Tamil film dance and reality television competitions.

Recent publications include analyses of Kollywood dance, Bollywood diaspora performances, and Tamil reality dance shows. Her 2022 book examines post-independence Tamil sabha theatre, while current projects involve a study of 'Gaana' dance competitions and translations of Cho Ramasamy’s plays.

• American Institute of Sri Lankan Studies Fellowship
• Fulbright Fellowships in India
• Co-Editor, Indian Theatre Journal special issue on South Asian Reality TV
• VP of Conference Planning, Association for Asian Performance

She teaches undergraduate courses on global popular culture, Bollywood film, and religion in media, alongside graduate seminars on international popular culture and Tamil identity through dance. Her work bridges academic research with cultural advocacy, emphasizing gender norms, diaspora dynamics, and performance as resistance.