Nalini Iyer

Nalini Iyer is a Professor of English at Seattle University, affiliated with the Department of English and the African and African American Studies Program. She holds the Wismer Professorship and the Theiline Pigott-McCone Endowed Chair in the Humanities. Her research focuses on Global Anglophone Literature, Postcolonial Studies, South Asian and Postcolonial African Literature, and Transnational Feminism.

Dr. Iyer earned her Ph.D. in English from Purdue University. She teaches courses such as Literature of India, African Literature, and Asian American Literatures, emphasizing postcolonial perspectives and diasporic narratives. She serves as Editor of the South Asian Review and has held leadership roles in the Modern Language Association and the South Asian Literary Association.

Her research explores themes like the hegemony of Anglophone writing, diaspora studies, and Partition Studies. Recent publications include Teaching Anglophone South Asian Diasporic Literature (2024) and articles on Muslim representation in American literature and trauma narratives in South Asian texts. Her work bridges literary analysis with feminist, race, and caste critiques.

Awardees of her endowed chairs reflect her scholarly impact. She has authored/co-authored books on South Asian diasporas in the Pacific Northwest, language debates in Indian literature, and postcolonial canons. Her academic contributions span pedagogy, critical biographies, and interdisciplinary collaborations.

Dr. Iyer’s advising and grants focus on fostering inclusive literary education and amplifying marginalized voices. She collaborates with institutions globally, contributing to transnational scholarly networks.