Devparna Roy

Devparna Roy serves as an Associate Professor in the Department of Sociology & Anthropology at Nazareth College, where she champions social justice through dynamic teaching and research. Her work bridges theoretical frameworks with real-world issues like environmental racism and climate activism, fostering critical engagement with societal power structures.

Her academic journey includes:

• B.Sc. in Chemistry from Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, India
• M.Sc. in Biotechnology from Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, India
• Post-Graduate Diploma in Social Journalism from Times Center for Media Studies, New Delhi, India
• M.S.S. in Sociology of International Development from Utah State University
• Ph.D. in Development Sociology from Cornell University

Dr. Roy's research critically examines environmental sociology, gender-water dynamics, agricultural systems, and racial inequality through lenses of power and globalization. She deconstructs social phenomena like environmental racism in Flint and Rochester, questioning historical roots of lead poisoning while exploring societal solutions. Her teaching emphasizes the 'why' behind social issues, using case studies to dissect contested claims about soda consumption, vaccines, and climate movements.

Nazareth College's century-old foundation in social justice aligns with her pedagogical philosophy, where she cultivates open-minded discourse on polarizing topics. Student testimonials, like Sarah Spano '19's transition to teaching, highlight her transformative impact in creating learning communities that value student voice and leadership.