Dhanya Babu

Dhanya Babu is an Adjunct Lecturer in the International Criminal Justice program at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, City University of New York (CUNY), where she is also a doctoral candidate in the Department of Criminal Justice. She holds advanced degrees in criminal justice, criminology, and victimology from institutions in the U.S., India, and Japan.

Educational Background:

• Ph.D. in Criminal Justice (ongoing), John Jay College of Criminal Justice / Graduate Center, CUNY (2019–present)
• M.A. in International Crime and Justice, John Jay College, CUNY (2017–2019)
• M.A. in Criminology and Criminal Justice Administration, University of Madras, India (2012–2014)
• Postgraduate Diploma in Victimology and Victim Assistance, Tokiwa International Victimology Institute, Japan (2014)
• B.A. in Economics, St. Joseph’s College, University of Calicut, India (2008–2011)

Her research centers on queer criminology, decolonial perspectives in criminal justice, and intersectional approaches to gender-based violence, with a particular focus on the experiences of transwomen (thirunangai) in Chennai, India. She critiques Western-centric models and advocates for inclusive, culturally grounded understandings of harm, justice, and policing. Her work emphasizes structural inequalities rooted in caste, gender, sexuality, and race.

The recent scholarly articles reflect a consistent trajectory exploring LGBTQ+ identities, violence resistance, policing experiences, and epistemic justice. They are published in interdisciplinary journals spanning criminology, family studies, sexuality, and social justice, indicating a strong commitment to bridging academic disciplines and amplifying marginalized voices.

Scientific Awards and Recognitions:

• Norman Cutler Award for Research in South India
• Junior Research Fellowship, American Institute of Indian Studies
• Outstanding Alumna Award, St Joseph’s College Irinjalakuda
• Entrepreneurial Lead, NSF I-Corps National Innovation Network
• Graduate Student Excellence Award in International Criminal Justice
• Junior Research Fellowship and NET for Assistant Professor, UGC India
• Kalalaya Ratna Award, University of Calicut
• Star of Excellence Award, instituted by President APJ Abdul Kalam

Dhanya has taught courses including Criminology (SOC 203), Gender Issues in International Criminal Justice (SOC 333), Foundations of Scholarship in International Criminal Justice (ICJ 310), and Gender and Politics (POL 237). She previously worked as a human trafficking investigator for the International Justice Mission in India, bringing practical field experience into her academic work. While there is no explicit mention of advising graduate students, her role as a lecturer and researcher suggests mentorship activities. Her involvement in the NSF I-Corps program indicates engagement with innovation and applied research aimed at preventing interpersonal violence. She is fluent in English, Hindi, Malayalam, and Tamil, enhancing her cross-cultural research capabilities.