Douglas Ober

Dr. Douglas Ober is an Honorary Research Associate at the School of Public Policy and Global Affairs, University of British Columbia, and a Visiting Assistant Professor in History at Fort Lewis College. His expertise spans South Asian history, Buddhism, colonialism, and modern Asian studies. He holds a doctoral degree and has been affiliated with institutions such as the University of Chicago as a Neubauer Fellow.

**Research Interests:** Dr. Ober’s work focuses on the history of Buddhism in modern India, colonial and postcolonial diplomacy, self-immolation in Tibet, Hindu nationalism, and Soviet influence in Asia. His research explores the intersections of religion, politics, and identity, particularly addressing caste dynamics and anti-caste activism.

**Awards and Grants:** Ober has been recognized as a US Fulbright Fellow to India and a Neubauer Fellow at the University of Chicago. His research has been supported by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) of Canada, the US National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), and the Association for Asian Studies (AAS).

**Experiential Education and Community Engagement:** Alongside academic roles, Ober has designed and led experiential education programs in the Indian Himalayas, Sino-Tibetan borderlands, and Baja, Mexico. He has contributed to boards supporting Tibetan refugees and global migration initiatives in Canada.

**Additional Contributions:** Ober is an avid outdoor enthusiast, enjoying rock climbing and backcountry adventures. He maintains active professional connections via email: douglas.ober@ubc.ca and dober@fortlewis.edu.