Gitima Sharma

Dr. Gitima Sharma is an Associate Professor in the Department of Counselor Education and Rehabilitation at California State University, Fresno (Fresno State), part of the Kremen School of Education and Human Development. She holds a Ph.D. from Penn State University and M.A. from Michigan State University. With over 10 years of counseling experience across K-12 schools, universities, and community agencies, she focuses on training future counselors as advocates and leaders.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision, Pennsylvania State University (2015)
• M.A. in Counseling, Michigan State University (2009)
• M.S. in Child Development, University of Delhi, India (2007)

Research Focus: Dr. Sharma's work centers on purpose development across life stages, college persistence, counselor wellness, global citizenship (drawing from Daisaku Ikeda's philosophy), and minority student success. She emphasizes interconnectedness, cultural empathy, and compassion in her global peace initiatives through Soka Gakkai International (SGI).

Publications & Recognition: With 12 peer-reviewed articles and 30+ presentations, her work appears in journals like Journal of College Student Retention and Applied Research in Quality of Life. She received awards including the AERA Seed Grant and Fresno State's RSCA Award.

Service & Advocacy: Leads peace workshops and exhibitions (e.g., "Victory over Violence") at Fresno State. Actively promotes human dignity through SGI's global peace initiatives and Buddhist philosophical practices. Committed to empowering youth through education and counseling.