Jude Fernando

Jude Fernando is an Associate Professor at Clark University's Department of Sustainability and Social Justice, specializing in political economy, South Asian studies, and critical development theory. His research focuses on NGOs, sustainable development, and post-conflict reconstruction in Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. He holds a Ph.D. in Economics, Anthropology, and South Asian History from the University of Pennsylvania (1998) and a B.A. in Applied Economics from the University of Peradeniya (1986).

His work critiques neoliberalism's impact on civil society and explores multispecies justice frameworks to address ecological and social crises. Key contributions include analyzing microfinance NGOs' controversial roles in South Asia and advocating for child-centered education initiatives through the Alfa Children and Youth Training Institute (ACUIS), established post-2004 Tsunami. His recent research examines Sri Lanka's economic collapse and the 2023 citizen uprising against racial capitalism.

He has received grants such as USAID's Climate Change Adaptation initiative (2021-2022) and contributed to international conferences on South Asia. Notable publications include Political Economy of NGOs: State Formation in Sri Lanka and Bangladesh (2011) and articles on virocene theory, war memorials, and hyper-religiosity's role in ethnic conflict.

Academic engagements include teaching at the University of Arizona and University of Colombo, alongside consultancy work for the Asia Foundation and World Bank. His research bridges academic inquiry with practical solutions through initiatives like ACUIS, emphasizing long-term educational and vocational training for displaced youth.