Natalia Pamuła

Dr. Natalia Pamuła is an Assistant Professor at the University of Warsaw's American Studies Center, currently on academic leave for 2024/2025. She specializes in disability studies, gender studies, and Polish/American literature, bridging academic research with disability rights activism. Pamuła has received multiple honors including the Ministry of Education Scholarship for Young Outstanding Scientists and the University of Warsaw Rector’s Award for her publication record.

Her research examines:

• Cultural representations of disability in Polish literature
• Intersections of disability and gender in post-socialist contexts
• Disability rights movements and protest politics
• Mad studies and critical approaches to mental health
• Discard studies and material cultures of waste

Pamuła's scholarship combines theoretical analysis with activist engagement, particularly around disability justice in Poland. She has translated foundational disability studies texts into Polish, including Rosemarie Garland-Thomson's 'Extraordinary Bodies', expanding access to critical disability theory in Central Europe. Her research projects include a SONATA grant from Poland's National Science Center investigating disability in Polish culture post-1989.

At Warsaw's American Studies Center, Pamuła has developed innovative courses exploring disability, technology, and American cultural narratives. Her pedagogical approach emphasizes critical theory and inclusive design principles. Professional contact: nm.pamula@uw.edu.pl.