Nilakshi Phukan

Dr. Nilakshi Phukan is an Assoc Teaching Professor at North Carolina State University’s Department of World Languages and Cultures, specializing in Hindi-Urdu languages and South Asian literature. She has taught since 2005 across NC State, UNC Chapel Hill, and the University of Colorado, Boulder. She coordinates Hindi/Urdu programs across the UNC system and teaches yoga part-time. Her research focuses on integrating technology (VR, 3D printing, Green Screen) into language education, and she has published extensively on Hindi literature and folk traditions.

• Ph.D. in Hindi Folk Literature (2006), M.A. Linguistics (2002)
• Developed innovative courses like Virtual Reality modules and 360-degree visualization labs
• STARTALK program lead for Hindi language initiatives
• Author of 2023's 'Native American Folk Tales' and multiple translated literary works

Research emphasizes bridging STEM disciplines with humanities through immersive technologies. Significant contributions to ACTFL proficiency-based assessments and heritage language pedagogy. Advises 8 South Asian student organizations and organizes annual Hindi-Urdu Cultural Nights.

Recipient of ODEI Diversity Mini-Grant (2022), Alt-Textbook Project Award (2022), and Duke University grant for online Hindi resources. Notable presentations include virtual reality integration at NCSU’s Digital Making in CHASS event and international conferences on Hindi pedagogy.