Nishant Upadhyay

Dr. Nishant Upadhyay is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Ethnic Studies at the University of Colorado Boulder since 2019. Their work bridges critical ethnic studies, queer and trans of color critiques, and decolonial theory through intersectional and transnational lenses. A scholar-activist, Upadhyay received their PhD in Social and Political Thought from York University (2016) and MA (2010) in the same program.

• Research: Focused on settler colonialism, caste oppression, and queer/trans liberation in North America and South Asia.
• Teaching: Offers courses on queer of color theory, decolonial frameworks, and disability justice, earning three major teaching awards (2020-2024).
• Awards: Staff Integrity Award (2020), Best Should Teach Gold Award (2021), Inaugural COMMrade Award (2024).
• Key Publications: Author of Indians on Indian Lands (2024), examining caste complicity in settler colonial structures. Published in American Quarterly, Frontiers, and Critical Ethnic Studies Journal.