Vaishali Mamgain

Dr. Vaishali Mamgain is an Associate Professor of Economics and Director of the Bertha Crosley Ball Center for Compassion at the University of Southern Maine. She holds a Ph.D. in Economics from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (1997). Her work focuses on contemplative pedagogy, anti-racism practices, and the economic contributions of immigrant communities. She leads workshops to address systemic oppression through embodied learning and nature-based practices.

• Director, Bertha Crosley Ball Center for Compassion
• Founder, The Anti-Racism Institute
• Adjunct roles: Contemplative retreat leadership

Research Focus

Mamgain's research bridges economic theory with contemplative practices, exploring:
- Deconstruction of epistemological hierarchies
- Anti-racism through embodiment
- Ethical AI frameworks
- Immigrant labor market contributions

Publications

Recent work includes analysis of January 6 Capitol events' emotional impacts, critiques of colonialism in meditation traditions, and ethical considerations in AI technology.

Professional Activities

Completed 3-year meditation retreat at Samten Ling (2017)
Active in coastal Maine's environmental advocacy
Collaborates with student-veterans on educational equity initiatives