Global Cinema, Indigenous Stories: Sneha Goswami’s PhD Research at the University of Memphis

Meet Sneha Goswami, a dynamic PhD student in the Department of Communication and Film at the University of Memphis, where she also serves as a Teaching Assistant and Editorial Assistant for Communication and Critical/Cultural Studies. Originally from Boinchigram, West Bengal, India, Sneha is pursuing her passion for critical cultural theory and media studies with the goal of earning her doctorate by Spring 2026.

A Journey Rooted in Curiosity and Culture

Sneha’s academic journey began with a fascination for Marxist cultural theory, sparked during her master’s studies. The works of theorists like Spivak, Foucault, Derrida, and Lacan deeply inspired her, but it was her MA thesis—a Marxist study of a tribal festival in her village—that truly cemented her academic calling. Working directly with tribal communities, she developed a keen interest in how media constructs ideas of tribalism, indigeneity, and nativity. That curiosity led her to pursue a PhD.

Why the University of Memphis?

For Sneha, choosing UofM was driven by both opportunity and alignment. The chance to work under the guidance of Dr. Marina Levina, coupled with a program structure that matched her research interests, made Memphis the perfect fit. The fully funded position and health insurance coverage were added incentives that made her transition as an international student smoother.

Research That Resonates

Sneha’s dissertation explores how global cinema represents Indigenous resistance against settler colonialism and investigates internal power dynamics within Indigenous communities. Her scholarly contributions are already making waves:

• “Beyond the Borders: An Artistic Archive of Sundarbans Movement” – Featured in the Teaching Environmental Communication Zine (2024)
• “Theorizing Indigeneity in an Indian Context” – Conditionally accepted in Communication and Critical/Cultural Studies
• “Jhapan: A Festival of the People, By the People, For the People” – Lokkotha Journal, Vol. 17 (2021)
• Forthcoming book chapter with UNESCO Chair Community Media via Rutledge

She is actively collaborating with faculty and alumni on multiple research projects and publications, further expanding her scholarly reach.

The Graduate School Experience

For Sneha, the most rewarding part of her PhD journey has been the opportunity to teach, present at conferences, publish her work, and engage with scholars she once studied in textbooks. Yet, the path hasn’t been without its challenges. Time management, burnout, and imposter syndrome have been persistent hurdles, but she navigates them with resilience and focus.

Her advice to future PhD students?
“Be sure of what you want to do and follow your passion.”

Looking to the Future

Sneha aspires to secure an Assistant Professor position at an R1 institution where she can continue teaching and conducting research. With several exciting publications on the horizon and a deep dedication to her dissertation, her future looks bright.

Life Beyond Academia

Outside the classroom and research lab, Sneha loves reading, watching films, and catching up with her family—and her dog—via FaceTime. She’s made close friends in Memphis and enjoys exploring local cafes, eateries, and of course, the vibrant music of Beale Street.

Her source of motivation?
“I remind myself that I left my homeland and my family behind at the age of 24 just to follow my passion… I need to stay focused all the time.”