Dr. Meghan Hartman | South Asian History | Best Researcher Award

Visiting Assistant Professor | Barnard College | United States

Short Bio 🌟

Meghan Hartman is a dedicated scholar specializing in South Asian religions, renowned for her interdisciplinary approach merging literature, philosophy, and virtual reality studies. She holds a Ph.D. in Religious Studies from the University of Virginia, with a focus on the poetic works of Mīrājī and their implications in virtual environments. Currently serving as a Visiting Assistant Professor at Barnard College, Meghan continues to explore the intersections of culture, technology, and spirituality through her academic endeavors.

Profile:

ORCID

Education 📚

Meghan Hartman earned her Ph.D. in Religious Studies (South Asian Religions) from the University of Virginia in 2023. Her doctoral dissertation titled “Skeins of the Imagination: Lyric Lifeforms and Virtual Reality Environments in the Poetry and Literary Criticism of Mīrājī (1912-1949)” examines how virtual reality can enhance our understanding of poetic expressions. Previously, she graduated magna cum laude from Barnard College, Columbia University, with a B.A. in Religious Studies in 2016. Her undergraduate thesis, supervised by John Stratton Hawley, explored “Non-Identity Politics: The Lyric Poetry of Mīrājī, Or How to Dissolve a Self.”

Professional Experience 💼

Meghan Hartman’s academic journey includes prestigious roles such as the Khatib Scholar of Religion and Dialogue at the University of Mary Washington and her current position as Visiting Assistant Professor at Barnard College. She has taught courses ranging from “Introduction to Islam” and “Islamic Philosophy and Theology” to “Religion in Anime,” showcasing her versatility in pedagogical approaches.

Research Interests 🔍

Meghan’s research spans various disciplines, including South Asian Religions, Translation Theory, World Literature, and Environmental Humanities. Her interests also encompass Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, Ethics, Sufism, and Gender Studies within the context of South Asia. She is particularly noted for her exploration of the history of aesthetics, virtual reality, and their impact on religious narratives.

Awards and Fellowships 🏆

Throughout her career, Meghan Hartman has been recognized for her academic excellence and contributions to the field. Notable awards include the Peace Fellow at the International Center for Religion and Diplomacy, the Fulbright-Hays Doctoral Dissertation Research Award, and the Critical Language Scholarship for Persian Language Studies. These accolades underscore her commitment to cross-cultural understanding and scholarly achievement.

Publications 📝

Meghan Hartman has contributed significantly to scholarly discourse through peer-reviewed articles and public scholarship:

1. “Lyric Lifeforms: Towards a Theory of Lyric Poetry in Mīrājī’s Literary Corpus”
   • Comparative Studies of South Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, Duke University Press, 2024
   • Link to publication
2. “Akhtar Husain Raipuri’s Adab Aur Zindagī (Literature and Life)”
   • Comparative Literature Studies, Pennsylvania State University Press, 2024
   • [Under review]
3. “In the Halo of a Moment”
   • Religion, Race, & Democracy Lab, University of Virginia, 2020
   • Link to podcast
4. “Mir Taqi Mir: Selected Ghazals” (Translation)
   • Life and Legends, Silent River Film and Literary Society, 2018
   • Link to publication
5. “Ecology meets Cosmology: Lyric Poetry and Sun-Star Collapse”
   • Divine Disasters: Exploring Distressed Landscapes in Literature and Theology, University of Warwick, 2023
   • Link to conference