Athira Unni is a dedicated researcher and educator specializing in contemporary literature, with a focus on utopian studies, speculative fiction, and women’s writing. Currently pursuing her Ph.D. in English at Leeds Beckett University, her dissertation explores the theme of utopianism in contemporary South Asian and Caribbean literature. With a strong academic foundation and extensive teaching experience, Athira has established herself as a prominent figure in her field, contributing to the discourse on literature and society through her research and publications.
Profile:
ORCID
Education:
Athira completed her Bachelor’s degrees in English and Sociology, along with a Certificate in Creative Writing from the University at Buffalo, State University of New York, graduating summa cum laude with a GPA of 3.9/4.0. She furthered her studies with a Master’s degree in English Language and Literature from the University of Hyderabad, achieving a remarkable GPA of 8.94/10.0. Currently, she is in the final stages of her Ph.D. at Leeds Beckett University, under the supervision of renowned scholars Prof. Susan Watkins and Prof. Emily Zobel Marshall. Athira’s academic background reflects her commitment to excellence in the humanities, paving the way for her contributions to literary research.
Experience:
Athira possesses a wealth of teaching experience, having served as a Part-Time Lecturer at Leeds Beckett University, where she facilitated poetry writing tutorials and creative writing workshops. As a Graduate Teaching Assistant at the University of York, she effectively engaged first-year undergraduate students in discussions on literary genres and essay writing. Her earlier roles as an English Lecturer at Keighley College and Assistant Professor at St. Joseph’s College in India demonstrate her versatility and ability to teach diverse student groups. Additionally, her experience as a Fellow at the National Children’s Academy and ESL Teaching Intern showcases her dedication to education and student support across various settings.
Research Interests:
Athira’s research interests are broad and interdisciplinary, encompassing contemporary literature, speculative fiction, and critical posthumanism. She has a particular focus on women’s writing and postcolonial narratives, exploring how these themes intersect with global literature. Her investigations into South Asian and Caribbean literature reveal the complexities of identity, power dynamics, and social justice. Athira is also interested in blue humanities and the role of environmental factors in literature, seeking to bridge the gap between literary studies and contemporary societal issues.
Awards:
Throughout her academic career, Athira has received several accolades that underscore her excellence in research and literature. Notably, she was awarded the Women’s Day Poetry Prize in 2021 by The Woman Inc. for her impactful contributions to poetry. Additionally, she received the Senior Thesis Prize from the Department of English at SUNY Buffalo in 2015 and was recognized on the Dean’s List for all semesters at the same institution. Athira was also nominated for the SUNY Chancellor’s Award in 2014, highlighting her academic achievements and commitment to her field.
Publications:
Athira Unni has made significant contributions to academic literature, with several publications that reflect her research interests. Some of her notable works include:
Unni, Athira. “Dystopian Hyperbole and Social Reproductive Labour in Margaret Atwood and Mahasweta Devi”, Utopian Studies Journal, January 2025 (forthcoming).
Unni, Athira. “Social Reproductive Labor and Uto/Dystopia: An Analysis of Leila, Midnight Robber and Woman World”, Critique, October 2024 (forthcoming).
Unni, Athira. “Colonial Anthropocene and the Postcolonial Landscape in Manjula Padmanabhan’s Escape”, Postcolonial Studies Association Newsletter, October 2023, p. 7-10.
Unni, Athira. “Wild Uncharted Waters: Racial Subtext in ‘The Little Mermaid’ (2023)”, Diotima’s, Volume 13, July 2023, p. 16-25.
Unni, Athira. “The Sea Is Alive: Navigating Waterscapes in South Asian Speculative Fiction”, Helice, Vol. 34, June 2023, p. 54-68.
Unni, Athira. “Rape and Hope: Consolidating Identities and Hierarchies in Contemporary Feminist Dystopias”, SFRA Review, Vol. 52 Issue 3, August 2022, p. 136-144.
Conclusion:
Athira Unni’s dedication to research and education, combined with her innovative approach to contemporary literature, positions her as a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her academic achievements, diverse teaching experiences, and influential publications contribute to a rich tapestry of scholarship that not only advances literary studies but also inspires future generations of scholars and writers. As she continues her journey in academia, Athira’s work promises to shape discussions in contemporary literature and the humanities, making her an exemplary choice for this prestigious recognition.