Purba Das, Ph.D.

Purba Das is an Associate Professor in Communication Studies at Ohio University’s Southern campus. She received her Master of Science in Sociology from Purdue University and Doctor of Philosophy in Communication Studies (Intercultural Communication) from Washington State University.  She is a Collaborative Online International Learning fellow.

Dr. Das’ research interests are intercultural communication and health communication. Her research employs a critical approach in the field of intercultural communication, and a culture-centered approach to health communication in understanding the problematics of nations, national identity, media, and health narratives in marginalized populations in the US (Appalachia) and India. The primary focus of research in intercultural communication is to analyze critically the contesting and discursive articulation of race, caste, and problematics of representation. This analysis takes into account both national and transnational contexts through media images and language usages that shape views and ideas. In terms of health communication, Dr. Das explores the specific meanings and nuances of health issues in different cultural contexts, particularly in marginalized cultures. She also studies environmental health issues in Appalachia.

Dr. Das has published in journals such as Journal of International and Intercultural Communication, Journal of Intercultural Communication Research and Asian Journal of Communication. She regularly presents her research at scholarly conferences such as the National Communication Association and the International Communication Association.

Dr. Das teaches undergraduate courses in Cross-cultural Communication, Health Communication and Women and Health. She teaches graduate course in Cross-Cultural Communication.