Neely Mahapatra, a doctoral student in the School of Social Work at The University of Texas at Austin, plans to use her degree to become an effective teacher and researcher who contributes to the knowledge base of interpersonal violence with a special focus on violence against minority women.
What is your current area of research?
South Asian women and domestic violence: Incidence and formal and informal help-seeking.
What drew you to study your current area of research?
My personal and practice background in the area of social work led me to become a researcher. Further my involvement in community and training as a doctoral student, especially my association with the Institute on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault in the School of Social Work at The University of Texas at Austin, contributed to my formative moments in academic engagement in area of domestic violence. Working on various research projects in the area of interpersonal violence including dating violence and human trafficking helped me refine my research interests and skills necessary to conduct my current dissertation research.
Where do your best ideas come from?
I continue to collect research articles, books, and other source material that I may use in my future research.
How do you finance your graduate education?
I have been fortunate to receive two prestigious fellowships to support my dissertation research and they are:
The Taraknath Das Foundation Scholarship, Southern Asian Institute at the School of International and Public Affairs, Columbia University, New York (2007-2008)
Harry E. and Bernice M. Moore Fellowship, Hogg Foundation for Mental Health, The University of Texas at Austin (2008-2009).
How do you juggle everyday life with grad school?
Like any other graduate student, learning the balancing act early on helps juggle everyday life in grad school. I am extremely privileged to have excellent mentors including my teachers in the School of Social Work who continue to guide me through my journey as a graduate student. I am also very fortunate to have a very supportive group of peers/friends in school.
If you weren't in grad school what would you be doing?
I think my experience in grad school as given a purpose in life as I aspire to become a teacher and researcher in future. At the time, I can't think of a life without this experience.
What advice do you have for people entering graduate school?
I think the driving force that is necessary for any graduate student is finding a mentor in the school who not only can provide you the essential guidance, but also the experience that will help you develop a concrete plan for your future.
What do you hope to accomplish with your graduate degree?
I hope to use my training in graduate school to help me become an effective teacher and researcher and contribute to the knowledge base of interpersonal violence with a special focus on violence against minority women.
Q & A by Elisabeth McKetta, April, 2008
