Anureet Lotay

My SSHRC-funded doctoral research project examines the experiences of pregnancy loss and reproductive disruptions among Punjabi Canadian women and families. Supervised by Dr. Lisa Mitchell, I'm using ethnographic methodology to understand how migration, diasporic lifeways and cultural identity affect the health and reproductive lives of Punjabi-Canadians who must negotiate belonging within the Indian community, and within wider Canadian society, in their practices around reproduction, gender, family, and media.

After graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology (2011) and a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology and English (2013) from the University of Manitoba, I went on to complete a SSHRC-funded MA (2016) under the advisement of Dr. Stacie Burke at the University of Manitoba. I conducted an ethnographic study on narratives of psychological distress by post-secondary students on an anonymous social media app, based on theories of stigma and online self-disclosure. Stigma and secrecy figure in pregnancy loss as they do in mental health and I believe that research on these topics can help demystify and destigmatize them, thereby helping to improve access to healthcare and support for individuals and families.

I have also carried out a number of community-based research projects in Victoria, BC, and provide workshops and training on: diversity, anti-oppression and anti-racism; career planning, resumés and job skills; social media and networking; reproductive health and justice; and, cultural competency in the community.

Research Interests: anthropology of health, body and reproduction; migration and diasporas; South Asian studies; social media and online social networking; online ethnography and digital methods.

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/AnuLotay
Website: www.anulotay.com