Associate Professor at Appalachian State University, United States
Dr. Sunny Sinha is an Associate Professor in the Department of Social Work and an Affiliate Faculty in Gender, Women, and Sexuality Studies at Appalachian State University, USA. With over fifteen years of teaching, research, and mentoring experience in the United States and India, she has established herself as a leading scholar in the fields of social work, gender studies, and critical ethnography. Her academic contributions center on issues of sex work, HIV/AIDS, gender-based violence, and human trafficking, with a particular focus on women and transgender communities. Her work is recognized internationally for its depth, critical approach, and policy relevance, earning her multiple awards, prestigious grants, and invitations to speak at academic and public forums across the globe.
Professional Profile
Scopus Profile | ORCID | Google Scholar
Education
Dr. Sinha’s academic journey began with a bachelor’s degree in political science, where she graduated with top honors. She further pursued her passion for social justice with a master’s degree in social work from the Tata Institute of Social Sciences, specializing in family and child welfare. Her doctoral studies in social work at the University of South Carolina solidified her expertise, with a dissertation exploring the lives of women in non-brothel-based sex work in India and their perceptions of HIV risk. Her methodological innovation of using “cultural biography” as an analytical lens continues to influence ethnographic and feminist research. She also holds a diploma in primary education, which reflects her longstanding commitment to teaching and community development.
Experience
Throughout her career, Dr. Sinha has held academic appointments that span multiple continents. Before joining Appalachian State University, she served as Associate Professor and Assistant Professor at Marywood University, where she taught courses on social justice, global social work, and ethical practice. She has also been a visiting professor at Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, India, furthering international dialogue on social work education. Earlier in her career, she served as an adjunct instructor at the University of South Carolina, teaching graduate-level courses and mentoring emerging professionals. In addition to her teaching, she has played an active role in mentoring graduate students on research projects related to sex work, violence prevention, and gender inequality, many of which have resulted in joint publications and conference presentations.
Research Focus
Dr. Sinha’s interdisciplinary research draws on critical ethnography, cultural biography, and intersectional feminist frameworks. Her primary areas of focus include HIV/AIDS prevention, the complexities of sex work, violence against women, and the human rights of marginalized communities. Her studies shed light on the lived experiences of cisgender and transgender women in India’s sex trade, revealing nuanced perspectives on agency, stigma, and health risk. She has also explored male clients’ perceptions of sex work, the role of digital technologies in reducing violence, and the impact of COVID-19 on vulnerable populations. Her scholarship bridges theory and practice, contributing to both academic debates and practical interventions for policy, health, and social work practice.
Awards and Honors
Dr. Sinha’s groundbreaking scholarship has been recognized with multiple national and international honors. She was nominated for the Council for Social Work Education Feminist Scholar Award and received the Michael H. Agar Lively Science Award for her influential article on ethical and safety challenges in sex work research. Her doctoral dissertation was funded by the prestigious Fahs-Beck Doctoral Dissertation Award and ranked among the top ten submissions in the ATLAS.ti Dissertation Award competition. Early in her career, she was a recipient of the National Merit Scholarship and won a state-level elocution competition, demonstrating her strong foundation in scholarship and public engagement. These accolades underscore her innovative methodologies, her ethical rigor, and her impact on advancing feminist social work research.
Publication Top Notes
Title: A Survey of the Mobile Phone-Based Interventions for Violence Prevention Among Women
Authors: S. Sinha, A. Shrivastava, C. Paradis
Summary: Reviews mobile phone-based initiatives aimed at preventing violence against women and promoting empowerment.
Title: Effect of Resveratrol and Fenofibrate in Triton WR 1339 Induced Dyslipidemic Wistar Rats
Authors: S. Sinha, P. Khurana, S. Gupta, D. Iyer
Summary: Experimental study evaluating the therapeutic effects of resveratrol and fenofibrate in dyslipidemic rat models.
Title: Dementia and the Challenges of Caregiving: A Personal Account
Authors: S. Sinha, I. Prasad, P. Prasad
Summary: Reflects on the emotional, social, and practical challenges faced by caregivers of dementia patients.
Title: Ethnopharmacological Aspects of Resveratrol (a French Paradox) – A Review
Authors: R. S. P. R. S. Pawar, D. I. D. Iyer, S. S. S. Sinha, P. P. P. Pateriya
Summary: A review of resveratrol’s ethnopharmacological significance, health benefits, and its role in disease prevention.
Title: Early Care and Prekindergarten Care as Influences on School Readiness
Authors: M. S. Fram, J. Kim, S. Sinha
Summary: Examines how early childhood care and prekindergarten experiences affect school readiness in children.
Conclusion
Dr. Sunny Sinha’s distinguished career reflects a deep commitment to advancing social justice through scholarship, teaching, and public engagement. Her research offers vital insights into the intersections of gender, sexuality, health, and human rights, particularly in contexts of vulnerability and marginalization. With her innovative methodologies and interdisciplinary approach, she has expanded the boundaries of social work research and influenced global conversations on HIV/AIDS, sex work, and gender-based violence. Her mentorship of graduate students, international collaborations, and contributions to policy and practice highlight her role as both a scholar and advocate. Recognized by awards, grants, and critical acclaim, Dr. Sinha stands out as an exceptional nominee for academic honors, embodying the qualities of a scholar whose work transforms understanding and inspires change in society.