From childhood dance steps in Thailand to delving into Cambodia’s cultural revival through her PhD studies, Nalin Sindhuprama’s passion for Southeast Asian cultural dynamics burns bright. Her journey began with traditional Thai dance, igniting a lifelong fascination with the art form, particularly in Cambodia. This fascination has blossomed into a dedicated academic pursuit, motivated by a vision of uniting cultural exchange and understanding.
Originally from Chiang Mai, Thailand, Nalin’s academic career included a bachelor’s degree in Thai language and literature from Thailand, where she first encountered Cambodian culture. Her quest for deeper understanding took her to the University of California, Berkeley, where she earned a master’s in folklore.
Her quest to dive deeper into Cambodian culture led her to UW–Madison. This step in her journey was driven by the institution’s renowned Southeast Asian Studies program. Here, she found a perfect match for her research interests in Cambodia’s post-war culture, guided by esteemed professors like Katherine Bowie.
“I feel like professors here are very passionate about their topic,” Nalin said. “Learning with them helped me find a new way to think through issues that I want to work with.”
Her favorite part of said studies? The vibrant academic community and the rich resources at her disposal. The Southeast Asian Studies program hosts a weekly Friday Forum, inviting specialists from various fields to share their insights, fostering a strong academic network. This environment has been crucial for Nalin, helping her build connections and guiding her dissertation research.
“We have a forum every week [and] invite specialists in the field to the center to speak every Friday, and I feel like that’s very strong…that’s very important for students like me,” she noted.
Now in her second year of the PhD program, she is already contemplating her future post-graduation.
“My plan is to go back to Thailand and teach…one thing that brought me to be interested in Cambodia is also the cultural conflict between Thailand and Cambodia…that’s something I want to work with after I graduate,” she explained.
Nalin’s experiences at UW–Madison extend beyond her department. She has connected with international students through the Thai Student Association and the broader Southeast Asian Student Associations. These interactions have enriched her understanding of cultural nuances and broadened her academic horizons.
Reflecting on her time at UW–Madison, Nalin expressed her satisfaction: “The program here is very strong and I feel like the research environment is also very strong…providing both broadly theoretical ground and methodological ground, and also talking about what we [are] supposed to do in the field.”
As Nalin continues her academic journey, she remains committed to her vision of fostering greater cultural understanding and appreciation through her research and future teaching endeavors. Wherever her path leads, her work will undoubtedly bridge gaps and build connections, enriching the cultural tapestry of Southeast Asia and beyond.
Story by: Jaya Larsen