I am an Associate professor of English at York University currently leading a major SSHRC funded research on the narratives of women in exile. I am also honored to have received the Unviersity DEDI award for advancing equity at York.

I have served my community in the following leadership roles:

-Co-Director and Director of the Center for Refugee Studies (2026-30)
-Chair and Vice Chair of LAPS Faculty Council (2025)
-York Senator (2023-25)
-Chair of Senate Committee on Awards (2024-25)

My research is focused on Middle Eastern diasporic literature with a particular attention to the intersections of aesthetics and politics.

My first monograph, Women, Art, and Literature in the Iranian Diaspora (2019), examines intermedial works—including graphic novels, video installations, and photo-poetry. I am currently completing my second monograph, which explores refugee life writing through a distinction between the poetics and politics of exile.

Across my research, I am interested in the transformative power of storytelling: how narratives shape public understanding, foster empathy, and produce meaningful social and political change.

As an educator, I strive to equip students with the critical tools to read the world as carefully as they read texts. My teaching has been recognized with several awards, including two placements Teaching Honour Roll. I cultivate an interactive and intellectually engaging classroom through a range of pedagogical approaches, including digital learning technologies, formative assessment, collaborative discussion, and conversations with visiting poets, writers, and artists.
Alongside my scholarly work, I am also a creative writer and visual artist. I value the dialogue between critical inquiry and creative practice, and I see each as enriching the other.

Note to Prospective International Graduate Students
The Department of English at York University admits a very limited number of international graduate students each year (typically one PhD student and one Master's student). While I welcome inquiries from prospective applicants and encourage you to apply if your research interests align with mine, I cannot guarantee admission. Graduate admissions are determined by a departmental committee, of which I am not a member. You are welcome to list me as a prospective supervisor in your application. I wish you every success in the application process.

Research Interests

I am an Associate professor of English at York University currently leading a major SSHRC funded research on the narratives of women in exile. I am also honored to have received the Unviersity DEDI award for advancing equity at York.

I have served my community in the following leadership roles:

-Co-Director and Director of the Center for Refugee Studies (2026-30)
-Chair and Vice Chair of LAPS Faculty Council (2025)
-York Senator (2023-25)
-Chair of Senate Committee on Awards (2024-25)

My research is focused on Middle Eastern diasporic literature with a particular attention to the intersections of aesthetics and politics.

My first monograph, Women, Art, and Literature in the Iranian Diaspora (2019), examines intermedial works—including graphic novels, video installations, and photo-poetry. I am currently completing my second monograph, which explores refugee life writing through a distinction between the poetics and politics of exile.

Across my research, I am interested in the transformative power of storytelling: how narratives shape public understanding, foster empathy, and produce meaningful social and political change.

As an educator, I strive to equip students with the critical tools to read the world as carefully as they read texts. My teaching has been recognized with several awards, including two placements Teaching Honour Roll. I cultivate an interactive and intellectually engaging classroom through a range of pedagogical approaches, including digital learning technologies, formative assessment, collaborative discussion, and conversations with visiting poets, writers, and artists.
Alongside my scholarly work, I am also a creative writer and visual artist. I value the dialogue between critical inquiry and creative practice, and I see each as enriching the other.

Note to Prospective International Graduate Students
The Department of English at York University admits a very limited number of international graduate students each year (typically one PhD student and one Master's student). While I welcome inquiries from prospective applicants and encourage you to apply if your research interests align with mine, I cannot guarantee admission. Graduate admissions are determined by a departmental committee, of which I am not a member. You are welcome to list me as a prospective supervisor in your application. I wish you every success in the application process.

Degrees

Ph.D. Comparative Literature, Western University
M.A. English Literature, University of Tehran
B.A.hon. English Literature, University of Tehran

Appointments

Faculty of Graduate Studies

Research Interests