My name is Arunima, and I am a social worker, global researcher, and knowledge curator committed to exploring the complexities of human life, suffering, and recovery.
My research intricately combines elements of psychology, philosophy, sociology, history, human rights, and international relations to thoroughly explore the emotional and social factors that profoundly affect people’s lives in various contexts. I firmly believe that no single discipline can fully capture the complexity of human experience. That is why I intentionally bridge multiple fields, integrating different ways of knowing to build a more comprehensive and holistic understanding of the human condition.
I bring a diverse range of skills to my work, allowing me to approach problems from multiple angles. With experience in research design, data analysis, direct social work practice, writing, program evaluation, and global health, I am comfortable moving between different methods, sectors, and ways of thinking. Rather than specializing narrowly, I have cultivated an adaptable, integrative approach that lets me connect ideas across disciplines and find innovative ways to address complex questions.
In everything I do, I am committed to building knowledge that asks the hard questions, challenges accepted systems, and pushes beyond surface understanding. I believe that true understanding demands both critical reflection and the courage to confront uncomfortable truths. I approach my work with a constant hunger to learn, to question, and to deepen the ways we make sense of humanity.
EDUCATION
University of Houston (2023–Present)
Doctor of Philosophy in Social Work
Dissertation: Experiences of Torture During Migration and It’s Impact on PTSD and Meaning-Making for
Refugees Post-Settlement
University of Chicago
(2021-2023)
Master of Art in Social Work
Program of Study: Global Social Development Practice (GSDP) and Graduate Program in Health Administration (GPHAP)
University of Chicago
(2019-2020)
Master of Art in International Relations
Program of Study: Human Rights, Environment and International Law
University of Oregon (2015-2018)
Bachelor of Science in Journalism
Major: Public Relations, Minor: Computer Information Technology
SKILLS
Languages:
Bangla and English (Fluent)
Hindi and Urdu (Conversational)
German (Basic)
Design Tools:
Adobe Illustrator
Adobe Photoshop
Adobe XD
Adobe InDesign
Final Cut Pro
Statistical Software:
SPSS
STATA
Python
Web Development Tools:
HTML5
CSS3
Javascript
WordPress
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
University of Oxford Consortium for Human Rights Presenter & Participant (2018)
National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR) Presenter (2018)
University of Oregon Undergraduate Research Symposium Award and Presenter (2018)
International Cultural Service Program - Full scholarship recipient (2015-2018)
Yanaoka Scholarship ($500 scholarship) (2016)
University of Oregon Work Study award ($4500/year) (2015-2018)
Lane Community College International Student Scholarship ($1000 per term) (2014-2015)
U.S. Department of State Alumni Award (2013)
Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (K-L YES) Program Exchange Student (2010-2011)
Presidential Volunteer Service Award (2011)
American Councils for International Education Alumni Instructor Award (2013)
YES Alumni Reunion, Bangladesh Representative, Islamabad, Pakistan (2014)
EMPLOYMENT
ABNA Corporation (Chicago, IL)
Technical Proposal Writer and Marketing Assistant
March 2021–August 2021
American Bar Foundation (Chicago, IL)
Research Assistant and Web Designer
Aug 2020 - April 2021
University of Chicago Law School
Research Assistant for Dr. Adam Chilton
Jan 2020 - March 2020
University of Chicago Law School
Research Assistant for Dr. Tom Ginsburg
Dec 2019 - June 2020
Center for Democracy
Research Assistant
Oct - December 2019
Chicago center for youth Violence Prevention
Research Assistant
Oct - Dec 2019
Project ESCOLAR (Eugene, OR)
Public Information Specialist and Graphic Designer
June - Dec 2018
Lane County Juvenile Consortium (Eugene, OR)
Legal Assistant
Jan - Aug 2019
Department of Romance Languages
Graphic Designer
March - June 2018
International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS)
Administrative Assistant
Sept 2017 - June 2018
Solar Radiation Monitoring Laboratory
Department of Physics
Data Analyst and Web Designer
Sept 2016 - Aug 2017
Department of Computer and Information Technology
Web Editor
Nov 2017 - June 2018
American English Institute
Student Activities Assistant
Sept 2015 - Aug 2016
Mills International Center
English Language Instructor
Aug 2015 - June 2017
MAPLE Microdevelopment (Eugene, OR)
Public Relations Coordinator
June - Sept 2017
LaunchCode (Portland, OR & St. Louis, MO)
Public Relations Intern
June - August 2016
International Student Services
Student Activities Assistant
Oct 2014 - June 2015
The Torch
Reporter/Photographer
Aug - Dec 2014
OTHER EMPLOYMENT
Smallfoot: An educational nonprofit for underprivileged children in Bangladesh
Teacher and fund raiser
Jan - June 2013
The Daily Star: Renowned English news publication in Bangladesh
English Club Moderator
Jan - June 2013
American Center, Dhaka Bangladesh: Part of the U.S. Embassy Dhaka.
Workshop organizer and Presenter
June - Dec 2013
Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study Program (YES) Alumni Association:
Executive Member
July 2012 - July 2014
iEARN-BD: International Education and Resource Network, Bangladesh
Administrative Assistant
July 2013 - June 2014