Dr. Saumya Pant is the Director of the Communication and Development Studies program and Associate Professor in the School of Media Arts and Studies. Dr. Pant is a teacher, a mother and an activist who believes that communication is at the heart of social change processes and effective change happens when communities organize strategically to achieve collective efficacy.
She is a global expert in strategically integrating entertainment-education programs with community-based group listening and locally available health care services. She has also worked on mobile marketing and the emergence of Generations Y and Z in India. She has worked on several projects funded by international agencies, including Population Communications International and UNAIDS.
Dr. Pant’s scholarly work has been published in international journals like Journal of Communication, Journal of Development Communication, and International Journal of Mobile Marketing, among others. She authored the ‘international development theories’ submission in Encyclopedia of Communication Theory. Currently she is working on a manuscript for a book on narrative of surrogate mothers in India who are part of a multi-billion fertility industry.
Courses Taught
Qualitative Research Methods in Media (MDIA 6030)
Technology, Communication and Culture (MDIA 4176/517)
Research Methods in Communication and Development (MDIA 6082)
Seminar in Communication and Development (MDIA 6080)
Introduction to Social Media (MDIA 2113)
Selected Publications
Pant, S, Pathak-Shelat, M, Sharma, A, & Krishnatray, P. (2016). Exploring individual, cultural and structural components of health communication programs: A gender integrative approach. In R. K. Vemula & S. M. Gavaravarapu (Eds.), Health communication in the changing media landscape: Perspectives from developing countries. A Palgrave and IAMCR Series.
Gadekar, R. & Pant, S. (2015). Exploring Facebook users' privacy knowledge, enactment and attitude: A study of Indian youth. International Journal of Communication Research, 5(4), 273-283.
Jain , V & Pant, S. (2015). Positioning Generation Y for Effective Mobile Communication : The Case of Three Cities in India. Transnational Marketing Journal, 3(1), 1-26 (Transnational Press London, UK).
Gaur, S., Pant, S & Sinha, A. (2014). Communication & Women Empowerment: Issues and Challenges. In A. Mohapatra (Ed.), Development Issues in India: Policies and Perspectives. Delhi: Manglam & Distributors.
Pant, S and Jain, V. (2013). A Comparative Analysis of Mobile Marketing: A Case Study Approach. Middle East Media Educator, 3, 87-96.
Education
2007 Ph.D. (Communication), Ohio University, United States
2002 Women’s Studies Graduate Certificate, Ohio University, United States
2000 M.A. (Communication), Ohio University, United States
1997 M.A. (Mass Communication), Pune University, India
1992 B.A. (History), Delhi University, India