Anika Saba from the Doctor of Philosophy in Interdisciplinary Graduate Studies – Power, Conflict, and Ideas Theme discusses her research, her passion for the art of storytelling, and what brought her to UBCO
Program
Doctor of Philosophy in Interdisciplinary Graduate Studies – Power, Conflict, and Ideas Theme
Research Supervisor
Dr. Jennifer Gustar
Hometown
Dhaka, Bangladesh
Awards
Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) Doctoral Fellowship
What inspires you about your research?
Considering the 1971 Liberation War of Bangladesh as my case study, I survey the limitations that Western trauma theory poses for the Global South. Since contemporary Bangladeshis like me learn about the 1971 war through mediated histories in autobiographical, fictional, and filmic narratives, I focus on the examination of cultural narratives of the 1971 war in order to reveal the ways in which they contribute to a rethinking of trauma, memory, and affect. When I read or watch these narratives of the 1971 war, I think of them as more than just “stories” because they present human emotions and experiences of the war that I do not find in historical or political facts and figures. Thus, I have been inspired to work on a project that promotes the affective value of representational works and argues for the pressing need of humanities for our understanding of the past in our present. Overall, my project will bring awareness to the impact of the Bangladeshi War and the limitations of Euro-American theories in interpreting the effects of war. Moreover, Bangladeshi literature and films within global, or even South Asian contexts, are lesser known. Thus, by concentrating on narratives from the margins, I hope to contribute towards decolonial and postcolonial studies and, thereby, promote diversity and inclusion through my work.
Why did you decide to pursue a graduate degree?
I hope that I can apply my research to problems arising from the continuing effects of colonization in the Global South and advance theoretical models that are more inclusive of the needs of those seeking to decolonize their thinking. Further, I have always valued education and admired the profession of teaching, and I am enthusiastic about research. To be an academic researcher at a university, it is essential to have a doctoral degree. Therefore, after completing my MA in England, I started looking for PhD programs, and UBCO was a perfect fit. A graduate degree provides a platform to engage in and advance research, connect with peers, scholars, and professionals, and learn extensively in an interdisciplinary field. I have decided to pursue a graduate degree so that it will help me to learn more and, equally, guide my contribution to the area of my interest whether it be through teaching, research or both.
Why did you choose to come to UBC Okanagan?
Anika Saba with her supervisor Dr. Jennifer Gustar at the AAS-in-Asia conference hosted by Universitas Gadjah Mada, in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, 2024
I chose UBC Okanagan for two reasons – the IGS program and my supervisor Dr. Jennifer Gustar. My home discipline is English Literature but because I started to concentrate on war and conflict literature, my research work became interdisciplinary: combining literature, history, sociology, and more. When I came across the IGS program at UBC Okanagan and its theme Power, Conflict and Ideas, I felt that it aligned with the kind of research I wanted to pursue. Next, I was looking for a supervisor who specializes in South Asian literature, women’s writing, and trauma and memory studies. When I read Dr. Gustar’s profile on the website and saw that her work falls within these categories, I reached out to her, and we immediately connected over our shared interests. I am grateful that she accepted me as her doctoral student since it paved the path for me to study at UBC Okanagan and, this year, to receive the SSHRC Doctoral Award.
Where do you hope your degree/research will take you next?
I hope my degree enables me to acquire a teaching position in an academic institution of good repute. Additionally, I hope it helps me achieve my research and writing goals through which I can share knowledge and make difference in the lives of young students, future researchers and people of my community at home and abroad.
Please share a little bit about yourself.
Being a literature student, I have always appreciated the art of good storytelling, so I love reading books and watching movies. I also love travelling whether within the country or internationally. I like to see and learn about new places, people, and cultures. I am always fascinated with art, culture and history, so I like visiting museums or watching theatre. I also take time for physical recreation like cycling or hiking; when I am too busy for these activities, I make sure to go for walks at least. I find walking meditative and relaxing. I love playing board games with my friends, as it is always an occasion for laughter. Spending time with my family and friends is important to me because they are my strength and motivation to be a better person every day.
What advice do you have for new graduate students?
The advice I will give to graduate students is to be organized in their daily work and studies. Unlike undergrad, graduate studies requires more independent work and self-motivation and so it helps to maintain self-designed short- and long-term goals and schedules. Additionally, I suggest maintaining their well-being by having healthy food, timely rest, physical exercise, adequate socializing and, overall, self-care. Next, I would say that while one can learn from peers, it is useful to remind oneself that graduate research and projects vary greatly so each student has their unique path, process and timeline, which may not always be comparable to their fellow classmates. Finally, many may think of graduate study as an end to their academic pursuits, but I think it is rather a beginning of learning and working in a professional environment. Therefore, I would emphasize that students keep an open-mind and a positive attitude towards thinking and growing in new ways while doing their graduate studies and even after its completion.