Profile for Sana Illahe

Brief biography

My origins are in Lahore, Pakistan. I was awarded a Doctorate in Sociology from South Dakota State University in 2022. 

My research interests include studying how transgender persons negotiate mobility in various spaces in Pakistan, especially in urban public spaces. I study the violence against transgender people and how transgender persons respond to the violence and navigate these spaces.

My teaching interests especially revolve around themes of decolonization, with a special focus on gender, promoting an understanding of marginalized identities within their own cultural frameworks.

Before leaning towards Sociology, I studied and earned Bachelors (Honors) and Masters degree in Economics, with a minor in Mathematics from Lahore University of Management Sciences in Lahore, Pakistan. The critical economist in me peeks out especially when I teach topics around social class, development, and economic systems.

I currently serve as the Equity Liaison at Race, Gender and Sexuality Studies Department. I am also the Faculty Advisor to Asian Students Organization at UWL.

I am a trained vocalist in Pakistani (Hindustani) classical music tradition, and perform in concerts frequently. I use interdisciplinary approaches in collaborating with the music programs, to create global cultural consciousness among students.

I serve as a member of the Arts Board for the City of La Crosse.