My research circles around two key themes: 

DIFFUSION

I study the diffusion of ideas and institutions, with a focus on how these processes shape and are shaped by local contexts. 

My work is informed by following theories/questions: 

• How do global cultural and institutional norms shape and influence local practices (World Polity Theory)? 

• What dynamics of global power relations drive cultural diffusion, and how can these be understood through the lens of Global Field Theory? 

• What mechanisms facilitate or hinder the diffusion of ideas/innovations across regions, and what insights can be drawn from diffusion literature?

Currently, I am conducting research on the diffusion of smart classrooms in Bihar, India. This study provides a diffusion analysis of technological adoption in educational institutions, examining how modern innovations coexist with and sometimes reinforce traditional practices. Through this work, I am trying to understand the complexities of technological diffusion in diverse cultural settings, offering insights into the broader patterns of cultural similarity and difference that emerge from global diffusion processes.

PUBLIC OPINION

Another strand of research that interests me is the study of public opinion, particularly how it shapes and is shaped by educational systems and policies. My work explores the collective views of individuals on social and governmental matters, focusing on the crucial role public opinion plays in signaling societal change and guiding policy decisions. 

My approach to public opinion research is informed by the following three questions:

• How can we conceptualize and measure public opinion effectively, and what methods can be used to understand its sources of variation?

• In what ways does public opinion influence the creation and implementation of education policies, particularly in diverse sociopolitical contexts?

• How can cross-cultural and international perspectives enrich the study of public opinion, moving beyond U.S.-centric research to incorporate insights from global education systems?

I am currently working on three projects aligned with this research interest. The first examines how factors such as education level, religious beliefs, and sociopolitical attitudes shape public perceptions of India's education system. The second investigates the various influences that drive parents' concerns about their children's future in India. The third focuses on understanding the development and evolution of India's National Education Policies (NEPs), analyzing the broader social and cultural forces that inform these policies.