Mita Saksena

Dr. Mita Saksena is a scholar, educator, and global health policy expert whose work bridges international relations, public health, and health policy. She holds a Ph.D. in International Relations from Florida International University and an M.A. in Political Science from the University of Delhi. With over a decade of experience in higher education, Dr. Saksena has developed a strong interdisciplinary profile that integrates global health governance, political analysis, public opinion, and inclusive pedagogy.

Dr. Saksena’s research focuses on global public health, health security, infectious diseases, media framing, and health inequities, with particular attention to gender, governance, and policy implementation. Her scholarly work has been published in peer- reviewed journals and edited volumes, including Journal of Emerging and Rare Diseases, SAGE Research Methods Cases, and Doing Qualitative Research in Politics.
Her research examines how media narratives and public opinion shape health policy responses, particularly during global health crises such as pandemics. She has also contributed policy-oriented writing to organizations such as UN Women, highlighting the intersection of mental health, gender, and human rights.

An accomplished teacher, Dr. Saksena has taught extensively across institutions, including the University of Bridgeport, Rutgers University, and the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities system. Her teaching portfolio spans global public health, international relations, health policy, health economics, health communication, ethics in healthcare, and political science. She is particularly recognized for her commitment to
inclusive and effective teaching practices, curriculum design, and the application of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles in post-pandemic higher education.

Dr. Saksena is an active participant in professional development and faculty leadership initiatives. She has received numerous professional development grants and awards, including funding from Harvard University Online, the International Studies Association, and Connecticut State Colleges and Universities. She regularly presents her work at national and international conferences, including the International Studies Association,
the Pan-European Conference on International Relations, and the American Public Health Association.

In addition to her teaching and research, Dr. Saksena provides professional service as a peer reviewer for academic journals, an abstract reviewer for major conferences, and a member of academic assessment and advising committees. She is actively involved in professional associations, including the International Studies Association, American Political Science Association, and National Academic Advising Association. Fluent in English and Hindi, Dr. Saksena brings a global and culturally informed perspective to her scholarship, teaching, and community engagement.