Poonam Ingle

I am a PhD scholar in sociology at Khon Kaen University, Thailand, specialising in migration studies, social capital, and temporary migrant entrepreneurship in Southeast Asia. My doctoral research examines how Temporary Indian Migrant Entrepreneurs mobilise bonding, bridging, and linking social capital to navigate business development, institutional access, and socio-economic integration in Thailand.

I bring strong expertise in qualitative and phenomenological research methodologies, including in-depth interviewing, snowball sampling, fieldwork coordination, and thematic analysis. My work integrates theoretical frameworks from social capital theory, migration studies, and urban sociology to analyse migrant livelihoods, gendered entrepreneurship, and diaspora engagement in transnational contexts.

Alongside academic research, I have extensive experience in advocacy, outreach, and programme coordination within civil society organisations in India. This has strengthened my ability to engage with diverse stakeholders, prepare analytical reports, support monitoring and evaluation activities, and translate research insights into applied policy and community-oriented outcomes.

I have presented my research at international and regional conferences across Thailand, Malaysia, and India, and have been recognised with a Best Paper Presenter award. My interdisciplinary background bridges sociology, social work, development studies, and South Asian studies.

I am actively seeking opportunities in academic research, policy research, NGOs, international development organisations, and migration-focused projects where rigorous qualitative research and community engagement are central.

An experienced social researcher and programme coordinator with over eight years of professional engagement in advocacy, community development, and social research. Currently serving as Advocacy and Outreach Coordinator at Shodh Niranjana, Nagpur, with responsibilities spanning community mobilisation, research support, stakeholder engagement, and social awareness initiatives. Previously worked as Coordinator and Field Worker at BODHISATV: Gramin Evam Shahri Vikas Sansthan, Indore, contributing to rural and urban development programmes, field-based research, capacity-building activities, and implementation of grassroots interventions.

Possesses strong experience in qualitative fieldwork, community outreach, programme coordination, and research dissemination. Professional practice is closely aligned with academic expertise in migration, social capital, gender, entrepreneurship, and diaspora studies, with demonstrated ability to bridge academic research and community-based development initiatives.

Ph.D. in Sociology from Khon Kaen University, Thailand (dissertation defence completed in 2025), with specialisation in migration studies, social capital, and diaspora research. The doctoral research focuses on Temporary Indian Migrant Entrepreneurs in Thailand, examining socio-economic, cultural, and network-based dimensions of migrant entrepreneurship through qualitative methodologies. Holds a Master of Social Work (MSW) and a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from Devi Ahilya University, Indore, both completed with First Division, providing strong foundational training in social research methods, community development, and applied social sciences.