Getting to Know… Tirna Chandra

Name: Tirna Chandra
Department: English, PhD
Year: 1st year
Where is home for you?
Shillong, India

Tirna’s Fast Five!

  1. Would you rather drink coffee or tea? Coffee.
  2. Which do you like better, science fiction or fantasy? Fantasy.
  3. Do you like to read traditional books or e-books? Traditional books.
  4. Do you prefer vanilla or chocolate? Chocolate.
  5. Do you like shopping online or in-person? Shopping in-person.

What are your favorite things to do in the South Bend area?
So far, visiting the South Bend Farmer’s Market on Saturdays, and Latin dancing at Ironhand!

What is your passion project right now?

Exploring the digital archives, pertinent to my research area, made accessible by Hesburgh Library. There is such a wealth of material!

What makes you feel at home in South Bend?

The communities I find myself a part of, both within my department, and outside. I feel at home (where “home” signifies a sense of security and comfort) when I’m able to share a meal, and a laugh, with these amazing people I got to know!

Do you have a story about your graduate student experience that you would like to share?

At the first Graduate Orientation event, I met a new Ph.D. student from the College of Science. It was serendipitous, and we have become fast friends! And in talking about our respective work, we often find unexpected intersections between our obviously disparate disciplines. This is not as much a story, as an encouragement for people to interact with others outside your Colleges, and find new and unexpected ways of approaching your research! Thank you, ND orientation!