Chandani Patel

Dr. Chandani Patel made significant contributions as the Senior Assistant Director of Faculty Programs and Services at Columbia University's Center for Teaching and Learning until October 2019. With a Ph.D. in Comparative Literature from the University of Chicago and advanced degrees from New York University, she brought deep academic expertise to her role in developing faculty programs and inclusive teaching initiatives. Her work focused on creating diverse learning environments, implementing active and collaborative learning strategies, and fostering peer-to-peer mentorship. Before Columbia, she served as Assistant Director at the Chicago Center for Teaching, where she managed Teaching Consultants and oversaw the Excellence in Course Design Award program. Her scholarly work explores the fascinating intersection of Afro-Indian Ocean literature, particularly examining South Asian presence in Africa and connections between Indian and Atlantic Ocean worlds. At Columbia, she developed comprehensive workshops and consultations on inclusive teaching, teaching portfolio development, and student-centered course design. As a member of the Academic Council for the South Asian American Digital Archive, she continues to contribute to scholarly discourse while maintaining her passion for educational equity. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Dr. Patel enjoys literature, running, and exploring nature with her family, bringing a balanced approach to her academic leadership role