Previous Experience: 

Before joining UNI, Dr. Jha earned her Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision from Northern Illinois University. She also holds a Master of Science in Counseling from Christ (Deemed to be University) in India. Prior to coming to the U.S., she worked with mental health organizations in India, focusing on counseling and support services for young adolescents, college students, and working professionals.

Her research interests center on professional development in counseling and counselor education, with particular emphasis on mentoring, researcher identity, and the impact of culture and trauma. Dr. Jha’s diverse clinical and academic experiences across different populations and cultural contexts inform her culturally responsive and equity-centered approach to teaching, research, and practice.

What brought you to UNI?

Dr. Jha was drawn to UNI by its strong commitment to student success, community engagement, and equity-driven education. The Department of Family, Aging, and Counseling stood out for its collaborative spirit and dedication to preparing compassionate, culturally responsive counselors. The opportunity to contribute to this mission, through scholarship, teaching, and mentorship, aligns deeply with her professional values and long-term aspirations.

What are your interests?

Dr. Jha is passionate about teaching professional orientation and ethics, multicultural counseling, and research methods in counseling. Her research agenda broadly centers on professional development in counseling, with intersecting interests in culture and trauma. She is particularly interested in mentoring processes, researcher identity development, and the experiences of international students in counselor education.

Outside of her academic work, Dr. Jha enjoys traveling, dancing, and reading psychological thrillers and murder mysteries. She is a vegetarian and an animal lover, with a deep appreciation for compassion and connection in all aspects of life.