Lauren Nippoldt

Lauren's research explores the experiences of individuals who perform voluntary social work, seva, in Delhi, India. She investigates the motivation behind engaging in this work, experiences of wellbeing, and the occurrence of “burnout” among volunteers. She explores how practices of seva draw upon and transform social categories that individuals occupy and how those social categories differentially impact moral personhood through seva. Lastly, she explores how seva as a Sikh practice is part of communal healing.

Before joining UCSD, Lauren completed her BA in Anthropology and Psychology at Washington University in St. Louis.

Research Interests: Psychological & Medical Anthropology, South Asia, Care, Wellbeing & Moral Experience, Sikhism