![] Foto Fellows](/fileadmin/_processed_/9/8/csm_Gomez_French_Singha_Foto_f031a6b840.png)
Dr. Alba Gómez García is Lecturer in Spanish Literature and Cultural Studies at Carlos III University of Madrid, Spain. Her research interests include Hispanism, Cultural Studies and Visual and digital arts. Following her previous Humboldt fellowship at the University of Passau in 2020, she returns to the Chair of Romance Literatures and Cultures (Prof. Dr. Susanne Hartwig) as a PICAIS Fellow to conduct research from September to November 2025 and from May to June 2026. Her research project “Images of Female Aging in Contemporary European Theatre” at the University of Passau explores representations of women aged 65 and over in contemporary European theatre, examining how these portrayals shape societal attitudes toward aging and contribute to more equitable cultural and social discourses.
Prof. Dr. Lorely French is a Distinguished Professor at the Department of World Languages and Cultures at the Pacific University in the USA. Her research focuses on the literature, writings, film and art by Roma and Sinti in Europe. From October 2025 to March 2026, she will research at the University of Passau at Prof. Marina Ortrud Hertrampf’s Professorship of Romance Literature and Culture with a focus on France. Her research at the University of Passau centers on the theme “Dreams, Hopes, and Utopias in Literature, Writings, Film, and Art by Roma and Sinti in Europe.”. Through a symposium, an exhibition on Ceija Stojka, archival research, and an essay co-edited with Prof. Marina Ortrud Hertrampf, the project examines how Stojka’s art and related works express resilience and hope amid historical and ongoing discrimination.
Dr. Sagorika Singha is a Researcher from the Jawaharlal Nehru University, School of Arts and Aesthetics, India. Her research focus spans around Digitalisation, Internet Cultures, and Social Engagement. She is currently an International Research Group on Authoritarianism and Counter-Strategies Associate Fellow and will join the Chair of Development Studies (Prof. Dr. Wolfram Schaffar) as a PICAIS Fellow from November to February 2026.
At the University of Passau, her research project “Content Creators as Custodians: How Youtubers Affect Political Communication in Digital India” will examine how regional YouTube influencers in India played a key role in shaping political narratives during the 2024 general elections. It also investigates how state-backed influencer initiatives blur the lines between digital labour, propaganda, and economic opportunity.
We are delighted to for this collaboration and welcome them to Passau!