Sana Illahe

Sana Illahe, faculty in the department of Sociology at Virginia Tech, is a decolonial gender scholar, with a Ph.D in Sociology. 

Dr. Illahe's research interests include studying how transgender persons negotiate mobility in various spaces in Pakistan, especially in urban public spaces. She has several works currently under way. 

Some of the courses she teaches currently include Introductory Sociology, Gender Relations, and Social Research Methods, with a strong emphasis on feminist and decolonial frameworks. 

Before moving to Virginia Tech in August 2024, Dr. Illahe taught in the department of Race, Gender and Sexuality Studies at University of Wisconsin- La Crosse (UWL) for two years, where she also served as the Equity Liaison for her department. She also served as the Faculty Advisor for the Asian Students Organization, and had been an active member of the City of La Crosse’s Arts Board. 

She is also a trained classical vocalist from Pakistan and performs in concerts frequently. She has guest lectured for UWL’s Music department, and is also currently in the beginning stages of autoethnographic scholarship and creative endeavors through her music, uncovering themes of gender, class, and sexuality through her performances, as a scholar and an artist.