Dr. Pooja is a social work scholar, educator, and researcher whose work centres on romantic relationships, urban youth, and public health in contemporary India. She holds a PhD in Social Work from the University of Delhi, where her doctoral research examined romantic relationships during emerging adulthood in urban contexts. With an interdisciplinary academic background in social work, sociology, psychology, and mass communication, her scholarship bridges theory, practice, and policy-oriented engagement. Dr. Pooja currently serves as Consulting Regional Coordinator with Aditi Mahavidyalaya, University of Delhi, in collaboration with the National AIDS Control Organization and Tata Institute of Social Sciences, leading large-scale evaluation initiatives across North India. She has previously taught at IIM Rohtak and Bhopal School of Social Sciences, designing innovative courses in sociology, psychology, and social work while mentoring students in research and community engagement. A UGC-NET-JRF awardee and recipient of the Best Paper Award at an international conference, her research has appeared in peer-reviewed journals and edited volumes. She has presented her research findings at the prestigious International Association of Relationship Research conference. Her work is guided by a strong commitment to emancipatory and strength-based social work, focusing on identity, intimacy, and empowerment in rapidly changing urban societies. Through scholarship and practice, she continues to shape conversations on youth, relationships, and socially responsive interventions.