ABOUT
As a historian, I am dedicated to exploring complex and interconnected factors contributing to global conflicts, genocide, and other human rights violations. I seek to promote awareness and encourage constructive discourse among scholars and the broader community.
.jpg)
MY STORY
Throughout my academic career, I have conducted interviews and recorded the stories of Holocaust survivors, such as Elie Weisel, former members of the Hitler Youth, and other German contemporaries. My goal is to provide a holistic view of life in Nazi Germany and present their diverse experiences.
I am dedicated to exploring the complex and interconnected factors contributing to global conflicts, genocide, and other human rights violations so that we may better understand our world.
bib·lio·phile
(n.) A lover of books; one who loves to read, admire and collect books.
in the beginning...
My initial research interest was in the question of complicity and in understanding the motivations behind perpetrators of mass killing and genocide, and the role of propaganda in society. My work centered on the cultural, social, and psychological factors that influenced perpetrators of the Holocaust and the genocides in Cambodia and Rwanda.
In my Master's thesis, I studied the impact of anti-Semitic propaganda and rhetoric on public opinion and how it motivated complicity. For my Doctoral dissertation, I analyzed the effectiveness of ideological indoctrination as an educational tool in Nazi Germany.
Philosophy & Mission.
As a comparative historian, my primary focus is analyzing the underlying reasons behind global conflicts, genocide, and human rights violations. My ultimate objective is to contribute to academic discourse and promote a better understanding of these complex issues.
I aim to bridge the gap between the past and present by analyzing historical factors that impact current human rights issues. I am dedicated to safeguarding and promoting human rights through an interdisciplinary approach to conflict resolution and reconciliation.
THE POWER OF HISTORY
INTERDISCIPLINARY APPROACH
MISSION TO INSPIRE CHANGE
History has the power to inspire positive change. We can better understand how history has shaped our world by investigating historical influences and diverse perspectives. Through interdisciplinary exploration and meticulous research, I strive to enhance our awareness of the impact of history on our society today. Shedding light on historical narratives and contexts is crucial in achieving this goal.
My research approach is interdisciplinary as it draws upon various fields such as history, cultural anthropology, religion, oral history, and conflict studies. This approach allows for a more comprehensive understanding of complex historical events and their implications. I believe that this approach is essential to bridging gaps and developing a nuanced understanding of global issues. By synthesizing insights from comparative history, cultural anthropology, oral history, and religion, my goal is to provide unique perspectives that transcend traditional boundaries, promote dialogue, and foster mutual understanding.
My mission is to contribute to the creation of a more just and compassionate world by raising awareness and promoting empathy, justice, and human rights. I am committed to using my research, writing, and advocacy skills to encourage positive change. I believe that by inspiring individuals and communities to take action, we can bridge perspectives, achieve mutual understanding, and create long-lasting and sustainable change.
ACADEMIC AFFILIATIONS
.png)
FROM MENTEE TO SCHOLAR: MEET THE PROFESSORS WHO INSPIRED ME
I was fortunate to have been mentored by Eric Weitz, Stephen Feinstein, and Antony Polonsky. Under their guidance, I gained valuable insights into history, human rights, and genocide studies. Their work has inspired me to approach historical analysis with a critical and nuanced perspective, allowing me to apply the lessons from the past to contemporary social justice and human rights issues. Their mentorship has been instrumental in inspiring my research and understanding of these crucial subjects.
EDUCATION
2010
M.A.
Brandeis University
Comparative History
Major Fields
-
Holocaust Studies
-
Comparative Genocide
-
Near Eastern & Judaic Studies
Thesis Title: "The Effectiveness of Anti-Semitic Propaganda and Rhetoric: Public Opinion in Nazi Germany."
Advisor
-
Antony Polonsky (Brandeis, Emeritus)
2007
Universität-Freiburg
German History and German Language
2022
PhD
Florida State University
Modern European History
Major & Minor Fields
-
Modern Germany
-
Nazi Germany
-
Middle East Studies
-
Peace & Conflict Studies
-
Religion & Ethnicity
Dissertation Title: “Ideological Indoctrination: Nazi Germany’s Kinderlandverschickung Program, 1940-1945.” (under embargo)
Advisors
-
Nathan Stoltzfus (FSU, History)
-
Gerhard E. Sollbach (TU-Dortmund, History Prof. Emeritus)
2008
B.A.
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, Cum Laude
Cultural Anthropology & History
Primary Research Interests
-
The Holocaust & Genocide Studies
-
Comparative Genocide
Honors Thesis: "Defining the Other: The Social Psychology of Killing, Nazi Germany and the Khmer Rouge in Cambodia."
Advisors
-
Eric Weitz (University of Minnesota, History)
-
Stephen Feinstein (University of Minnesota, History)
LANGUAGES
German, Full Professional Proficiency
Reading, Writing, Speaking (Fluent)
FELLOWSHIPS, GRANTS, AND AWARDS
Mellon International Dissertation Research Fellowship, Social Science Research Council. (2014-2015)
Named Alternate for the Fulbright Scholarship Award. (2014)
Conference Presentation Support Grant, Congress of Graduate Students, FSU. (2013)
International Conference Presentation Support Grant, Congress of Graduate Students, FSU (COGS). (2011-2013)
Graduate Research Travel Grant, Florida State University History Department. (2014)
Research Grant, Brandeis University Graduate Studies of Arts and Sciences. (2009-2010)
Study Abroad Essay Scholarship, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. College of Liberal Arts Honors Grant. (2007) University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. Dean’s List, University of Minnesota -Twin Cities. (2005-2008)
National Dean’s List. (2003-2006)
ARCHIVAL RESEARCH
National Socialist Documentation Center, (NS-Dokumentationszentrum), Cologne, Germany. (2015)
Dissertation Research, Dortmund, Germany. (2013-2015)
Technische-Universität Dortmund, Dortmund, Germany. (2013)
Freiburg State Military Archive, (Bundesarchiv Militärarchiv), Freiburg, Germany. (2012)
Institute of Contemporary History, (Institute für Zeitgeschichte München), Munich, Germany. (2011)
Institute of Contemporary History, (Institute für Zeitgeschichte München), Munich, Germany. (2010)
United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, Washington D.C. (2009)