The Significance of Lived Experiences: Valuing the Human Dimension of History 

Preserving Personal Narratives: Importance of Lived Experiences

Giving Voice to the Marginalized

I am dedicated to preserving the personal experiences and memories of individuals who have lived through significant historical events. Through in-depth interviews and primary source preservation, I aim to give a voice to those whose stories might otherwise be lost to time. My research seeks to give a voice to those marginalized or overlooked in historical events.

I have received fellowships and grants, including the Mellon International Dissertation Research Fellowship, which allowed me to interview former members of the Hitler Youth and Holocaust survivors and other contemporaries who experienced life in Nazi Germany.

I conducted in-depth interviews with individuals who lived under National Socialism, including Holocaust survivors, former members of the Hitler Youth, and other German contemporaries. Interviews with Germans influenced by Nazi ideology provide unique insights into the complexities of indoctrination.

My research primarily focuses on documenting and preserving the testimonies, voices, and experiences of all individuals affected by the Nazi regime. As an oral and comparative historian, I concentrate on the effects of ideological indoctrination on individuals and societies, primarily within educational institutions.

Promoting Understanding and Compassion

Through engagement with the experiences of Holocaust survivors and those affected by ideological indoctrination, I hope to contribute to a better understanding of how such indoctrination affects individuals, societies, and collective memory. 

Ultimately, I seek to inspire positive change, advocate for justice, and promote a more inclusive and compassionate world.

Ideological Indoctrination of Children in Nazi Germany

My research primarily focuses on the impact of ideological indoctrination on individuals and societies. By analyzing firsthand accounts and testimonies, I aim to uncover the motivations, methods, and consequences of ideological indoctrination, particularly on children who lived in Nazi Germany. This approach can provide valuable insights into the long-term effects of ideological manipulation and the challenges of confronting and overcoming deeply held beliefs in other similar historical events. It also serves to identify patterns and trends that are relevant to our current global climate.

Limitations of Oral History and Memory: The Inherent Fallibility of Memory

Oral history is a valuable tool for capturing personal narratives and experiences; however, it's essential to acknowledge its limitations. For instance, memory can be fallible, and individual experiences are subjective. Nevertheless, these limitations don't diminish the historical importance of firsthand accounts. Regardless of how they interpret them, the memories and experiences shared by individuals provide significant historical evidence that deserves careful examination and consideration.

Understanding Nuances of Memory

As an oral historian, I understand the importance of examining the voices and narratives of individuals who experienced or witnessed historical events. By analyzing their experiences, we can gain a deeper understanding of the effects of historical phenomena on individuals, contributing to a more nuanced understanding of the human experience.

Expanding Research Inquiry: Current Research 

Child Soldiers in the Modern World

My research also explores the recruitment of child soldiers in various contexts and is not limited to the Hitler Youth and contemporaries of Nazi Germany. By conducting comparative analysis and considering the historical and sociocultural factors, I aim to identify patterns, similarities, and differences that provide valuable insights into the challenges of recruiting and indoctrinating children. 

I draw upon the testimonies of individuals who have lived through these historical events and employ comparative analysis to uncover the human stories behind them. By valuing personal narratives and memories, we can gain a more comprehensive understanding of the impact of ideological indoctrination on individuals and societies. 

My research contextualizes personal narratives within broader historical, cultural, and social frameworks to provide a more nuanced understanding of the impacts of ideological indoctrination. Through this approach, I hope to contribute to a more inclusive and compassionate world where we can learn from the past, confront the legacies of oppression, and foster empathy and understanding in the present. 

Inspiring Transformative Change 

My commitment to this research stems from a deep desire to learn from the past, inspire transformative change, advocate for justice, and promote a more inclusive world. I engage with the experiences of those affected by ideological indoctrination, including Holocaust survivors and other German contemporaries who grew up under the Nazi Regime.