I am a historian of modern Africa and a global health specialist whose research focuses primarily on the East Africa region (Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda). I write about the history of medicine and science in Africa, in addition to having a line of student-oriented public health research focused in Oregon, and a new project partnering with development economists to consider research ethics. My work looks a bit different than some other historians: it is frequently interdisciplinary; I employ a variety of historical, anthropological, and social science methods; and I almost always have co-authors and collaborators, who are often my students and long-term East African partners.
I am currently an Associate Professor in the History Department at the University of Oregon, past director of the UO’s African Studies Program, and one of the co-founders of the UO’s Global Health Program. I am a first generation college student, and one of the pleasures of my job is getting to mentor other first-generation students. I received my Ph.D. in History and my Masters in Public Health from Boston University. I worked in the United States as a health educator with Planned Parenthood, and have participated in global health outreach and advocacy programs in Botswana and Tanzania, working with global health organizations such as Population Services International.
Outside of work, I like to trail run with friends, cross-country ski with my partner, pull weeds in my garden all by myself, bake cakes for neighbors, and ride on boats in Switzerland with my daughters.
I am on sabbatical from July 2023-July 2024, based in Milano, Italy. I am not taking on any graduate students at the moment, but am happy to hear from undergraduates who are interested in the Global Health Research Group for AY 24-25.
