Meet Our Students

Our students come from diverse backgrounds and pursue a variety of different careers, but they have one thing in common: a desire to understand the past. We're honored to help them on their journey. Learn more about why our students think the University at Buffalo Department of History is the perfect place to study. 

  • Jenna Marcus, BA Class of 2021
    12/8/21
    “The history classes I’ve taken at UB have stayed with me long after finishing them. Among other things, they opened my eyes to a world of diverse histories and human experiences, and helped me to understand the events that have shaped our current world. The knowledge gained and the stories learned have awarded me valuable and clear-eyed insight into the present — something all too important in a world where peoples, systems and events are so often deeply misunderstood.” 
  • Mohamad Naji, BA Class of 2021
    12/8/21
    “One thing I loved during my time in the history department, is the amazing professors I had. There is a wide range of topics that students can learn about and all the professors made the classes fantastic. I only ever had fantastic professors and they really made my experience only more enjoyable. You really cannot go wrong with any of the professors and I look at a lot of them as role models for me beyond my time at UB.” 
  • Sam Trzaska, BA Class of 2018
    12/8/21
    To be honest, every single class and experience during my time as a history major has been excellent. From the office staff to the faculty, everyone in the department is there to help you achieve your academic and career goals. I have taken courses on everything from the history of WWII to the cultural history of the Huron-Wendat Nation and the evolution of my favorite sport, soccer. However, my experience with the History Honors Program stood out as the most memorable and rewarding.
  • Alec Herbert, History Minor Class of 2021
    12/8/21
    “My minor in history at UB helped me develop my reading and writing skills but more importantly showed me the importance of history as a discipline. No matter what your area of study, I think getting involved with the History Department can help you be more understanding and compassionate about the situations and problems we face today.” 
  • Jessica Petteys, History / Law Combined BA Student , Class of 2022
    7/21/22
    “My favorite part about being a History major at UB was how interesting and diverse the classes are. They have an amazing selection of subjects. As a History major at UB, you’ll find yourself taking everything from the History of Brazil to the History of Korea (sometimes in the same semester)! The professors are extraordinarily and always there to help!” 
  • David Strittmatter, PhD Class of 2018
    12/8/21
    Since starting the PhD program here, I have been pleasantly surprised by the number of opportunities grad students can take advantage of. Research and conference funding is available from a number of sources, and the department has given me the opportunity to teach three of my own classes.
  • Richard Fries, BA Class of 2021
    12/8/21
    My favorite class within the history major so far would have to be His 391,China and the World, taught by Dr. Stapleton. As someone who went into the course with very little knowledge about Chinese history, this class provided all of the necessary background information that you would need in order to get really in depth on a lot of interesting topics I never covered in high school.
  • Vicky Jocelin, BA Class of 2009
    12/8/21
    I graduated from the University at Buffalo in May of 2009 with a BA in History and Teacher Education Minor. My degree created an opening at a non-profit agency where I assisted over-aged and under credited at-risk students earn their high school diploma.
  • Logan Woodward, BA Class of 2017
    12/8/21
    After graduating I continued my work as the Coordinator of Jewish Student Life for Hillel of Buffalo in a full time role. Through Hillel International, I was accepted to the Ezra Fellowship.
  • Tanya Blakeley-Clark, PhD Candidate
    12/8/21
    Initially, the prospect of working with Dr. Claire Schen drew me to UB. I became familiar with her work as a master’s student and was excited at the opportunity to study under her. What solidified my decision was the welcoming environment that I experienced during my campus visit and the interdisciplinary approach that the department takes with regards to courses and research work.