Justin Masucci

Justin Masucci.

Justin Masucci, PhD candidate

PhD Candidate

What do you study, and where do you see yourself after graduation?

My general areas of study are United States and Latin American history, but my field of focus is the history of the US as an imperial power. After graduation, I see myself teaching at a liberal arts college.

What drew you to graduate work at UB?

The most appealing aspect of the graduate program at UB is the cooperative spirit among the graduate students. Generally-speaking, the members of doctoral cohorts aid each other rather than compete with each other.

What has been your favorite experience so far as a UB History student?

My favorite experiences as a UB history student have been in the classroom. In addition to the atmosphere of comradery, the graduate program provides various opportunities for students to teach, either as teaching assistants or as instructors during the summer and winter sessions.

What advice would you have for a prospective UB History graduate student?

My advice for prospective UB history graduate students is to choose dissertation topics that stimulate intellectual excitement. The process of researching and writing a dissertation is long and arduous, so do whatever you can to make the situation better.

What are your favorite historical places around WNY?

My favorite historic site in the greater Buffalo area is Forest Lawn Cemetery. It is the final resting place of such notable individuals as President Millard Fillmore, Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm, Seneca Chieftain Red Jacket, and musical artist Rick James.

If you could have dinner with one famous historical person, who would it be?

If I could have dinner with one person from history, I would want to dine with President Franklin Roosevelt because he preserved American democracy during the Great Depression (a period when democracy was not particularly popular) and led the American war effort that, in conjunction with the other Allies, defeated the fascists in World War II.