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. 

  • Shuko Tamao, PhD Class of 2020
    12/8/21
    What drew me to the UB Department of History was the fact that several professors were very well matched to my interest area. I saw how students and faculty members were collegial to each other.
  • 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.
  • Danielle Redfield, BA Class of 2022
    7/20/22
    “I was drawn to UB's History department because of the diversity in both the professors and the courses offered. This was extremely important to me in planning my education because I wanted to be taught by scholars who each brought their own varied perspectives into their field of study. Being a History major at UB has given me some of my best memories. The department is filled with some of the smartest people I think I'll ever meet who truly have a passion for the field they're in but more importantly the students they teach. The people in the program constantly push each other to widen perspectives and challenge how we understand history. UB History has shaped how I look at history and how I look at what is happening around me in the world today.” 
  • Joshua Keil, MA Class of 2018
    12/8/21
    If you enjoy learning about history, working with renowned scholars within various fields on a personal basis, creating and conducting your own research limited only by your imagination, and generally enjoy the company of fellow nerds and actually having fun in an academic setting, then I would say “Welcome to the University at Buffalo!” because you’ve found the right place!
  • Crystal L. Couch, BA Class of 2021
    12/8/21
    “I can say, with confidence, that my time at UB in the undergraduate history program was exciting, engaging, welcoming, and unique. I had the opportunity to learn and interact with some of the most knowledgeable and engaging professors, who strived to make each class exciting. I learned skills and knowledge that were versatile and adaptable to my current life as a graduate education student. I am grateful for my decision to pursue my B. A in history and am thankful for the experiences I gained during my time in the program.” 
  • Lauren Kacherski, BA Class of 2018
    12/8/21
    As a freshman, I originally applied to UB as a business major. During the summer after high school graduation, I began to have doubts regarding this choice and contacted an advisor to discuss my decision. I spoke with Janeen Wilder and she was immensely helpful.
  • Mariah Agbonkpolo, BA Class of 2021
    12/8/21
    "I wanted to become a History major because we need to understand the past if we want to create lasting social change. Since I wanted to pursue a degree in law, I felt it was necessary to understand how historical processes create institutional barriers that perpetuate social inequalities. Being a history major provided me with the space to study the impact of social identities such as race and gender on the past and present. "
  • Shanleigh Corrallo, PhD Class of 2020
    12/8/21
    I currently study African American and urban history following World War II. My focus is on Black Power organizations in Rustbelt areas; I study how these organizations responded to federal initiatives such as urban renewal that often led to the destruction of minority homes and communities. Following graduation, I envision myself working for a think-tank or a non-profit organization in a policy capacity.
  • Steve Joyce, BA Class of 2014
    12/8/21
    My history degree has helped me immensely in my pursuit of a law degree. I learned early on to not only spot issues, but to determine the why and how these issues came to be.
  • Angelo Lomeo, BA Class of 2011, MA Class of 2013
    12/8/21
    "I am a 10th grade World History and AP World History teacher at a high school in the local Buffalo area. I do not know what my current life would look like without the University at Buffalo's History Undergraduate program. The program and its professors, especially Dr. Andreas Daum, are welcoming, enthusiastic, supportive, rigorous, and inspiring. At the end of the program, I not only felt well-prepared for my career, but I felt the life lessons learned and relationships formed along the way indicated to me that taking the program was one of the best decisions I have ever made."