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. 

  • 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.
  • 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.” 
  • Derek Taylor, PhD Class of 2021
    12/8/21
    Dr. Claire Schen was the biggest single factor that attracted me to UB. Her background in the study of the religious history of Britain caught my eye when I was looking at prospective programs, but more importantly she took time to communicate with me before I applied and after I was accepted in regards to the specifics of the program, her research, and my interests.
  • 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.
  • Caitlin Blue, BA Class of 2018
    12/8/21
    Prior to coming to UB as a transfer student in 2015, I attended St. Bonaventure University where I was an International Studies major. I had always had an affinity with anything related to history but I wasn’t so sure about majoring in it.
  • 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.” 
  • 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.
  • 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!” 
  • Milenie Mani, Current History BA Student
    12/8/21
    “I found history to be interesting because of how broad but yet specific the world of history can be. As a history major, I can study the past and present societies as well as people's behaviors. My academic study in history has allowed me to understand how the past historical events and societies can be connected to modern day episodes. Within my four years in the history department, I feel as though my focus on historical issues has allowed me to develop the abilities to think critically and analyze historical trends. I have strengthened my writing skills and am able to write in depth on complex issues. I chose to major in history because it offers the most versatility in terms of learning about science, art, religion, politics, and culture. I recommend majoring in history to anyone who displays a wide range of interests and is seeking to enhance your writing and research skills.” 
  • 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.”