Michael Becker, Ph.D. 2021
Brown University - Postdoctoral Fellow, Center for the Study of Slavery & Justice and the John Carter Brown Library – Providence, RI
2021 Ph.D., History (Atlantic/Caribbean History); graduate certificates in African & African American Studies, Latin American Caribbean Studies, and College Teaching; M.A. Atlantic/Caribbean History (2015)
How has being a History graduate from Duke helped shape you personally and/or professionally?
"My Duke education trained me in rigorous and innovative historical research, college teaching, scholarly writing, and grant applications. It enabled me to build strong connections with a variety of formal and informal mentors among the faculty and facilitated connections with a variety of alumni in my chosen field of study. The reputation and personal connections built through the department and the university have been important in my job search."
What advice would you give students in Duke's History programs?
"Take full advantage of Duke's excellent rare books and manuscripts collection, both in physical form and in ample electronic databases. I feel like these resources are not widely known enough and have been of great utility in my own research and teaching, both at Duke and after."
