WORCESTER – Khatchig Mouradian became the first student to complete a doctorate in Armenian Genocide Studies at the Strassler Center for Holocaust and Genocide Studies at Clark University.
“For me, this degree signifies six years of mentorship and training that instilled in me a commitment to scholarship and teaching, which I now pass on to my students,” Mr. Mouradian said.
Mr. Mouradian defended his dissertation, “Genocide and Humanitarian Assistance in Ottoman Syria (1915-1917),” before professors Taner Akҫam – the first scholar of Turkish origin to acknowledge the Armenian genocide and to publish groundbreaking research on that topic – and Debórah Dwork, who served as co-directors of his dissertation committee. Raymond Kévorkian, director of the Nubarian Library in Paris, served as the third committee member.
“This graduation marks a historic turning point in Armenian Genocide research. He is not only the first doctor of our Armenian Genocide track but also the first doctorate in North America after so many years of silence in the field,” Mr. Akcam said during a recent celebration to honor Mr. Mouradian, held in the Strassler Center’s Rose Library.
“This is the beginning of a very important trend to continue the work to be done,” said Mary Jane Rein, executive director of the Strassler Center, adding that with the aging of leading scholars in this field, it is crucial that the younger generation is equipped to carry on this important research, which among other things, will silence the naysayers.
She further explained, “The Armenian genocide is not recognized by the Turks or the U.S. government.”
Four other students are working on doctorates in Armenian Genocide Studies at the Strassler Center, with one close to completing a dissertation, Ms. Rein said.
Mr. Mouradian is a visiting assistant professor at the Division of Global Affairs at Rutgers University and is the coordinator the Armenian Genocide Program at Rutgers’ Center for the Study of Genocide and Human Rights. He teaches courses on imperialism, mass violence and concentration camps in the history and sociology departments at Rutgers. He is also an adjunct professor in the philosophy and urban studies departments at Worcester State University, teaching courses on urban space and conflict in the Middle East, genocide, collective memory and human rights.
Mr. Mouradian was the editor of the Armenian Weekly from 2007 to 2014 and also the recipient of numerous awards, including the first Hrant Dink Freedom and Justice Medal, given to him in 2014 by the Organization of Istanbul Armenians.
Anna Maria prof publishes book on ADHD
Dennis Vanasse, director of the Student Success Center at Anna Maria College and an adjunct professor, has recently published his third book, “ADHD, Can’t Sit Still.” Mr. Vanasse explains his reason for writing: “As an adjunct professor of 22 years, I always wanted to get my message out to young children. My goal is for children to embrace the unique qualities of each other.” This book is based on the life of pop star Scott Isbell and his experiences with ADHD.
FSU hosts reading of alum’s play
Fitchburg State University campus will host a staged reading of a new play by alumnus Andy Bayiates that imagines Abraham Lincoln as the father of social media. “Faceland: 1853” will be performed under the direction of professor Richard McElvain at 3:30 p.m. Feb. 25 in Weston Auditorium, 353 North St., Fitchburg. Admission is free.
MWCC launches speaker series
Mount Wachusett Community College is launching a public forum, the Tea Time Speaker Series, with a panel presentation exploring obstacles that men of color face in today’s society, workforce and education system.
The first forum of the series, a Men of Color panel presentation and Black History Month luncheon, will take place from noon to 1:30 p.m. Feb. 29 in the North Café of MWCC’s Gardner campus. Seating is limited and reservations are required.
To reserve a seat, call (978) 630-9493 or email sgunn@mwcc.mass.edu.
Nichols hosts author Michael Tougias
Local author Michael Tougias will give a lecture and slide presentation on his book “The Finest Hours: The True Story of the U.S. Coast Guard’s Most Daring Sea Rescue” at 3:45 p.m. Feb. 22 at Nichols College in Daniels Auditorium. The Disney Corp. has made a major motion picture based on the book. Released Jan. 29, it stars Chris Pine, Eric Bana and Casey Affleck. Mr. Tougias also will share the leadership lessons from this rescue that could help people in their decision-making and job performance.
WPI awarded $1M by USABC
The United States Advanced Battery Consortium LLC has awarded a $1 million contract to a research team at Worcester Polytechnic Institute to support further development and scale-up of a novel process for recycling lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries and the production of new plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) battery cells using the recovered cathode material. The consortium is a collaborative organization of FCA US LLC, Ford Motor Co. and General Motors.
The program, directed by Yan Wang, will scale up a process for recycling batteries by recovering cathode materials, which can be reused in new batteries at a significant cost reduction, and keeps strategic materials from being thrown away.
In laboratory studies, Mr. Wang and his team have been able to recycle up to 80 percent of the cathode materials from unsorted batteries using this process.
