I am on sabbatical for AY 25-26 and checking email only intermittently; replies will likely be delayed. I am not taking on new requests for manuscript reviews, book reviews, letters of recommendation, and meetings with students I am not already advising at this time.
Student Inquiry FAQ
Are you accepting new grad students?
History and Sociology of Science at Penn does not admit students to work with particular faculty members; rather, we admit students to the department and students select an advisor later on. If you're applying for AY 26-27, I will return from leave in Fall 2026 and be available to work with new graduate students by the time you'd begin in the department.
Can you meet with me to discuss the program and/or look at my application materials?
Given the volume of requests I receive and in the spirit of fairness, I unfortunately cannot meet with prospective students or review application materials. If you have questions about the HSS PhD program, I recommend reaching out to our Graduate Chair, Prof. Ramah McKay (rmckay@sas.upenn.edu); for questions about the GSWS graduate certificate, inquire with Associate Director, Prof. Gwendolyn Beetham (gbeetham@sas.upenn.edu).
I'm not one of your students, but can you advise me re: navigating the academy while trans and/or developing a course of study at the nexus of STS/history of science and queer/trans studies?
While I'm on sabbatical, I'm limiting advising to students with whom I'm already working so that I can be available for these conversations in a sustainable way when I return. In the meantime, you might want to check out my article "Wrenching Torque: On Being Professionally Nonbinary" in Historical Studies in the Natural Sciences for some broad thoughts.