DENISE DEMETRIOU , PH . D .
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF HISTORY Gerry and Jeannie Ranglas Chair in Ancient Greek History
Research focus : I explore the effects of multiculturalism in the ancient Greek world . How did different ethnic groups living in communities that had different religions , languages and customs create distinct identities , and how did contact with each other change them ?
Real-world impact : The themes of my research — immigration , ethnicity , multiculturalism — help us to gain perspective and acquire a deeper understanding of our own society by thinking about how other times and places dealt with remarkably similar problems we face today . My research also informs my teaching , and the biggest impact of my research in the “ real ” world is on the hundreds of students I teach every year .
What does an endowed chair position mean to you ? Funds from the chair enable me to sponsor lectures and hold conferences on cuttingedge topics to raise the visibility of the department and enhance UC San Diego ’ s reputation not only as a leading STEM university but also a university committed to the humanities .
Throughout history , whose chair would you most want to sit in ? Stephen Colbert , on his old show .
Photo : Taylor Sanderson , ’ 15
42 TRITON | WINTER 2016