Areas of Specialization

Urban studies, documentary photography, American history

Background

Zach Hilpert is a Ph.D. candidate originally from Vermillion, S.D. His academic interests include urban studies, documentary photography, film, and American history. His master's thesis delved into a previously unexplored and little known 1935 series of photographs by Berenice Abbott, who traveled that summer throughout the eastern and southern United States with partner Elizabeth McCausland to create a (never fully realized) photographic and literary portrait of America. Today, Zach spends his time reading, nurturing his own photography habit/hobby, and wishing he had enough time to own a Basset Hound.

Education

BA, Film Studies, University of Minnesota, 2002
MS, eLearning/Distance Education Administration, Northern State University, 2005
MA, American Culture Studies, Bowling Green State University, 2006

Courses Taught

TA for AMST 204: The American Way of War, Fall 2007

Research Interests

In preperation for his master's thesis, Zach performed research in Michigan (at Sienna Heights University) and New York (at Syracuse University and the George Eastman House archives). As a graduate student, Zach performs research all the time.

Fellowships and Grants

2008 - Dissertation Proposal Development Fellowship and Summer Research Funding, Social Science Research Council