How can the humanities inform and enrich public discourse, foster cultural understanding, and address contemporary challenges? Join us for an engaging panel discussion exploring the vital role of the public humanities in connecting academic research with broader societal issues. Our panelists bring diverse perspectives and expertise to this important conversation.

Panelists:

• Yassine Ait Ali, A Ph.D. student in the Department of French & Italian at Princeton University
• Jeremy Stitts, A Ph.D. student in the Department of History at Princeton University 
• Sarah Churchwell *98, professor of American literature and public humanities at the School of Advanced Study, University of London, and director of the UK’s national festival of humanities research, the Being Human Festival
• Rebekah Haigh *24, A historian of ancient Judaism and early Christianity, and host of the podcast Women Who Went Before
• Edward Tenner '65, an independent writer and speaker holding the titles of Distinguished Scholar in the Smithsonian's Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention and Innovation, and Visiting Scholar in the Rutgers University Department of History
• Clifford Robinson, Public Humanities Specialist at the Princeton Public Library
• John Paul Christy, Executive Director of the Princeton Humanities Initiative
• Michelle May Curry, Curator, professor, writer, public humanities consultant, photographer, core faculty member in Georgetown University’s Master’s program in Engaged and Public Humanities, and co-editor of The Routledge Companion to Public Humanities Scholarship

This event is hosted by the Princeton University Graduate School as part of the 2025 GradFUTURES Forum, a weeklong professional development conference for graduate students offering opportunities for meaningful professional growth and exploration of futures within and beyond the academy. With many inspiring keynote speakers, interactive workshops, career panels, and networking receptions, the 2025 GradFUTURES Forum is open to the broader graduate community at Princeton and beyond.

Sponsorship of an event does not constitute institutional endorsement of external speakers or views presented.