Ben Cowan

Ben Cowan is a Professor in the Department of History at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD). His research focuses on Cold War Brazil, gender history, moral majorities, and the intersection of politics, sexuality, and imperialism. He holds an AB from Harvard University and MA/PhD from UCLA.

Dr. Cowan’s work has been recognized through prestigious awards, including the Brazil Section Book Award and the Roberto Reis Prize. His research examines topics such as the cultural and gender dynamics of post-1964 Brazil, transnational religious right movements, and mountaineering’s role in Latin American history. He has received grants from institutions like the John W. Kluge Center and the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation.

Dr. Cowan has taught at UCSD since joining from Occidental College, Dalhousie University, and George Mason University. His current research explores Latin American mountaineering histories, bridging environmental and cultural analysis.