Chanan Tigay

Chanan Tigay is an Associate Professor and Department Chairperson in the Department of Humanities at San Francisco State University, within the College of Liberal & Creative Arts. He is also an accomplished author and journalist with extensive experience in investigative reporting and narrative nonfiction.

His educational background includes an MFA in Creative Writing from Columbia University and a BA in Political Science from the University of Pennsylvania.

Tigay's research and writing focus on creative nonfiction, historical inquiry, religious narratives, and geopolitical issues—particularly the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and Middle Eastern politics. His work bridges journalism and academia, emphasizing ethical storytelling and deep historical research.

His recent publications reflect a strong trend in historical and moral investigations, especially around acts of defiance during wartime and the uncovering of ancient religious texts. His 2021 Smithsonian article on Aristides de Sousa Mendes exemplifies this focus on courage and conscience in history.

• Anne & Robert Cowan Writer’s Prize
• Finalist, Sami Rohr Book Prize
• Fellowship, Harvard University’s Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study
• Fellowship, UC Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism’s Investigative Reporting Fellowship
• Residency Fellowships at Yaddo, Blue Mountain Center, and Mesa Refuge

Tigay has advised and taught students through thesis reading and courses at Stanford and SFSU. He has not listed specific grants, but his work has been supported through prestigious fellowships and residencies. He has also led media projects, including a History Channel special.

He is involved in academic and creative writing communities through teaching, public speaking, and editorial contributions, though no formal lab or research team is mentioned.