Laura Gotkowitz

Laura Gotkowitz is an Associate Professor in the Department of History at the University of Pittsburgh, affiliated with the Kenneth P. Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences. She specializes in Modern Latin American history, with a focus on Bolivia, indigenous struggles, race, and political violence. Her research explores themes such as indigenous rights, colonial legacies, and human rights post-World War II.

Education: PhD in History from the University of Chicago (1998), MA in History from the University of Chicago (1991), BA in Semiotics and History from Brown University (1985).

Research Interests: Current work examines the 1947 trial of a Bolivian military regime and the flight of European refugees to Bolivia. Key topics include anti-fascism, violence, and democracy in the post-war era.

Publications: Notable works include A Revolution for Our Rights: Indigenous Struggles for Land and Justice in Bolivia (2007) and Histories of Race and Racism (2011). Her articles address indigenous congresses, legal frameworks, and gendered violence in Bolivia.

Scientific Awards: Includes the ACLS Frederick Burkhardt Fellowship (2012-13) and the AHA John E. Fagg Prize (2008). Multiple Fulbright and grants from institutions like Wenner-Gren Foundation.

Teaching and Advising: Taught courses on Latin American history, race, and human rights. Advised doctoral and MA students including Natalie Kimball, Araceli Mendiluce, and Jo Butterfield. Active in mentoring junior faculty at the University of Pittsburgh.

Service: Organized conferences on race, Bolivia’s Constituent Assembly, and Latin American history. Served as Co-Director of the Latin American Studies Program at the University of Iowa.