Lori Watt

Lori Watt is an Associate Professor of History and Global Studies at Washington University in St. Louis. She holds a PhD from Columbia University and has previously taught at Yale University and Harvard University as a postdoctoral fellow. Her research focuses on modern Japanese history, particularly decolonization, imperialism, and postwar repatriation. She directs the Global Studies program and has held leadership roles in East Asian Studies and graduate studies.

Education: PhD in Modern Japanese History (Columbia University, 2002), MA in Modern Japanese History (Ochanomizu University, 1996), BA in International Studies (Reed College, 1988).

Research interests include global East Asian studies, social biography, and military cultures. Her book When Empire Comes Home examines postwar Japanese repatriation, while her current projects explore American-led decolonization in Japan and the life of UNHCR leader Sadako Ogata.

Awards include the 2022 Outstanding Faculty Mentoring Award. She has advised over 30 PhD students and served on numerous academic committees, including the Arts & Sciences Faculty Council.

Labs/Teams: Active in the Center for Humanities and co-leads the Writing Biography Reading Group. Engaged in global education initiatives, including leading Spring Break programs in Tokyo for undergraduates.