Mary Elston

Mary Elston is a Visiting Assistant Professor in the Department of Middle Eastern and North African Studies and the Department of Religion at Bowdoin College. She specializes in the history and ethnography of the modern Muslim world, with a regional focus on the Middle East and Arabic-speaking regions. Her work critically examines the intersections of religion, politics, and education, particularly within Sunni Islamic traditions.

Her research centers on Islamic knowledge systems and religious authority, especially in the context of modern Egypt. She is currently completing a book manuscript titled Above Time: Reviving Tradition in Modern Egypt, which investigates a traditionalist educational revival at al-Azhar University. This project, based on her prize-winning dissertation, explores how al-Azhar scholars have sought to reassert their authority amid competing Islamic movements.

Her recent publications reflect a strong engagement with philology, Islamic heritage (turāth), and contemporary religious scholarship. The articles demonstrate a consistent focus on textual traditions, editorial practices, and the evolution of Islamic thought in the modern period. She also contributes to academic discourse through book reviews and podcast interviews.

Scientific Awards:

• Alwaleed Bin Talal Prize for Best Dissertation in Islamic Studies, Harvard University (2020)

Advising and Grants: While no formal advisees are listed, her role as a faculty member suggests involvement in student mentorship. She has received recognition through prestigious academic awards, indicating competitive scholarly excellence. Her research has been supported by institutional affiliations with Harvard University and Bowdoin College.

Labs and Research Teams: Although no formal lab or research team is mentioned, her interdisciplinary work bridges history, ethnography, and religious studies, and she actively participates in academic networks through publications and media engagements.