Nina Berman

Nina Berman is a Professor of International Letters and Cultures at Arizona State University (ASU), serving as Director of the School from 2016 to 2022. She holds affiliations with the Humanities for the Environment Global Network and the Global Futures Scientists and Scholars. Her academic journey includes prior roles at The Ohio State University (2001–2016) and the University of Texas at Austin (1994–2001), alongside a guest professorship at Georg-August-Universität Göttingen (2014).

Education: Ph.D. in German (University of California-Berkeley, 1994), M.A. in German (San Francisco State University, 1989), and a Zwischenprüfung in German, Arabic, and History (Georg-August-Universität Göttingen, 1983).

Research focuses on globalization, humanitarianism, tourism, German colonialism, disability studies, and intercultural hermeneutics. Notable works include studies on German colonial activities in Africa and Middle Eastern cultural discourses. Her publications blend historical analysis with contemporary social justice themes, often exploring transnational dynamics.

Awards include the 2012 Choice Outstanding Academic Title and grants from the U.S. State Department and DAAD. Teaching specialties span critical theory, world literature, and translation studies.

Professional activities include editorial roles for journals like Disability Studies Quarterly and active participation in the African Studies Association and German Studies Association.

Research website: https://ninaaberman.wordpress.com