Steven Rowan

Steven Rowan is a Professor in the Department of History at the University of Missouri-St. Louis, specializing in the history of technology and transatlantic cultural exchanges.

His research focuses on 19th-century infrastructure development, particularly railroads, and their socio-economic impact. He has translated and edited significant historical texts, including the works of Franz Anton Ritter von Gerstner and Clara von Gerstner, providing critical insights into European perceptions of American innovation during the industrial era.

Key projects include:

• Translation of Franz Anton Ritter von Gerstner's Reports from the United States of North America on Railroads (2019), analyzing American transportation systems, slavery debates, and industrial advancements.
• Editorial work on Clara von Gerstner's travel narrative, contextualizing gender perspectives in technical literature.

His contributions bridge historical scholarship with engineering history, emphasizing cross-cultural dialogue between Europe and America.