Alyssa Goldstein Sepinwall

Dr. Alyssa Goldstein Sepinwall is a Professor and Graduate Studies Coordinator in the Department of History at California State University San Marcos (CSUSM), within the College of Humanities, Arts, Behavioral and Social Sciences. A recipient of the 2023 CSU Wang Family Excellence Award for Outstanding Faculty Teaching—the California State University system's highest teaching honor—she also holds the university's 2014 Harry E. Brakebill Outstanding Professor Award and 2004 President's Award for Innovation in Teaching.

Education:

• Ph.D. and M.A. in History from Stanford University
• B.A. in History and Political Science from the University of Pennsylvania (Phi Beta Kappa)

Her research explores the intersections of revolution, colonialism, and cultural memory, with emphasis on the Haitian and French Revolutions, slavery in film and media, and gender dynamics. Sepinwall critically examines how historical narratives are constructed, silenced, or reclaimed in popular culture—from Hollywood to video games. Her work bridges academic and public history, advocating for inclusive historiography that challenges Eurocentric frameworks.

Publications reflect sustained engagement with revolutionary legacies, media representation, and pedagogical innovation. Recent articles analyze hip hop's reinterpretations of Haitian history, video games as historical artifacts, and pandemic-era teaching methodologies. Her scholarship consistently emphasizes the urgency of connecting past struggles to contemporary social justice movements.

Major Awards:

• 2023 CSU Wang Family Excellence Award (systemwide teaching excellence)
• 2014 Harry E. Brakebill Outstanding Professor Award (CSUSM's highest faculty honor)
• 2004 CSUSM President's Award for Innovation in Teaching
• 2021 Honorable Mention, Haitian Studies Association Book Prize for Slave Revolt on Screen
• CHOICE Top 10 Editors' Pick (2021) for Slave Revolt on Screen

While no active grants, labs, or student advisees are detailed in available texts, Sepinwall's leadership includes editorial roles for French Historical Studies and advisory positions with H-France's Imaginaries project and the Haitian History Journal.