Debbie Sharnak

Debbie Sharnak is an Assistant Professor of History and International Studies at Rowan University's College of Humanities & Social Sciences, where she also serves as Deputy Director of the Hollybush Institute. Her research examines human rights, transitional justice, and U.S.-Latin American relations during the late Cold War period. Dr. Sharnak's award-winning book, Of Light and Struggle: Social Justice, Human Rights, and Accountability in Uruguay (2023), explores the contested history of human rights during Uruguay's transition to democracy.

Research Focus:

• Human rights advocacy and transnational networks
• Transitional justice mechanisms in post-dictatorship societies
• U.S. foreign policy toward Latin America
• Afro-Latin American activism and racial justice
• Sports and human rights activism

Awards & Recognition:

• Best Book in the Humanities, Latin American Studies Association (Southern Cone) 2024
• Outstanding Academic Title, Choice Magazine 2023
• Fulbright Scholar to Uruguay

Dr. Sharnak has taught at Harvard University, University of Pennsylvania, New York University, and Tufts University before joining Rowan. Her current project examines Jewish international responses to Southern Cone dictatorships.