Donna Alvah

Dr. Donna Alvah is the Elizabeth Margaret Vilas Professor of History at St. Lawrence University, coordinating the History Department and Peace Studies Program. She specializes in Cold War history, US foreign relations, and the social and cultural dimensions of military families abroad. Her research spans from the early Cold War to post-World War II contexts, emphasizing oral history and childhood studies. She teaches courses on American foreign relations, Cold War history, and World War II.

Education: Ph.D., University of California, Davis; B.A., University of California, Irvine.

Research interests include the role of military families in Cold War diplomacy, childhood in the Cold War, and potential future projects on animal welfare and environmental studies. Her work critically examines gender, race, and power dynamics in global military contexts. Recent scholarship focuses on children’s experiences during the Cold War and the cultural politics of childhood.

Publications emphasize Cold War military families, US foreign policy, and interdisciplinary approaches to history. Articles analyze topics like US military wives in the Philippines, post-WWII West Germany, and nuclear-age childhood.

No scientific awards are mentioned. While no advisees are listed, she actively engages students through coursework and office hours (Wed 10-11am, Thurs 1-2pm, Fri 9-10am).