Junko Takeda

Junko Takeda is an Associate Professor of History at Syracuse University's College of Arts and Sciences, affiliated with Women's and Gender Studies, Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, and Medieval and Renaissance Studies. She specializes in early modern French empire, global connected histories, and Asian-American memoir studies. Her research bridges European imperialism, Mediterranean networks, and race-craft in pre-modern contexts. Recent work examines Franco-Persian trade relations and anti-Asian prejudice in early modern France.

Education: PhD (History and Humanities, Stanford University, 2006) and A.B. (History, Duke University, 1998). Notable publications include The Other Persian Letters (2020) and Between Crown and Commerce (2011). Awards include the Inaugural Daicoff Endowed Faculty Scholar (2019–2024) and Excellence in Graduate Teaching Award (2023).

Teaching focuses on early modern Europe, global history, and Asian American memoirs. She advises distinction theses and leads the Early Modern Connected Histories Working Group. Service roles include Co-Chair of Maxwell Faculty of Color Group and leadership in civic engagement initiatives.