Mark Edwin Peterson

Mark Edwin Peterson is an affiliated faculty member in the Department of Cultural Studies within the College of Humanities and Social Sciences at George Mason University. He holds a PhD in History and a Master of Library Science, and his academic work bridges historical scholarship, library science, and digital humanities. His roles have included adjunct teaching and rare book librarianship, and he is currently engaged in interdisciplinary research involving archival computation and cultural analysis.

Education:

• PhD in History, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 2000
• Master of Library Science, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 2008

His research interests center on Medievalism, Academia as Culture, and the Significance of Library Collections. He explores how religious experiences, such as spiritual journeys, were documented in medieval texts, particularly focusing on figures like St. Bridget of Sweden. His work also investigates the cultural dimensions of academic life and the role of special collections in preserving historical narratives. He integrates digital methods into archival research, especially through computational archival science applied to urban records.

His recent publications and presentations reflect a strong engagement with interdisciplinary themes, combining history, religion, urban studies, and library science. Trends in his work show a consistent focus on marginal or overlooked cultural artifacts—pulp magazines, street drinking, presidential archives—and their broader societal meanings. He applies digital tools to enhance access and interpretation of historical materials.

Scientific Awards:

• Open Society Institute Fellow (1999–2000)
• DAAD-sponsored fellowship for the European Summer University in Digital Humanities (2018)

Peterson has advised graduate-level research indirectly through his teaching and collaborative projects. While no formal PhD students are listed, he has mentored students through his involvement in academic programs and presentations. He has secured competitive fellowships and participated in funded research initiatives, including work with the Community Informatics Lab. His recent project with Dr. Myeong Lee on urban renewal records in Asheville, NC, demonstrates active grant-supported research.

He is affiliated with Dr. Myeong Lee's Community Informatics Lab, where he contributes expertise in archival science and historical documentation. This lab focuses on using computational methods to analyze public records and community data, aligning with Peterson’s interest in urban history and digital access to cultural materials.