Sara Byala

Sara Byala is a Senior Lecturer in Critical Writing at the University of Pennsylvania and serves as the Associate Director of the Penn Global Documentary Institute (PGDI). Her research focuses on the intersection of capitalist systems with social and cultural forces in Africa, while also exploring contemporary expressions of Jewish identity across global geographies.

• Ph.D. in African History from Harvard University

Research Interests: Byala investigates African Jewish communities through a multidisciplinary lens, combining archival research and fieldwork in Uganda, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Ethiopia, and Nigeria. Her work also examines the cultural impact of corporate globalization in Africa, notably through her book on Coca-Cola's African history.

Research Trends: Her publications reflect a focus on postcolonial narratives, cultural hybridity, and the role of material culture in shaping identity. The 2023 book Bottled: How Coca-Cola Became African highlights corporate colonial legacies, while her 2013 work analyzes decolonization in South African museum practices.

Scientific Awards:

• New Frontiers in Contemporary Jewish Life Fellowship (2025–2026)

Byala's academic contributions span critical writing, documentary studies, and cross-cultural research. Her leadership at PGDI underscores her commitment to global storytelling and interdisciplinary scholarship.