Willie Hiatt

Willie Hiatt is Associate Professor of History at Long Island University, affiliated with the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. He has been a faculty member since 2010 and teaches courses in Latin American history, with a focus on Peru and the Andes. His interdisciplinary scholarship bridges history, technology, and cultural identity.

Education:

• Ph.D. in History, University of California, Davis
• M.A., Tulane University
• B.A., University of Kentucky

Prof. Hiatt’s research centers on technological modernity and cultural identity in Latin America, particularly Peru. He investigates how technological artifacts—especially airplanes and electrical systems—have shaped national narratives and social identities in the Andean region. His work explores the intersection of modernization and indigenous heritage, with a special focus on Cuzco as a symbolic center of pre-Columbian tradition. Using cultural and social history methodologies, he analyzes how media, urban spaces, and political movements reflect evolving conceptions of progress and belonging.

His recent publications reveal a strong thematic focus on aviation, electricity, and visual culture in Peru. The articles span from early 20th-century public infrastructure to cinematic and photographic representations of Andean identity. Collectively, they demonstrate a sustained engagement with how technology mediates historical consciousness and national imagination in postcolonial societies.

Scientific Awards:

• Guggenheim Fellowship, National Air and Space Museum (2008)
• Honorable Mention, Tibesar Prize (2007)
• Pacific Rim Dissertation Grant, University of California (2007–2008)
• Rotary International Ambassadorial Scholarship (2006)

Prof. Hiatt has led significant research initiatives, including a Guggenheim-funded project at the Smithsonian, and currently works on the history of Peruvian electricity. He advises on interdisciplinary curricula and leads a periodic travel course, Andean History, Culture, and Politics, integrating fieldwork with academic instruction. There is no public information about grants or formal student advisees.

His scholarly contributions are anchored in the American Historical Association and the Conference on Latin American History, where he remains an active member. His work connects academic research with public engagement through teaching, publications, and international collaboration.