Ibrahim Gemeah, Ph.D. ’23, is an alumnus of the Near Eastern studies doctoral program with a focus on the history of the modern Middle East. He is now an assistant professor of modern Middle East and North African history in the department of Middle Eastern languages and cultures at Indiana University.
Tell us about your current position and what you find rewarding about it.
I am an assistant professor of modern Middle East and North African history in the department of Middle Eastern languages and cultures at Indiana University. This role is especially fulfilling because it allows me to pursue both teaching and research—two areas that are central to my academic and intellectual identity. I teach courses on the history and politics of the Modern Middle East and Islam, and my engagement with students continually pushes me to revisit and refine my own research questions and methodologies.
What I find most rewarding is the opportunity to facilitate critical, informed conversations about the Middle East—particularly at a time when the region is undergoing profound challenges and is often misrepresented in public discourse. The classroom becomes a space for moving beyond headlines and simplistic narratives, encouraging students to engage with the region’s historical depth and political complexity. These discussions not only deepen students’ understanding but also enable me to contribute to the broader mission of higher education: cultivating informed, thoughtful, and socially responsible global citizens.
Read the full interview on the Cornell University Graduate School website.
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