I am a current a graduate student at Loyola University of Chicago, where I’m studying Public History. In 2020 I earned my Bachelor of Arts and Sciences while majoring in history and political science at Loyola University of Chicago.

I have had a deep love of history ever since I was a kid reading the magic tree house books and looking over the fascinating pictures in all of the DK eyewitness books. Throughout my life, I have cultivated my passion and want to bring the wonders of history to everyone. My recent studies into the field have focused on stories of the past that have not been given enough exposure to the public. My goal is to give a voice to the forgotten people of history.

This objective has pushed me to do extensive research on Goli Otok (and other Yugoslavian political prisons), the Armenian Genocide, the personal accounts of former slaves, and the Camden 28 activists. Outside of history, I have stayed very politically active working for an Alderman’s office, governor’s election campaign, CAIR Chicago, mayor’s election campaign, and attended several BLM protests. Academically I have done political research on the injustice of current campaign finance laws in America and Brazil, Middle Eastern politics in America and on the global stage, and the ever-expanding wealth inequality in America. From my academic work in these two fields I have developed a love for research and searching library shelves until the sun comes up.

In my free time, I enjoy listening to classic rock/metal, playing basketball with friends, and watching my favorite team, the Pittsburgh Steelers, win. You can reach me at mspehn@luc.edu or mspehn98@gmail.com

This link is a blog that detailed my work helping Dr. Nickerson’s amazing book https://mspehn.wordpress.com/