News Detail
Dr. Paula Findlen
Dr. Findlen is an expert in a wide range of subject areas: linking concepts from different disciplines to an understanding of how science, culture, and creativity transform history. She earned her B.A. in history from Wellesley College and her Ph.D. in history from the University of California, Berkeley. She currently serves as the chair of the Stanford University History Department, the Ubaldo Pierotti Professor of Italian History, and director of the Suppes Center for the History and Philosophy of Science and Technology. She has written several books, including “Athanasius Kircher: The Last Man Who Knew Everything,” and has taught numerous courses on the Scientific Revolution, early modern medicine and Renassiance Studies.
Dr. Paula Findlen visited campus April 20-23 as the Ben Geer Keys Scholar-in-Residence, a program established in 1998 which brings talented scholars and artists to Episcopal to work with students.
Dr. Findlen is an expert in a wide range of subject areas: linking concepts from different disciplines to an understanding of how science, culture, and creativity transform history. She earned her B.A. in history from Wellesley College and her Ph.D. in history from the University of California, Berkeley. She currently serves as the chair of the Stanford University History Department, the Ubaldo Pierotti Professor of Italian History, and director of the Suppes Center for the History and Philosophy of Science and Technology. She has written several books, including “Athanasius Kircher: The Last Man Who Knew Everything,” and has taught numerous courses on the Scientific Revolution, early modern medicine and Renassiance Studies.
Dr. Wayne James Holman III ’53, a loyal and generous supporter of the School’s academic programming, makes it possible for Episcopal to attract scholars such as Dr. Paula Findlen. Dr. Holman established the Whittle, Gardner, and Meade Masterships and faithfully supports our Study Abroad Programs and the teaching of classical languages at Episcopal.
Dr. Holman was on campus during our Scholar-in-Residence’s visit and accompanied Dr. Findlen as she attended multiple classes including Engineering, Advanced Latin, Astronomy, Art History, and Themes in Global History.
Dr. Findlen worked with students in Brendan Baran’s Global History class as they looked through a collection of books from the 17th-century. These books illustrated how Europeans were developing an understanding of other cultures from around the world. “Dr. Findlen then led the students through an activity where they got to handle the books on their own and explore how 17th-century European historians described these foreign cultures," said Baran. “The students certainly loved the opportunity to ‘touch’ history. Even though they couldn't read most of the texts, they could use other analytical skills to make conclusions about the time period.”
Dr. Findlen also visited with Jeff Streed’s Advanced Latin class to discuss Athanasius Kircher’s notions of language and culture, and his use of Latin. Lucy Catlett '15 relfects, "It's no surprise that Mrs. Findlen's studies indulge specific individuals, like Kircher, who aspired to know everything. Judging by her personal successes and range of studies, it seems that these may be her apsirations, too."
The EHS community was fortunate to have Dr. Paula Findlen visit Episcopal this spring and engage with our students and faculty in meaningful ways.
