Fresh Faculty

Youssef Ben Ismail is an Assistant Professor of Law, Jurisprudence, and Social Thought (LJST). Managing Arts and Living Editor Sophie Durbin ’25 spoke with him about teaching, Middle Eastern studies, and his love for Amherst Cinema.

Gilles Verniers is a Karl Loewenstein Fellow and Visiting Assistant Professor of Political Science. Staff Writer and student of Verniers, Erin Sullivan ’28, spoke with him about Indian politics, exploring the Pioneer Valley, and teaching at Amherst.

George Abraham is the English department’s 2024 Writer-in-Residence. They spoke to The Student about their poetic craft, passion for political activism, and commitment to building strong community during their time at Amherst.

Li Zhang is an assistant professor of sociology and environmental studies. Now in her second year at the college, she spoke to The Student about the importance of taking a transdisciplinary approach to research.

Meghana Mysore is a Postdoctoral Fellow and Visiting Assistant Professor in the Department of English. She spoke to The Student about her relationship with creative writing, and how she is sharing it with her students this semester.

Matthew Westermayer is a visiting assistant professor of religion and a scholar deeply interested in the arboreal and nonhuman world, also known as “the tree guy.” He recently completed his doctorate in Near Eastern Studies at Cornell, and is teaching “Ecology and Religion” and “Jesus” this fall.