Michael J. Ernst (he/ him) is a PhD candidate specializing in Islamic art and architectural history. He holds an A.B. in History, M.A.L. and M.Phil. in Middle East & Islamic Studies, and M.S. Ed. in The Learning Sciences and Technologies from the University of Pennsylvania, where he studied with Renata Holod before her retirement. Ernst’s primary research area is the modern and contemporary Islamic visual culture of the Caucasus and Central Asia, in particular, that of Azerbaijan and the Greater Caspian Region. His research includes a focus on architecture, digital images, video games, quotidian art, affect theory, affective computing, semiotics, nationalism, national narratives, and national identity formation. In addition to these areas, Ernst is well-versed in a variety of academic topics such Christian theology and liturgy; Anglican, Evangelical Lutheran, and Roman Catholic history and culture; Renaissance and Baroque sacred music; Zionism and the current Israel/ Palestine Conflict; the Hispano culture of New Mexico and California; and the history and material culture of Freemasonry.

Ernst is the recipient of research grants and fellowships from the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Intelligence & Research (INR), the American Research Institute of the South Caucasus (ARISC), the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of International & Foreign Language Education (IFLE), the University of Pennsylvania, and Temple University. He is currently editing a volume on the history and material culture of Freemasonry in Pennsylvania for the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania’s 300th Anniversary, as well as working on a research project related to Azerbaijani video games and affective responses of players.

Advisor: Dr. Emily Neumeier

Dissertation Title: “Visual Culture & Spaces of Nationalism and Islamic Identity in Post-Soviet Azerbaijan.”