Leah Y. Potter

Ph.D. Student (ABD)
leahyale@email.unc.edu

Major Field: U. S. History

Other Fields: Nineteenth Century Cultural History; Global History; History of Travel

Advisor: Peter Coclanis

Research Interests: My research interests stretch across many geographic and social boundaries, but currently reside in the world of late nineteenth century urban America. My dissertation considers stunt reporter Nellie Bly's trip around the world as part of the broader emergence of sensationalism and mass culture in metropolitan society. This project allows me to consider fascinating connections, as well as conflicts, between the New Woman, working class culture, technological progress, and international travel and trade.

As an instructor, I am interested in developing effective ways of incorporating internet and multimedia technology into the undergraduate classroom. Last year, I helped design and produce an instructional CD-ROM for secondary schools called "Exploring the World of Thomas Day" (2002).