Dr. Erika Bsumek

Professor

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Biography

Dr. Erika M. Bsumek is the Ellen Clarke Temple Chair in History at the University of Texas at Austin. She specializes in environmental history, Native American history, and digital history, with a focus on the social and environmental history surrounding infrastructure and development in the American West. Her recent book, "The Foundations of Glen Canyon Dam: Infrastructures of Dispossession in the Colorado Plateau" (University of Texas Press, 2023), examines the impact of large construction projects on communities and ecosystems. Dr. Bsumek has authored the award-winning "Indian-made: Navajo Culture Marketplace, 1848-1960" and co-edited "Nation States and the Global Environment: New Approaches in International Environmental History". She is a recognized educator and has received numerous awards for her teaching excellence. Dr. Bsumek is also the creator of ClioVis, a digital network mapping software platform used by students and researchers to create time-aligned network maps for research projects, serving over 30,000 students. Her research contributes to understanding the complex interplay between culture, environment, and infrastructure in shaping historical narratives.

Research Interests

Experience

Professor

2000-01-01 — Present

The University of Texas at Austin • Austin, TX

Hold the Ellen Clarke Temple Chair in History, specializing in environmental and Native American history.

Awards

#1

UT System Academy Distinguished Teachers

#1

Indigenous Studies Award for Foundations of Glen Canyon Dam

#1

UT-Austin Academy Distinguished Teachers

#1

Regent's Outstanding Teaching Award

#1

President's Associates Teaching Excellence Award

#1

Dads' Association Centennial Teaching Fellowship

#1

New Mexico Book Award for Indian-made: Navajo Culture Marketplace

#1

Ralph Emerson Twitchell Award

Courses

Native American History U.S. West Environmental History Land (UGS) Building America

Requirements for University of Texas at Austin

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
GRE General
TOEFL
Total
Required:79
IELTS
Overall
Required:6.5
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution
Application Checklist
  • Online application
  • Application fee
  • Official transcripts
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • CV/Resume
Specialization Notes

General requirements for the Graduate School at UT Austin apply to all programs unless otherwise specified.