Dr. Lynn Thomas

Biography

Lynn M. Thomas is a historian specializing in the history of politics and gender in Eastern and Southern Africa. She holds a Ph.D. from the University of Michigan (1997), an M.A. from Northwestern University (1993), and a B.A./M.A. from Johns Hopkins University (1989). Her research focuses on the dynamics of gender, colonialism, and postcolonial state power, exploring subjects such as female circumcision, reproductive politics, and the socio-political implications of AIDS. Thomas's seminal work, "Politics of the Womb: Women, Reproduction, and the State in Kenya," critically examines the intersections of women's rights and state policies since the colonial era. Additionally, she has co-edited volumes that investigate consumer culture and modernity in Africa. Most recently, her book "Skin Color: A Transnational History of Skin Lighteners" highlights the cultural and historical significance of skin lighteners across multiple contexts. Beyond her primary role in the History Department, she serves as an Adjunct Professor in Gender, Women & Sexuality Studies and Anthropology, and has contributed to the African Studies Program. She has taken on leadership roles in various academic initiatives and has received substantial funding for her research endeavors.

Research Interests

Experience