Dr. Vera Candiani

Biography

Vera S. Candiani is an Associate Professor in the Department of History at Princeton University. She studied at the University of California, Berkeley, under notable scholars such as Tulio Halperín Donghi and Carla Hesse. Her research focuses on the environmental history of Colonial Latin America, examining how human interactions with the material world shaped social and ecological outcomes. Candiani explores past human-environment interactions and their implications for current environmental and social crises, particularly through her upcoming book 'Dreaming Dry Land,' which investigates the environmental transformation of Colonial Mexico City. Her work is recognized for its critical acclaim and has won awards, including the Elinor Melville Prize for its contributions to environmental history. In addition to her research, she emphasizes engaged teaching practices, aiming to equip students with analytical tools to address contemporary challenges. Her pedagogical focus includes Early Modernity in Latin America, material culture, and the methodologies of social sciences. Candiani is affiliated with several programs at Princeton, including the Urban Studies Program and the Environmental Institute, and actively mentors graduate students in diverse fields of historical inquiry.

Research Interests

Experience