Catherine Olien

Background

About Catherine Olien

As Associate Director of George Mason University's Center for Humanities Research (est. 2020), my responsibilities include grant writing, research support, community partnerships, event planning, fundraising, and developing our strategic vision for the future. I am committed to building a vibrant and diverse intellectual community able to interface with and involve the public in research and discovery. Previously served as Programs Manager at the American Library in Paris (est. 1920) running a robust events schedule for an intellectually curious community of Anglophones and Earned three degrees in the humanities from top-tier universities, including a PhD in Art History (Northwestern) with a focus on the ancient Mediterranean, especially Cyprus. Native English speaker. Fluent in French and German. Born in the Midwest, accumulated professional experience in the UK (one year), Germany (three years), and France (five years) before moving back to the US in CURRENTLY READING at work: browsing History of Humanities journal at home: Address Unknown by Kathrine Kressmann Taylor CURRENTLY WRITING at work: encouragement for those whose NEH/NEA grants have been terminated, calls for humanities advocacy at home: reflections about mothers/daughters/sisterhood CURRENTLY ORGANIZING at work: conversation series between researchers and artists/practitioners at home: constantly rotating clothes in/out for my 6 month old CURRENTLY THINKING ABOUT at work AND at home: how to support discourse and dialogue across opposing politics/views, combat polarization Interpersonal strengths: warmth, authenticity, and a contagious enthusiasm for books and ideas Core capabilities: strategic thinking, writing, research, editing, public speaking, interview moderation, teaching, exhibition design, community building, facilitating respectful and open dialogue/debate, project management, and event curation/organization (both in-person and I'd love to connect about any of the following topics: Humanities Advocacy Public Humanities Higher Education Transdisciplinary Initiatives Bridging Arts and Humanities Event Curation Community Building Academia (including leaving academia)"Alt-ac" Career Transitions Writing (creative or academic) Ancient Cyprus Museums (exhibitions, archives) Libraries Contemporary Fiction / Literature Berlin Paris Pet Rescue (especially dogs!)