Ekmekji's Academic Career and Contributions to Research
With a career spanning several decades, Ekmekji has established herself as a versatile scholar and administrator. Her professional journey is marked by a deep commitment to higher education and a diverse research portfolio that bridges the gap between ancient history and contemporary political reform.
Academic Leadership and Teaching
Ekmekji spent twenty years at the American University of Beirut (AUB), where she taught a wide array of subjects including archaeology, ancient religions, civilizations, and cultural studies. This foundational period allowed her to develop a multidisciplinary approach to academia.
In 1998, she transitioned to Haigazian University, where she has served as the Dean of Arts and Sciences. In this leadership role, she oversees the academic direction and administration of the faculty.
Contributions to Electoral Reform in Lebanon
Beyond the classroom, Ekmekji has been actively involved in the political landscape of Lebanon, specifically regarding the integrity of the voting process. She served as a member of the National Commission for Electoral Reform, also known as the Boutros Commission, in 2006.
Her expertise in governance led to her appointment as a member of the Lebanese Supervisory Commission of Elections in both 2009 and 2018. These roles underscore her commitment to improving democratic processes within the region.
In 2012, she further contributed to this field by publishing "Confessionalism and Electoral Reform in Lebanon" with the Aspen Institute. This work examines confessionalism, a political system where power is distributed among different religious communities.
Research Interests and Publications
Ekmekji's research is characterized by its breadth, covering both the ancient world and modern social issues. Her historical interests focus on Prehistoric Armenia and the Kingdom of Urartu, an Iron Age civilization centered around Lake Van.
In addition to ancient history, she focuses on gender studies, specifically regarding education, and the preservation of oral histories related to the Armenian genocide. This personal and academic connection is evident in her publication of Towards Golgotha, the memoirs of her grandfather, Hagop Arsenian, who was a survivor of the Armenian genocide.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Current Role | Dean of Arts and Sciences, Haigazian University (since 1998) |
| Previous Experience | Faculty member at AUB for 20 years |
| Political Appointments | Boutros Commission (2006); Lebanese Supervisory Commission of Elections (2009, 2018) |
| Key Publications | "Confessionalism and Electoral Reform in Lebanon" (2012); "Towards Golgotha" |
| Research Focus | Electoral reform, Prehistoric Armenia, Kingdom of Urartu, Armenian genocide, Gender studies |
Key Facts
- Served as Dean of Arts and Sciences at Haigazian University starting in 1998.
- Taught archaeology and cultural studies at AUB for two decades.
- Member of the 2006 National Commission for Electoral Reform (Boutros Commission).
- Published research on Lebanese confessionalism with the Aspen Institute in 2012.
- Authored the memoirs of Armenian genocide survivor Hagop Arsenian.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ekmekji's current academic position?
Ekmekji has served as the Dean of Arts and Sciences at Haigazian University since 1998.
Which political commissions has Ekmekji been a part of?
She was a member of the National Commission for Electoral Reform (Boutros Commission) in 2006 and the Lebanese Supervisory Commission of Elections in 2009 and 2018.
What are her primary research interests in history?
Her historical research focuses on Prehistoric Armenia, the Kingdom of Urartu, and the oral histories of the Armenian genocide.
What is the subject of her 2012 publication with the Aspen Institute?
The publication is titled "Confessionalism and Electoral Reform in Lebanon," which focuses on the intersection of religious-based political systems and electoral changes.
Who is the subject of the book "Towards Golgotha"?
The book contains the memoirs of Ekmekji's grandfather, Hagop Arsenian, who survived the Armenian genocide.