New Faculty Focus: Marina Moskowitz

Name:  Marina Moskowitz

Title:  Lynn and Gary Mecklenburg Chair in Textiles, Material Culture, and Design, in the Design Studies department in the School of Human Ecology.

Hometown: Washington D.C.

Educational/professional background: Prior to graduate school, I worked as a museum curator for a few years, and when I started (or even as I was close to finishing!) my PhD in American Studies, I wasn’t sure what direction I would go in afterwards. I explored both job markets but in one of life’s unexpected twists and turns, I wound up moving to Scotland, taking a job in History and American Studies at the University of Glasgow. I lived there for 19 years before moving back to the United States to take up this post in August. BA in American Studies, Yale University, 1990; PhD in American Studies, Yale University, 1999.

Previous position (title, institution): Reader in History and American Studies, University of Glasgow

How did you get into your field of research? Well, as a historian, I should come up with a good “origin story,” but honestly, I think I’m just nosy…I’ve always been interested in people’s “stuff”—what they have in their homes, what they wear, what they eat, etc. — and felt like seeing those things was a way to get to know them and what made them tick. I suppose I took that same idea into my study of history, where I started to learn more about not just individual choices — as important as these are — but also the larger social, cultural, and economic systems that guide — or indeed constrain — those choices. My more recent interest in the history of textiles stems from the ways in which textiles are both so intimate and so reflective of these larger historical circumstances.

What attracted you to UW–Madison?  I really loved the idea of being able to teach and research with an incredible collection of artifacts — the Helen Louise Allen Textile Collection — on my doorstep (literally!) The opportunity to integrate this collection into my day-to-day academic life, as well as public outreach through SoHE’s gallery spaces and programming, is so special, and so unusual — I feel very privileged. But of course it’s not all about “stuff”! I also thought that at this stage of my career, it would be invigorating to be in a new academic environment — working primarily with makers (who are also incredible thinkers!), who I am sure will help me think about my research from new perspectives.

What was your first visit to campus like?  My first visit to Madison was for my interview, so a bit of a blur! But I think what struck me was the level of engagement that everyone around me that day — students, faculty, administrators, donors, etc. — seemed to have, with both their own individual missions and the collective one of SoHE and the broader University.

Favorite place on campus?  I am still exploring!

What are you most enjoying so far about working here?  I am really enjoying the ethos of interdisciplinarity, among faculty and with students. We all have a lot to learn from one another (intellectually and otherwise!), and it’s lovely to be in a place that values that spirit of exchange.

Do you feel your work relates in any way to the Wisconsin Idea? If so, please describe how.  I am interested in studying textiles at all points from the growing of their fibers (plant, animal, or synthetic), through their production into all manner of artistic and material goods, to their distribution as gifts or commodities, to their eventual destruction or re-use. So for me the study of textiles relates to agriculture, science, industry, merchandising, domestic and community life, design, and the environment, and I have studied it not only by looking at historical documents and artifacts, but also by exchanging knowledge with those who make and use textiles today. I look forward to forging relationships with people across these sectors in Wisconsin.

What’s something interesting about your area of expertise you can share that will make us sound smarter at parties?  I’m sure there are all sorts of things I could tell you, but as a material culture scholar, I’d rather show you…so come visit the Textile Collection!

Hobbies/other interests:  My vocation and avocation do come together in knitting — I’m not particularly skilled, but I do enjoy it. (That said, if you had seen the contents of my shipping container from Scotland, you’d know the truth, which is that my hobby actually seems to be buying yarn, as much as doing anything with it.)