Enrolled Students

New and Returning Graduate Students for Fall 2023

Dana Bakley of Mantua, New Jersey, earned her bachelor’s degree in History with a minor in Education from Rowan University in May 2022. She is a first year graduate student and is considering continuing to a PhD program after Rowan. She is interested in medieval and early modern European history, Renaissance and Reformation, and Tudor propaganda. She would like to become a lecturer in History at a community college. Outside of school and work, Dana enjoys reading, crocheting, and spending time with her husband and two sons.

Emily Brown of Dartmouth, Massachusetts, earned her bachelor’s degree in History from the University of Pittsburgh in 2002. She went on to earn her master’s degree in Library and Information Science at Pitt in 2005. Emily has been a research and instruction librarian since 2006 in higher education. She joined the faculty at Bristol Community College in 2013 and became increasingly involved in the college’s Holocaust and Genocide Center. As such, she is pursuing a second masters in history and plans to get a Ph.D in genocide studies after Rowan. Outside class Emily loves spending time with her son, husband, and two dogs. 

Paul Callahan of Upper Township, NJ earned his bachelor's degree in History from Glassboro State College in January 1990. A high school special education teacher for over thirty years, he is interested in American history and Holocaust/Genocide study. Paul just completed teaching his first year at Ocean City (NJ) High School, establishing the new Horizon Education Program. A long-time coach, he is taking the season off to finish his master's in History after a 5-year hiatus from grad school. When not teaching or reading, Paul enjoys hiking and listening to music with his wife.

Lucas Dailyda of Somers Point, New Jersey, earned his bachelor’s degree from Stockton University in May 2022. He is interested in contemporary Eastern European and Soviet history. From October 2019 through June 2021 he volunteered with the South Jersey Holocaust Survivor project to assist in documenting the experiences of Holocaust Survivors who moved to New Jersey. Lucas Dailyda is currently an Airman in the United States Air Force ANG Security Forces as well as a police officer. When not working or studying, he enjoys hiking, playing piano, and reading.

Mackenzie Dill of Clayton, New Jersey, earned her bachelor’s degree in History from Rowan University in May 2021. She has also received her Master’s in Subject Matter Education in 2021. She has been teaching United States History in Cumberland County over the past two years. As a high school history teacher, she is interested in Early American History with a particular focus  in Women’s Rights and Suffrage as well as Native American Relations. Outside of working or reading, Mackenzie enjoys spending her time by going to the beach with her family and new puppy. 

Deann Downs of Brick, New Jersey, earned her Bachelor’s degree from Rowan University in May 2022, and she will complete her Master’s degree in the History- Accelerated program this Fall. Her historical interests include Modern British Studies, focused primarily on memory and gender studies. She plans on applying to Phd programs in the future to continue her educational journey. Outside of class, Deann enjoys playing field hockey, reading, and spending time with her loved ones.

Elizabeth Flanigan of Deptford, New Jersey, is entering her second year in the graduate program. She earned her bachelor’s degree in History and Writing Arts from Rowan University in 2018. She is interested in European history with particular focus on religious history. She hopes to go on to a Ph.D program in the future. Outside of classes, Elizabeth enjoys reading fantasy novels, writing, and spending time with her son. 

Alessandria Fabbri of Vineland, New Jersey, earned her Bachelor’s degree in History from Rowan University in 2023. She is interested in World War I, World War II, Nazi Germany history and Soviet history. When not working on her studies or working in Philadelphia, she can be found in a library or a cafe reading, writing poetry, or watching documentaries. Alessandria hopes to continue her studies into receiving a PhD in the future with a focus in 20th Century European History. She hopes to move to Germany after her Master’s for her PhD program with the hopes to work in a museum abroad.

Declan Gallagher of West Deptford, New Jersey, earned his Bachelor's degree in History from Rowan University in 2019. He is interested in US foreign diplomacy history, Soviet history, and Irish history (19th and 20th century). When not busy with work or school, Declan can be found reading, writing, listening to music, and organizing with the PSL. He is returning to Rowan to complete his Master's degree this fall, with the goal of using his education to raise class consciousness and to pursue a career relevant to the degree.

Larson Gelzunas of Marlton, New Jersey, earned his bachelor’s degree in History from Rowan University in 2022. He is entering his second year in the graduate program, and is interested in First World War history as well as Bronze Age history. In the future, he hopes to use this degree to find a career in a related field. While outside of Rowan, Larson can be found reading and writing, working, and spending time with his dog, Apple.

Gabby Gurecki of Cherry Hill, New Jersey, is beginning her first year in the graduate program.  She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Law and Justice from Rowan University in 2021.  She is interested in public history and working either as an archivist or at a museum in the future.  She currently works as a legal assistant.  When she is not working, she likes drawing and sketching, writing (especially poetry and short stories), and riding horses.  She has one cat named Bean.

Caroline Halfinger is completing her Master’s degree in History this fall. She graduated from Rowan in 2012 with dual degrees in history and subject matter education. In addition to teaching American and Western Civilization History courses for Atlantic Cape Community College, Caroline is currently the Director of the National Society of the Colonial Dames of America in the State of New Jersey and oversees two museums: Peachfield, circa 1725, a Quaker farmstead colonial revival house in Westampton, and The Old Schoolhouse, circa 1759, the oldest one-room schoolhouse still on its original foundation in the state, located in Mount Holly. Her thesis focuses on the Black and African American stories surrounding Peachfield’s history. Caroline is married with one son and lives in Egg Harbor City, NJ. She enjoys traveling, cooking, and collecting china and silver. 

Alexander Hand of Egg Harbor, NJ returns to university to obtain his Master’s in History. Having graduated from Montclair State with a B.A. in TV & Digital Media and after spending over five years teaching social studies, Alex hopes to continue work as a high school history teacher while studying for his Master’s. Once completed, the pursuit of a PhD in History should help solidify earning potential, which will make the public service of teaching history all the more rewarding.

Kyle Irwin, from Collingswood, NJ is about to begin his first year of their Graduate Program in History. He obtained his Bachelor’s of History at Rowan University in the Spring of 2023. He is interested in studying Latin American history and aims to also obtain a Doctorate in History so that he can teach that focus at a university level in the future. Outside of history, Kyle focuses on political education and theory; he is on the E-board for Rowan Progressives and has run for city and county office to advocate for and educate about Socialism. 

Howard Korsen is beginning his first year in the graduate program.  He graduated from Lehigh University in 1978 with a BA in Government. He had a successful career in contracts management, half in defense contracting and half in transit contracting. He retired as Contracts Manager with the Delaware River Port Authority in 2015 and spent a year at SEPTA before retiring at the end of 2016. He has had a keen interest in history for over forty years and took classes in history at Rowan College of Burlington County over the past two years. He is married to his wife of 38 years, Ann. Ann and Howard have two daughters and one granddaughter. His younger daughter has a neuromuscular disease called a mitochondrial myopathy, and Howard serves on the advocacy committee of the United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation. Howard’s hobby is running, and he completed a bucket list item by running his first marathon, the Chicago Marathon, three weeks before he turned 70. He lives in Mount Laurel, New Jersey.

Kaitlin Ley of Mount Laurel, New Jersey, earned her Bachelor’s degree in History with dual minors in international studies and German studies in 2022. She plans to complete her Master’s in history after the fall semester of this year. Her research interests include human rights, memory, and women’s/gender studies. After graduation, she hopes to establish a career in public history. Throughout her time in college, Kailyn worked full-time as a Pre-K teacher and worked additional part-time jobs. When she is not working or studying, Kaitlyn enjoys spending time with her friends, her brother, and her dog. 

Michael Loiseau of Blackwood, New Jersey earned his Bachelor’s degree in History with a secondary education certification from Rowan University in 2006. He plans to complete his Master’s in History, with a Holocaust and genocide education certificate of graduate study, in the spring of 2024. Michael taught high school history for eleven years, before transitioning to a career in real estate management. Most importantly, he is the proud father of two tremendous young boys, Michael and Jake, and happily married to the love of his life, Jennifer.   

Kayla Maharaj of Southampton, New Jersey, earned her Bachelor’s degree in history with a minor in law and justice studies from Rowan University in 2023. She is currently working towards her Master’s in history on the thesis track. She is interested in digital history, Latin American history, and women's studies. Kayla plans on pursuing a PhD upon completion of this program. Outside of her studies, she is a Graduate Assistant for Rowan University’s Academic Support Programs and enjoys hiking, traveling, and spending time with her dog. 

Claudia Messina of Williamstown, New Jersey, completed her bachelor’s degree in history from Rowan University in 2023 and is currently working towards her master’s degree in history. This will be her first year as a graduate student and hopes to graduate from the program in the spring of 2024. She is interested in Ancient Egypt, Tudor History, and the Ottoman Empire. Outside of school, she enjoys spending time with her boyfriend and friends and enjoys reading and writing historical fiction. 

Mark Montague of Swedesboro, New Jersey is entering his first year as a graduate student, pursuing a Master's degree in History. He has also obtained 3 minor degrees at Rowan University thus far: Japanese language, International studies and Asian studies. He is especially interested in Religious history as well as ancient Asian and European history. Outside of school he enjoys making music, practicing martial arts and learning languages.

Liam Murray of Haddon Township, New Jersey, is entering his second year as a part-time graduate student.  He completed his Bachelor’s degree in sociology at Villanova University in 2005.  He later completed a Master of Business Administration (MBA) at LaSalle University and a law degree at Drexel University.  Thirteen years ago, with several others, he founded the Intelligence Division at DigiStream Investigations, and he now serves that company as General Counsel.  Liam is enjoying exploring the field of history and has not yet settled on an area of particular focus.  Outside of work and the classroom, he enjoys spending time with his wife and their four children. 

Josh Phillips of Cherry Hill, New Jersey, completed his bachelor’s degree in Finance from St. John’s University in 2010.  He is entering his second year as full-time graduate student pursuing a Master’s degree in History on the GI Bill. Previously he served in the Marine Corps for eight years and currently works as a flight engineer for the U.S. Navy. Outside of his studies, he enjoys fitness, hunting, and relaxing on his boat.

Brooke Rattay of West Deptford, New Jersey, completed her bachelor’s degree in history with a minor in international studies from Rowan University in 2023, and is currently working towards her masters in history through the Combined Accelerated Degree Program (CADP). This will be her first year as a full-time graduate student with plans on graduating from the program in spring of 2024. She is interested in World War II studies, military history, and the American West. Her plans upon graduation are to enter the field of museum curating or archaeology. Outside of her studies she works as an emergency veterinary technician and enjoys bodybuilding, skiing, and riding her horses. 

John Reres of Mount Laurel, New Jersey, completed his Bachelor’s degree in history from Rowan University in 2023, and he is entering his first and final year as a full-time graduate student after taking multiple courses through the Combined Accelerated Degree Program (CADP).  He is most interested in the 19th century United States with a particular focus on the politics of slavery.  He plans to apply for PhD programs in history this winter and hopes to begin pursuing his doctorate in the Fall of 2024.  Outside of reading historical monographs, he likes to write music, coach Lacrosse, and to travel.

April Richardson of Pedricktown, New Jersey, is a Combined Accelerated Degree Program (CADP) student finishing her last semester as an undergraduate and her first year as a graduate student. She is interested in early American history, with concentrations in African American and Public history. Outside of her classes and volunteering at the Salem County Historical Society, she enjoys spending time with her family. 

Randolph Slaughter of Englewood, NJ, earned his bachelor’s degree in international studies from Thomas Edison State University in December 1987. He went on to earn his master’s degree in leadership from Air University in 2005. A United States Air Force Lieutenant Colonel of 36 years Enlisted and as an Officer. Randolph retired from the military in 2015 and is now completing a master’s degree in history at Rowan University in New Jersey, hoping to become a teacher of History and Political Science. When not reading or viewing historical movies, Randolph enjoys spending time with his wife, daughter, and granddaughter.

James Spencer of Gloucester City, New Jersey, is in the Combined Accelerated Degree Program who is in his last year before receiving his Bachelor’s and in his first year as a graduate student at Rowan University. His interests revolve around Cold War  history with a focus on the Middle East and Modern Middle Eastern History with a more specific interest in Iraq.Something I enjoy doing outside of class would probably be reading. I was never really someone who enjoyed reading before but being able to get some recommendations from professors and being able to access the Campbell library and its databases has been a huge part of me reading more.

Colin Stiles of Pennsville, New Jersey finished his Bachelor's Degree in History at Rowan University in 2021 and is returning for his second and final year in Rowan’s History graduate course. He is enrolled in the Holocaust & Genocide Education program and will receive his certificate of Graduate Study upon graduation in the spring. He has been an intern at Rowan University’s Archives and Special Collections under lead archivist Sara Borden for the past year. After this program he will pursue a PhD in History in efforts to extend his academic and archival careers even further. His academic interests include international relations, global economic history, historiography and medieval studies. As for his personal interests, they include painting, writing, hiking and sipping tea near a fire.

Dominic Virelli of Bellmawr, New Jersey is a senior who transferred from Rowan College at Gloucester County with an Associates in History Education in the fall of 2022, and is returning to Rowan this year enrolled in The Bachelors of History/Master of History 4+1 Program. He is also minoring in Anthropology , with plans on pursuing a career in archival sciences with the ultimate goal of working at the Penn Museum or other archives. After this program he will pursue a PhD to extend a career in archival work and the history field. His academic interests lay primarily in Ancient History from all over the world, from Ancient Sparta and Athens, the time of Pharaohs in Egypt, the Roman Empire, the Ancient Celts of the British Isles, to even Sengoku Period Japan with a major interest in ancient religions. As for personal interests, they include writing, reading fantasy novels, watching documentaries and playing in adult soccer leagues.