Lorelle D. Semley facts for kids

Lorelle Denise Semley, born in 1969, is an American historian. She studies the history of Africa, especially West Africa. Her work also looks at French rule, gender roles, and the Atlantic World. She teaches history at the College of the Holy Cross.

Lorelle Semley's Journey

Lorelle Semley is a history professor. She focuses on modern West Africa. She also studies how France influenced parts of Africa. Her research includes gender and the history of the Atlantic Ocean region.

Her Education Path

Lorelle Semley started her studies at Georgetown University. In 1991, she earned a bachelor's degree in French. She then went to Yale University. There, she got a master's degree in African studies in 1995. She learned a lot about history and Africa from her teachers.

Later, Semley attended Northwestern University. She earned another master's degree in 1996. In 2002, she completed her doctorate (Ph.D.) in History. Her main project was about "Kétu Identities." This looked at Islam, gender, and French rule in West Africa.

Teaching and Research

From 2003 to 2011, Semley was a professor at Wesleyan University. She also led the African studies group there for two years. In 2011, she joined the College of the Holy Cross. She became a history professor at this college.

In 2023, Semley moved to Boston College. She became the new director of their African and African Diaspora Studies program. This program studies African history and cultures. Her main areas of study are still modern West Africa, French rule, gender, and the Atlantic World.

Leading a Journal

In 2020, Lorelle Semley took on an important role. She became the editor-in-chief of History in Africa. This is a special journal for scholars. It is published by the African Studies Association.