ASA Symposium
Past Symposiums
2025 Assyrian Studies Symposium
Arizona State University
October 24-26, 2025
Theme: Innovative Methodologies in Assyrian Studies
Symposium Co-Chairs: Alexandra Lazar (University of California, Davis), Dr. Julye Bidmead (Chapman University), Dr. Nahrain Bet Younadam (Arizona State University), Dr. Mariam Georgis (Simon Fraser University), Dr. Önver A. Cetrez (Uppsala University) and consultant, Dr. Helen Malko (Stanford University Humanities Center).
The field of Assyrian Studies is undergoing a transformative shift as scholars increasingly embrace interdisciplinary methodologies to explore the rich history, dynamic cultural heritage, and contemporary realities of the Assyrian people. This year’s symposium seeks to be a catalyst for this evolution, spotlighting groundbreaking research approaches that deepen our understanding of Assyrian identity and heritage. Drawing from the social sciences, humanities, natural sciences, and beyond, the symposium will illuminate how these innovative methodologies are redefining the boundaries of Assyrian Studies.
This symposium will provide participants with an intellectually vibrant space to engage in critical dialogue with leading researchers, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and inspiring new avenues for future research. Beyond academic inquiry, the symposium will also feature a cultural dimension, offering attendees an immersive experience of Assyrian artistic and cultural expression. By blending scholarly discourse with cultural appreciation, the event aims to create a holistic platform for advancing the field of Assyrian Studies.
We invite scholars from diverse disciplines to submit abstracts that align with this thematic focus. By fostering interdisciplinary dialogue and collaboration, we aim to push the boundaries of critical Assyrian Studies and contribute to a deeper and more just understanding of Assyrian history, culture, and identity. This is an opportunity to challenge conventional perspectives, explore new research avenues, and elevate the field of Assyrian Studies to a central position in academic discourse.
Program
Photos
Presenters
Dr. Günes Murat Tezcür, Director and Professor, School of Politics and Global Studies, Arizona State University.
Alexandra Lazar, Executive Director at the Assyrian Studies Association and PhD Candidate, University of California, Davis.
Dr. Önver Cetrez, Professor in Psychology of Religion, Uppsala University.
Dr. Michel Shamoon-Pour, Research Associate Professor, Binghamton University.
Nashie Shamoon, PhD Candidate, Victoria University of Wellington.
Eamama Daniyal, PhD student, York University.
Sahika Karatepe, PhD Candidate, Binghamton University.
Dr. Sargon Donabed, Professor of History, Roger Williams University.
Dr. Michelle Shamoell, Social Work Lecturer, Excelsia University College.
Claire Ichou, MS, Entre-Autres.
Robina Lajin, Graduate Student, Johannes Gutenberg University.
Dr. Helen Malko, Executive Director, Stanford University’s Humanities Center.
Shmuel Tamo, Executive Director, Indigenous Roots Production.
Lawrence Nader Makho, Sureth Language and Literature Department, College of Education, University of Duhok.
Abdulmesih BarAbraham, Mor Afrem Foundation.
Dr. Eve Sada, Postdoctoral Fellow, Center for the Study of World Religions (CSWR), Harvard Divinity School.
Dr. Julye Bidmead, Associate Professor, Chapman University.
Dr. Nahrain Bet Younadam, Faculty Associate, Arizona State University.
Dr. Mary Isaac, Visiting Assistant Professor, Norco College.
Dr. Shamiram Mako, Assistant Professor, Boston University.
Jack Jendo, Founder of Brain Digits.
Maureen Khoshaba, Graduate Student, DePaul University.
Dr. Timothy Langille, Associate Teaching Professor, Arizona State University.
Dr. Volker Benkert, Associate Professor, Arizona State University.
Dr. Erin Hughes, Assistant Professor, California State University-Stanislaus.
Kim Klett, MA, Seyfo Center.
Ramina Samuel, Seyfo Center.
Kelly Hannavi, PhD Candidate, University of Michigan.
Dr. Candace Lukasik, Assistant Professor, Mississippi State University.
2023 Assyrian Studies Symposium
Stanford University, Stanford Humanities Center
August 11-13, 2023
Theme: Formative History, Challenges and New Directions
Symposium Co-Chairs: Alexandra Lazar (Executive Director at Assyrian Studies Association & Ph.D. student at University of California, Davis); Professor Sargon Donabed (Board Member at Assyrian Studies Association & Roger Williams University); Professor Hannibal Travis (Advisor Board at Assyrian Studies Association & Professor of Law at Florida International University); Dr. Daniel Tower, Ph.D. (University of Sydney), and Cynthia Yonan.
The Assyrian Studies Association, in partnership with Stanford University's Humanities Center, is organizing a Symposium entitled, Formative History, Challenges, and New Directions. The purpose of this event is to delve into the rich history of the Assyrian people and examine current challenges they face, while also identifying new avenues for future research and scholarship. The Symposium is expected to be an exciting and informative gathering that will feature presentations and discussions from distinguished scholars, experts, and community leaders. Attendees can anticipate encountering a diverse range of topics in the field of Assyrian Studies, such as language, literature, history, archaeology, politics, and more.
Despite facing significant challenges, the field of Assyrian Studies has recently experienced unexpected opportunities, with a growing body of published scientific and sociological research and courses offered at universities. These trends indicate the emergence of a diverse demographic of scholars interested in studying Assyrian culture and heritage. To promote the academic study of Assyrian culture and heritage in a positive manner, the Assyrian Studies Association encourages scholars to think creatively about how they can engage in the field of Assyrian Studies to pursue their research in Assyrian cultural preservation, continuity, and inclusivity while also pushing boundaries.
Overall, the Symposium is a fantastic opportunity for anyone who is interested in Assyrian Studies to learn about the latest research and developments in the field, connect with others who share their interests, and gain valuable insights into the history, challenges, and new directions in the study of Assyrian culture and heritage.
Program
Photos
Presenters
Sargon Donabed, Ph.D
Roger Williams University
In-person
Arbella Bet-Shlimon, Ph.D
University of Washington
Virtual
Julye Bidmead, Ph.D
Chapman University
In-person
Daniel Tower, Ph.D
University of Sydney, Noor Matti, and Shlama Foundation
Virtual
Joseph Hermiz, Ph.D. Candidate
University of Chicago
Virtual
Esther Elia, Masters of Fine Arts
University of New Mexico
In-person
Mary Isaac, Ph.D. Candidate
University of California, Irvine
In-person
Nahrain Bet Younadam, Ph.D
The University of Arizona
In-person
Alexandra Lazar, Ph.D. Student
University of California, Davis
In-person
Mark Tomass, Ph.D
Harvard University
Virtual
Nashie Shaman, Graduate Student
Victoria University of Wellington
Virtual
Abdulmesih BarAbraham, MSc.
Mor Afrem Foundation
Virtual
Eve Sada, Ph.D
CSWR, Harvard University
In-person
Efrem Yildiz, Ph.D
Nineveh Chair, University of Salamanca
In-person
Mikhael Benjamin, B.A
Nineveh Center for Minority Rights
In-person
Ruth Kambar, Ph.D
New York University
In-person
Lawrence Nadar Makho, M.A
University of Zakho
Virtual
Michel Shamoon-Pour, Ph.D
Binghamton University
In-person
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Noor Matti, B.S
Shlama Foundation
Virtual
Sponsors
The Assyrian Studies Association gratefully acknowledges the contributions of these sponsors in support of the 2023 Symposium.
Image(s) used for the 2023 Symposium under license from Shutterstock.com. CravenA/Shutterstock.com, jejim/Shutterstock.com, achinthamb/Shutterstock.com, and Dmitrii Sakharov/Shutterstock.com.