New Alumna Achieves Her Dream Through St. John’s Part-Time Ph.D. Program

Then came the day, while searching online for part-time Ph.D. programs, when she found exactly what she needed while perusing St. John’s University’s History Department website. “Without this doctoral program in history at St. John’s, I would most likely not have been able to live out my passion,” said Erum.

Erum recently graduated from St. John’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences with a Doctor of Philosophy degree in World History. She focused on South Asia from the early to modern periods. Her dissertation explored the cultural history and material culture of the northwestern Indian communities involved in the Indian Ocean trade.

Nerina Rustomji, Ph.D., Professor, History, was Erum’s dissertation adviser. “Dr. Rustomji empowered me to explore the history of South Asia. Now, I could return to recover the history of my maternal ancestors, who were one of many communities of intrepid traders in the Indian Ocean,” said Erum. “Growing up in Pakistan with my grandmother, who shared stories about her life in Gujarat, India, and later migration to Pakistan, had always left a lasting impact on me.”

“These stories helped guide my research to understand the shared heritage and cultures of Hindus and Muslims of the Indian subcontinent,” Erum explained. “My research allowed me to demonstrate a counter-narrative to the ones that divide us along national and religious lines, ones that reveal common traditions and fluid identities.”

Dr. Rustomji said Erum produced an “ambitious, sophisticated” dissertation. “Her topic was about the goods merchant communities traded in the Indian Ocean in the 17th century. This sweeping topic covers multiple regions from China, to South Asia, to the Middle East, to East Africa.”

“Historically,” she added, “this time period is methodologically challenging because of limited sources. Erum learned how to tell history through objects, like a pen-case, a rosewater bottle, and a coffee pot. The harder the research became, the more she excelled.”

Erum is grateful that St. John’s doctoral program accommodates students who need to pursue their studies part-time  by conducting classes in the evening so they do not interfere with students’ day jobs and family obligations. Erum’s work experience includes her time as a science research educator at the high school level, where she enjoyed sharing her love of research with students. Previously, she held research scientist positions at local health departments and taught as an adjunct lecturer at CUNY Lehman College and a guest faculty member at Sarah Lawrence College. In addition to her background in the sciences, Erum has always had a keen interest in world history and in studying the past through new perspectives.

While at St. John’s, Erum was able to bond with other students with similar circumstances to her own, such as juggling jobs, running a household, and caring for their children. “We shared these struggles together and it was comforting to commiserate together,” said Erum, who has a son, Ryan. “If any of us felt too much pressure from all our responsibilities, the professors and graduate students would encourage each other to stay the course.”

“The history department at St. John’s provided a comfortable place for me to find new friends and community,” she added. “Even though I was an older student, all students in the graduate department were a support system, and they are a lifelong connection.”

Erum aims to secure a career as a college professor; she expressed her appreciation to St. John’s for thoroughly preparing her for that role. “The History Department professors trained me for years for a life in academia. Everything from meticulous writing and editing, to clear, critical thinking, was fostered throughout my education at St. John’s,” said Erum. “The University also provides career support, résumé writing, and job search opportunities.”

She added, “St. John’s is an amazing place to live your dreams and become whoever you wish to be.”