Current Research

My current research sits at the intersections of German, environmental, and colonial history in Southern Africa (primarily Namibia) as I remain interested in nature and empire, and the roots of environmental inequities.

Centering Simon Kooper

In one of my recent articles, I center |Gomxab, known more broadly as Simon Kooper (captain of the Fransman Nama). Kooper’s resistance and agency throughout German colonial rule in Southwest Africa, an analysis of an international frontier space, and the importance of the environment are central to my analysis and argument. The article has been published in the Journal for Southern African History (49, 4) and for the first time includes a more critical engagement with that particular conflict.

Beasts of Burdens, Environmental Borderlands, and More

My last two articles focuses on beasts of burden, specifically camels and mules; I also have a chapter forthcoming in an edited volume discussing environmental borderlands. Several additional contributions to edited volumes are in the works as well. Those focus on hidden transcripts and colonial stores.

Current Book Project

I am currently finalizing a book project focusing on the intersections of hunting and conservation in Southern Africa. My arguments are in part based on materials that I did not get to discuss in my last monograph; I am also building on archival research completed over the last years, including in Namibia. With a positive review of my book proposal in hand, I plan to submit the manuscript to the publisher in late 2026.