Senior Spotlight: Anthony Erkan (BA'25, history and economics)
“Throughout these past four years, the University of Illinois and the Department of History have given me opportunities to develop and explore my passion for the field of history in ways I never thought possible. From taking my first classes here at the university to leading classes of my own and from completing my first college paper to being able to study abroad in the Czech Republic and conduct research in both Türkiye and Germany, the journey has been truly unforgettable and has allowed me to grow as an individual and expand my skills as a scholar and leader. It goes without saying that much of what I have been able to accomplish would not have been possible without the endless support, encouragement, and mentorship of my instructors, the most notable of which being Stefan Djordjevic, who has been there every step of the way. It gives me pride to call myself a scholar and student of history, let alone one who is a graduate of this department.” - Anthony Erkan
Research Interests
Anthony’s research focuses on Turkish and, more broadly, Balkan diplomatic, military, and international history. He studies how these nation-states interacted with Great Powers during the 19th and 20th centuries—diplomatically, economically, and militarily. His particular interests include grand strategy, geopolitics, economic warfare, and economic diplomacy. These themes are central to his dual-departmental honors thesis, which he is undertaking under the guidance of History Thesis Advisor Stefan Djordjevic and Economics Thesis Advisor Ricardo Bebczuk.
Internship Involvement
Anthony is currently the Peter and Joan Hood Intern for the 2024–2025 academic year, a role that involves monthly rotations through several core areas of Student Academic Affairs, including international programs, the dean’s office, first-year experience, advising, honors, and marketing. As part of this internship, he also oversees the writing and development of the weekly LAS Lineup e-newsletter, which is distributed to nearly 13,000 LAS students. Additionally, he served as an LAS 101 Course Instructor Intern in both Fall 2023 and Fall 2024, where he facilitated classes of 23 and 26 incoming freshmen, respectively, mentoring them on undergraduate research, internships, international study, and global engagement opportunities.
RSO Involvement
Anthony has been a member of Phi Alpha Theta (the National History Honor Society) since 2021 and currently serves as Treasurer of the Epsilon chapter for the 2024–2025 academic year. He is also a member of Omicron Delta Epsilon (the International Economics Honor Society), having been inducted in 2024. In addition, he serves as Lead Editor of the Undergraduate History Journal at Illinois since the 2023–2024 academic year and currently holds the position of Secretary for the 2024–2025 academic year. Beyond RSOs, Anthony is a member of the Department of History Undergraduate Studies Committee and the College of LAS Courses and Curricula Committee for the 2024–2025 academic year. He also served on the Phi Alpha Theta 2024 Conference Logistics Committee.
Recognition and awards
Anthony has received numerous academic honors and awards, including the Office of Undergraduate Research Support Grant (2024), the Get Experience Scholarship (2024), the James Scholar Preble Research Scholarship (2024), the C. Ernest Dawn Undergraduate Research Travel Award (2024), the John & Judith Steinberg Alfonsi Scholarship (2024), the Illinois for Illinois (I4I) Study Abroad Scholarship (2024), and the LAS Global Engagement Scholarship (2024). He has also twice been recognized on the List of Teachers Ranked as Excellent (2023 and 2024). Currently, Anthony is a semi-finalist for a Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship (ETA) in Türkiye and is awaiting a final decision.
Plans after college
He has been admitted to Georgetown University, where he plans to pursue a dual-degree program. This includes an M.S. in Foreign Service with a concentration in Global Politics & Security from the Walsh School of Foreign Service, and an M.A. in Global, International, & Comparative History. He will begin the program either in the upcoming year or the next, depending on the outcome of the Fulbright.