Academic Appointments


  • Lecturer, American Studies

Professional Education


  • PhD, Stanford University, English (2022)
  • MPhil, University of Cambridge, Criticism & Culture (2013)
  • AB, Princeton University, English with Certificate in American Studies (2010)

Current Research and Scholarly Interests


Rachel Heise Bolten specializes in nineteenth and twentieth century American culture. Her research and teaching interests include California and the West, the history of science and technology, photography, material culture, and environmental humanities. Her current book project explores a long history of literary and visual description.

2024-25 Courses