I am a Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations at the University of Chicago studying under the direction of Professor John E. Woods. My previous education was completed at Truman State University, where I studied medieval European and East Asian history, and at the University of Chicago’s Center for Middle Eastern Studies. I investigate institutions of nomadic empire with particular emphasis on the Mongols, evolution of nation-states, and exchange of information and technologies in Central Eurasia. My dissertation project is a study of Ögödei Qa’an and his role in the creation of Mongol Empire and his impact on the interconnectedness of medieval Eurasia. For the last two academic years, I have served as Preceptor for NELC undergraduates, advising students through completion of their BA thesis projects.

Mick Bechtel