A Look a' the Irish
Ireland
Prof. David Miller
Jay Roszman
The sheer beauty of the Irish countryside and the friendliness of its people left a lasting impression on Jay Roszman.
He spent a year living and studying in Belfast.
It didn't take long for him to realize just how important history is to the Irish people.
He was captivated by how their understanding of the past has shaped how they see the world in which they live — and themselves.
"Thirty-plus years of terrorism crystallized this in Northern Ireland, and 'history' became both a way to build community solidarity and one's personal identity," said Roszman.
"I was struck by the intersection of the academic pursuit of historical understanding and the 'pop' history I encountered that was used as a tool for Catholics and Protestants to understand their present realities."
And while he says grad school can be a lot like walking into a dense fog, CMU professor David Miller has truly illuminated his path.
"His wisdom has shaped my research — challenging me to ask more thoughtful questions, engage with new historical source material and produce the best scholarship I can," said Roszman.
"The personal relationship and rapport has also been amazing. We meet weekly one-on-one discussing books we've read, offering critiques, and finding ways that the work of other scholars offers insights into my own research and writing."
Roszman has been so inspired by Miller, he's following in his footsteps with plans to become an Irish history professor.
Miller's second book, Queen's Rebels: Ulster Loyalism in Historical Perspective, is highly regarded by historians and social scientists.
It has also resonated with participants in the Northern Ireland peace process.
For example, Miller has studied the religious practice of Irish Catholics in pre- and post-famine Ireland — such as their attendance at Mass.
And his quantitative research has helped put into perspective the sharp changes in religious practice over generations.
Miller is currently writing a book with the working title of Irish Catholics, Ulster Presbyterians and Church Protestants.
"Although much has been written about each of the three major Irish religious communities, little attempt has been made find out what they had in common, and understand how and why they reacted as they did toward each other," he explained.
For him, merely talking with a grad student about his or her goals, and how to get there, is rewarding.
"I hope it also is to them," he said.
It sure seems to be in Roszman's case. Call it the luck o' the Irish, if you will. But Roszman knows it was wise decision-making in choosing to attend CMU.
"I am truly privileged to have a professor, friend and mentor who is such an amazing scholar of Irish history," said Roszman.
Miller was recently honored at Queen's University Belfast with a "David Miller Day," honoring his rich contribution to Irish history.
Related Links: About Miller | Dept. of History | College of Humanities & Social Sciences