Peter Mancall, Distinguished Professor and Andrew W. Mellon Professor of the Humanities, has led the USC-Huntington Early Modern Studies Institute (EMSI) since its founding in 2003. When EMSI received a National Endowment for the Humanities grant to spearhead LA2026, he invited Laura Dominguez ’12, ’23, who had emerged as the best candidate in a national search, to join the project as its postdoctoral fellow.

What made Dominguez your top choice to help steer LA2026?

Laura has the critical and cultural skills to navigate our politically fraught age. She can take complex ideas and shape them for a wider audience. She also has the collaborative spirit to work with partners on programming that explores the founding principles of our country and what they mean in today’s society.

How has Dominguez advanced the LA2026 effort?

Laura has deep ties across Los Angeles and extensive experience making research accessible to the public. She’s helping cultural institutions and their audiences better understand the ideas behind exhibitions and public programs, and she’s creating opportunities for thoughtful conversation about the past and its meaning today.

What do you enjoy about working with early-career scholars like Dominguez at EMSI?

I love the intensity these scholars bring to their research and helping them think about what comes next. It’s exciting to support their development and serve as a sounding board as they consider different paths.