Meet one of our new faculty members, Dr. Eli Sperling, joining us as an Israel Institute Teaching Fellow.

What attracted you to UGA?
Engaged students, endless faculty resources and wonderful colleagues

Where did you grow up? 
Bainbridge Island, WA

What was your favorite part of your college experience?
Studying abroad!

What is your favorite food?
Vietnamese Cuisine

Please tell us one fun fact about you.
I actively gig as a bass player, and have since I was 15

What is one goal you have for yourself for the next year?
Develop engaging, successful new courses and programming about Israeli politics and diplomacy

What do you consider your greatest accomplishment?
Getting a book contract with the University of Michigan Press

Who inspires you in your research or career?
All of my gracious mentors from Emory, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Duke and now UGA

If you could have one superpower, what would it be?
Definitely time travel

What advice do you have for SPIA students?
Find faculty whose work focuses on what you are interested in doing after graduation, take their courses, build relationships with them and seek academic/career guidance!