Catherine Medici, PhD @catherinemedici.bsky.social · 21/01/2026I haven’t really been on the job market in 10 years but to see money thrown at programs to teach “the western tradition” is so frustrating. The history job market for pre-modernists cratered post-2008 and it’s concerning that the only way this history will be taught is with a specific agenda. 100 0
Catherine Medici, PhD @catherinemedici.bsky.social · 23/09/2025Since providing this historical background in 2018 I experienced pregnancy and maternal care as a person who needs medications to survive AND given birth to a baby with her own complex medical issues. slate.com/technology/2... 100 0
Catherine Medici, PhD @catherinemedici.bsky.social · 29/05/2025Yesterday I used my experience to explain the horror of current reproductive law in America to a baffled international student. I had a c-section at 25 weeks because my organs had started to fail. Women are being denied care for the same thing if it happens any sooner because it’s before viability. 000 0
Catherine Medici, PhD @catherinemedici.bsky.social · 29/05/2025Today we celebrated my daughter’s 4th birthday. She was born at just 25 weeks and barely over a pound. Today she’s full of personality and a kid who insists on having both a special “night-night” bow for her hair and taking her toy cars to bed. 010 0
Catherine Medici, PhD @catherinemedici.bsky.social · 15/05/2025It’s exciting that Omaha/Nebraska is finally making national news for a good reason. Let this be the beginning. 010 0
Catherine Medici, PhD @catherinemedici.bsky.social · 14/05/2025City elections were today and my polling place is a Chevy dealership. For the first time they had at least a dozen disclaimers that “signs posted are due to the election and do not represent the beliefs of our organization.” It’s a bad sign when explicitly neutral voting information requires this. 010 0
Catherine Medici, PhD @catherinemedici.bsky.social · 12/05/2025What sources or guides are folks using to share with students (especially international) as we hit the end of semester and summer travel season in the US? 000 0
Catherine Medici, PhD @catherinemedici.bsky.social · 08/05/2025Good to know my Italian is still good enough to follow the address of the new Pope without subtitles/translation. 010 0
Catherine Medici, PhD @catherinemedici.bsky.social · 08/05/2025One of the first things I asked when I came to my institution was “what are we doing to ensure Title IX protections for pregnancy?” Turns out no one knew they needed to do this. As we have made efforts for change the biggest barrier is still making people aware. www.chronicle.com/blogs/letter...chronicle.comLetter | Cultures of Care for Pregnant StudentsAs a recent essay notes, it’s not just policies that matter. 010 0
Catherine Medici, PhD @catherinemedici.bsky.social · 06/05/2025Did not realize we scheduled the discussion about critically thinking about where you get your news on Pulitzer Day, but I do love a theme so I’m glad the universe did it for me. 000 0
Reposted by Catherine Medici, PhDZiva Branstetter @zivabranstetter.bsky.social · 05/05/2025So humbled that our project, "The Life of the Mother," has won the Pulitzer Prize for public service. Thank you Mayron Hollis and the families of Amber Thurman, Candi Miller, Josseli Barnica, Nevaeh Crain and Porsha Ngumezi for trusting us to tell their stories. www.propublica.org/article/prop...propublica.orgProPublica Wins Pulitzer Prize for Public ServiceThe award, for exposing the fatal consequences of abortion bans, marks ProPublica’s 8th Pulitzer; investigation into mental health care access is named a Pulitzer finalist. 352203383 0
Reposted by Catherine Medici, PhDTressie McMillan Cottom @tressiemcphd.bsky.social · 05/05/2025That’s my thing. All I have heard about my entire life is men’s many problems. Whomst among us has ever had the freedom to ignore men’s problems?!! All nonsense. Men need socialism and a nap. 243387439 0
Reposted by Catherine Medici, PhDTara Wine-Queen Writes @tarawinequeen.bsky.social · 02/05/2025“I asked ChatGPT” well I asked the three Fates and the one with the scissors got very agitated when I told her you were using your one precious life thread talking to that cursed thing 30108363852 0
Reposted by Catherine Medici, PhDDr Lindsey Fitzharris @drlindseyfitz.bsky.social · 02/05/2025For centuries, a “gossip” was a woman who attended another woman's delivery. The word was a corruption of “god-sib” or “god-sibling,” meaning “sister in the Lord.” The gossips offered support to mother and midwife. Only later did the term take on a derogatory meaning. 1164059768 0
Catherine Medici, PhD @catherinemedici.bsky.social · 02/05/2025My own terrible experience of pregnancy/post-partum in academia despite trying to do everything "right" made me more passionate to support our pregnant and parenting students. I'm glad to see this insightful work of @aliciaandrz.bsky.social out in the world. www.chronicle.com/article/what...chronicle.comOpinion | What Is Academe’s Problem With Pregnancy?This toxic culture has to change. 094 0
Catherine Medici, PhD @catherinemedici.bsky.social · 02/05/2025I was answering my 4 year old’s questions about my Venus of Willendorf necklace and she told me that one day she wants to have a statue in a museum and that she needs to help at the museum. Great! Also, wow is it hard to explain all the meaning in this necklace on the spot and to a small child. 000 0
Catherine Medici, PhD @catherinemedici.bsky.social · 02/05/2025I had not one, but 2 public talks this week. It was a delight to talk about the influence of culture in perceptions of the past and present for Opera Omaha and the student art project Experiences in Femininity. 100 0
Reposted by Catherine Medici, PhDRaffi Melkonian @rmfifthcircuit.bsky.social · 15/04/2025It's genuinely hard to express to sort of normal not politically plugged in non-lawyers *how* lawless the Trump administration is, and I think that's some part of the problem. You sound like you're hyperventilating, but it's just a flat description of what is going on. 11362461376 0
Catherine Medici, PhD @catherinemedici.bsky.social · 05/04/2025Librarians are my people, especially when they invite Saeed Jones for their keynote. @theferocity.bsky.social 000 0
Catherine Medici, PhD @catherinemedici.bsky.social · 29/03/2025I’ve given two guest lectures this week and in both I felt like I was definitely the bearer of bad news. Oh sorry to tell you about the significant legal precedents at risk post-Dobbs, like contraceptive access. And I wasn’t being sarcastic about programs to support women in STEM being shut. 010 0
Catherine Medici, PhD @catherinemedici.bsky.social · 27/03/2025If you think this kind of education and advocacy is important, you can support the chapter of this group in Nebraska. They welcome students from all programs on our campus and broadened to focus reproductive justice. www.greatergoodgivingday.org/campaigns/re...greatergoodgivingday.orgGive to Reproductive Health Advocates (Student Org.) | For the Greater Good 2025I’m ready to support Reproductive Health Advocates (Student Org.) on March 26, 2025 during For the Greater Good 2025. Learn more about Reproductive Health Advocates (Student Org.) 041 0
Catherine Medici, PhD @catherinemedici.bsky.social · 21/03/2025You know you’re a real nerd when you can id academics in pictures and send messages about misattributed quotes to your friends. 000 0
Catherine Medici, PhD @catherinemedici.bsky.social · 21/03/2025This is pretty much the approach of a family member’s district and the result of leadership. Thankful our experience 2 miles away has been vastly different. This is why voting for school boards matters. It’s about what is valued. 000 0
Catherine Medici, PhD @catherinemedici.bsky.social · 19/03/2025Decided it was a good time to intro my 3 year old to Disney’s Robin Hood. During the scene where all the animals are in jail for tax debts she said “this is so sad mom!” Yes, yes it is, always remember that kiddo. 010 0
Reposted by Catherine Medici, PhDJSant @jmsantiago.bsky.social · 17/03/2025Another idea: my community hosts monthly science nights where a local expert, often a professor, talks about a current issue in their field at a neighborhood pub. A surprisingly large number of attendees at each. The model would work around history, arts or other fields. 28124 0
Catherine Medici, PhD @catherinemedici.bsky.social · 13/03/2025A lot folks who think of themselves as white, myself included, are 1 or 2 generations past being targeted by the use of this in wartime. 100 0
Catherine Medici, PhD @catherinemedici.bsky.social · 13/03/2025I’m just a real ray of sunshine in staff meetings “I’m not sure why I know so much about being prepared and staying safe in authoritarian targeting. Oh right, because feminist activism is always a target because patriarchy is at the foundation.” 100 0
Reposted by Catherine Medici, PhDJennifer Smith Richards @jsmithrichards.bsky.social · 12/03/2025NEW: The Office for Civil Rights’ locations in Boston, Chicago, Cleveland, Dallas, New York, Philadelphia and San Francisco are being shuttered, ProPublica has learned. "What you've got left is a shell that can't function." This is the latest from me and @jodiscohen.bsky.socialpropublica.orgMassive Layoffs at the Department of Education Erode Its Civil Rights DivisionOnly five of the agency’s civil rights offices remain nationwide. Those who are still with the department say it will now be “virtually impossible” to resolve discrimination complaints. 3271128 0
Catherine Medici, PhD @catherinemedici.bsky.social · 12/03/2025I have watched celebrated OBGYN colleagues/collaborators leave over the past 2 years and heard "we had someone who did that, but they left" too many times. I'm glad there's now data to show the trend. jamanetwork.com/journals/jam...jamanetwork.comPost-Dobbs Changes in OBGYN Clinical WorkforceThis case-control study compares the availability of women’s health care clinicians in states that enacted highly restrictive abortion policy after the Dobbs Supreme Court decision vs states that esta... 000 0
Reposted by Catherine Medici, PhDCeleste Ng @pronounced-ing.bsky.social · 12/03/2025A lot of people (self included!) have been deeply trained to not "cause a fuss," to not "act out." To avoid speaking up or taking action. But you can unlearn this. Every time you take action, it strengthens your resistance muscles. Make a call. Send an email. Put up a flyer. Keep standing up. 11696139 0
Reposted by Catherine Medici, PhDzombiemovies_makemecry @fcolarusso.bsky.social · 12/03/2025This Tim Walz quote from The New Yorker pairs well: 81946402 0
Reposted by Catherine Medici, PhDJAWS (Journalism & Women Symposium) @womenjournos.bsky.social · 11/03/2025Health Fellow Julia Métraux shared her first piece as part of the #JAWS Health Journalism Fellowship, supported by the @commonwealthfund.org. You can read her story examining forced sterilization and eugenics laws here: www.motherjones.com/politics/202...motherjones.comForced sterilization of disabled people isn't a relic of the pastIn most states, eugenics laws still let doctors sterilize disabled patients—even against their will. 0115 0
Reposted by Catherine Medici, PhDElizabeth Wrigley-Field @wrigleyfield.bsky.social · 10/03/2025Hope everyone working at a university is thinking about how to act if someone comes to our buildings to take away our students My dept has a “know your rights” training soon. Something that I know from past trainings & experiences: resisting authoritative orders is uncomfortable & takes practice 9251111 0
Catherine Medici, PhD @catherinemedici.bsky.social · 07/03/2025It’s a good time to spend the day at a student women’s and gender studies conference. Started strong with a panel on craftivism and using craft to improve sex ed. 110 0
Reposted by Catherine Medici, PhDACLU @aclu.org · 04/03/2025BREAKING: We're sending an open letter to universities across the country, offering support and urging them to reject pressure to punish international students and faculty for exercising their First Amendment rights. Schools must hold firm against the Trump administration's censorship attempts. 3542481182 0
Catherine Medici, PhD @catherinemedici.bsky.social · 27/02/2025I feel like a successful villain being able to enforce my personal writing style preferences with Chicago Style guidelines. Oxford commas for all! 000 0
Reposted by Catherine Medici, PhDNebraska Examiner @nebraskaexaminer.com · 24/02/2025RIPPLE EFFECTS: The Trump administration-led push to scrub DEI efforts has hit Nebraska on multiple fronts, including yanking a university grant program before a first cohort of budding teachers could graduate. From Cindy Gonzalez:buff.lyTrump push against ‘DEI hires’ and diversity efforts hits home in Nebraska • Nebraska ExaminerPresident Donald Trump's push against "DEI hires" and diversity, equity and inclusion efforts hits home in Nebraska. 0106 0
Catherine Medici, PhD @catherinemedici.bsky.social · 24/02/2025Visited the Anne Frank house today. Many reminders of the way that “data” and systematic information was used to more effectively persecute. Like national identity cards that included religion. Noticed the same thing in South Africa visiting in October. 000 0
Reposted by Catherine Medici, PhDCaitlin S., PhD @paleophile.bsky.social · 19/02/2025The Democrats on the House Science Committee have set up a website to collect stories from fired federal employees, anonymously if desired. Please amplify. (This helps the lawyers establish standing for bringing legal cases against the administration!) democrats-science.house.gov/sciencefirings 1322481938 0
Reposted by Catherine Medici, PhDThe Conversation U.S. @us.theconversation.com · 19/02/2025Trans people affirmed their gender without medical help in medieval Europe − history shows how identity transcends medicine and lawbuff.lyTrans people affirmed their gender without medical help in medieval Europe − history shows how identity transcends medicine and lawSurgery was rare and risky in the medieval period. Though medical options were limited, trans people were able to take transitioning into their own hands. 16318 0
Catherine Medici, PhD @catherinemedici.bsky.social · 17/02/2025One thing about interdisciplinary work is that you never know what citation style will be required. But this upcoming conference is Chicago and as the historian I have declared victory and volunteered to check everyone’s citations. 010 0
Catherine Medici, PhD @catherinemedici.bsky.social · 17/02/2025I’m traveling to Amsterdam this weekend for a 5 day trip with my sister. Any recommendations on places to eat or stop? We have our big museum tickets so mostly thinking lesser know or local secrets type things. 010 0
Catherine Medici, PhD @catherinemedici.bsky.social · 12/02/2025And this is just NIH cuts, not the other funding up in the air. NU is the largest employer in the state. 000 0
Catherine Medici, PhD @catherinemedici.bsky.social · 11/02/2025I’m so glad we kept virtual options for events. It give access to a level of speakers and work that we just did not have before, especially in Nebraska. Just watched a great talk by @theferocity.bsky.social and @roxanegay.bsky.social that was so insightful and needed in this moment. 0502 0
Reposted by Catherine Medici, PhDChanda Prescod-Weinstein 🌌 @chanda.blacksky.app · 09/02/2025Every single stupid conversation I’ve had with a scientist about anticipatory obedience and historical comparisons over the last week has had me thinking about how scientists’ political incompetence is one of the major arguments for a liberal arts education Like you’re literally a tool without it 662818758 0
Catherine Medici, PhD @catherinemedici.bsky.social · 09/02/2025Turns out listening to audiobooks as distraction also has professional benefits. Listening to oral interviews/histories at 1.5-1.75 speed without issue is a revelation. 010 0
Catherine Medici, PhD @catherinemedici.bsky.social · 09/02/2025Explained to a colleague this week that science and medicine folks are going to need to learn real quick how to explain the value/significance of their work to non-scientists like the humanities have been doing since 2010. 0102 0
Reposted by Catherine Medici, PhDAda Palmer @adapalmer.bsky.social · 06/02/2025LGBTQIA+ As we resist those who claim diversity distorts scholarship, let’s run through the acronym & show how easy it is to find the rainbow in every era. We don’t even need to look beyond the Renaissance celebrities that are household names! 1/? (Countdown to Inventing the Renaissance) 7449197 0