Diploma Assistant at University of Lausanne, Switzerland
Caleb Abraham is a dedicated scholar in Early Modern History, currently pursuing his doctoral studies at the University of Lausanne (UNIL), Switzerland. His academic journey is distinguished by a focus on book history, intellectual history, and the Reformation, alongside significant contributions to the broader understanding of religious practices and historical theology. Through teaching, conference organization, and publications, Caleb has established himself as a promising figure in historical research.
Profile
ORCID
Education
Caleb Abraham has pursued extensive education in history and literature. He began his academic career with a Bachelor of Letters in History and English literature from UNIL in 2018, followed by a Master of Letters specializing in Book History and Critical Edition. His Master’s thesis examined the Lausanne Academy library in the 16th century under the supervision of Karine Crousaz. Currently enrolled in a doctoral program at UNIL, Caleb continues to build on his research in Early Modern History. His academic journey is further enriched by participation in summer and spring schools at esteemed institutions, including the University of Tübingen and the Institut d’histoire de la Réformation in Geneva.
Experience
Since 2020, Caleb has been employed as an assistant-diplômé at the History Department of UNIL, where he is involved in teaching and research. He has also held various roles within academia, such as internships at the Bibliothèque Cantonale Universitaire de Lausanne (BCUL), where he cataloged incunabula, and student assistant positions for multiple professors across history and English departments. His experience also includes teaching several historical courses, from medieval to modern history, co-taught with senior faculty members, covering topics like religious life during the Reformation and historical practices of sleep. Additionally, Caleb has contributed to academic governance, serving on faculty councils and professor selection committees.
Research Interests
Caleb’s research primarily focuses on the religious, intellectual, and book history of Early Modern Europe. He is particularly interested in the Reformation’s impact on religious materiality, theological debates, and the evolution of religious practices between the 15th and 17th centuries. His work delves into the material aspects of religious rituals, such as the Eucharist, and how these practices were shaped by the Reformation in regions like the Pays de Vaud. Caleb’s work also spans the historical analysis of libraries and educational institutions, contributing to the understanding of how knowledge was disseminated in early academic settings.
Awards
Caleb’s academic achievements have been recognized through various prestigious awards and scholarships. In 2021, he received the Prix de la Ville de Lausanne for his Master’s thesis, accompanied by a grant of 6,000 CHF. In 2024, he was awarded a Mobi.Doc scholarship to conduct six months of archival research in Germany, valued at 40,000 CHF. He has also been a recipient of the Bourse Regard and a scholarship to study Ancient Greek at Academia Vivarium Novum. These accolades affirm the quality and significance of his contributions to historical research.
Publications
Caleb Abraham has authored several notable publications that contribute to the fields of religious history and book studies. His works are available in open-access formats, making his research widely accessible.
“Stone Altars, Wooden Tables, Silver Chalices, Unleavened Hosts, and Plain Bread: The Long Reformation of the Eucharist’s Materiality in the Pays de Vaud (1400–1600)” (2024). Religions. This article explores the material transformation of the Eucharist during the Reformation in the Pays de Vaud Link.
“Le sommeil dans les textes de théologie pratique des Puritains anglais du 17e siècle” (2024). In Bernard Andenmatten and Karine Crousaz (Eds.), Le sommeil. Théories, représentations et pratiques (Moyen Âge et Époque Moderne). This chapter examines theological perspectives on sleep in 17th-century Puritan texts Link.
“The Library of Lausanne Academy in the 16th Century: The Theological Corpus, from the Reformation to Early Orthodoxy” (2021). Zwingliana. This article analyzes the theological collections of the Lausanne Academy Link.
Catalogue des incunables conservés à la Bibliothèque Cantonale Universitaire de Lausanne (2020). A detailed catalog of incunabula preserved in the BCUL Link.
Conclusion
Caleb Abraham is a highly competent researcher with a solid academic foundation, demonstrated by his extensive publications, teaching experience, and conference organization. His strengths in historical research, coupled with his diverse skill set in languages and digital tools, position him as a valuable candidate for the Best Researcher Award. To further enhance his profile, a more focused research trajectory, along with increased international exposure and interdisciplinary work, would make his research contributions even more impactful.