This fall, Gustavus students have the opportunity to study on campus with a Swedish Gender Studies expert, Ulrika Dahl, thanks to the Fulbright Hildeman Fellow Program. Scandinavian Studies Professor Helena Karlsson applied for a grant to host a Fulbright Hildeman Fellow, and when Gustavus received the grant, Dahl saw the opening and applied to spend her semester in St. Peter.

The Hildeman Grant, under the Fulbright Commission, commemorates Nils-Gustav Hildeman, Swedish diplomat and former Fulbright board member. Its purpose is to promote Scandinavian Studies in America.

Dahl was familiar with the Midwest region before she applied for the position here. Her undergraduate degree is from Lawrence University in Appleton, Wis.

“I got a scholarship from the Sweden-America Foundation to study in America. After a year, I decided to complete my education [at Lawrence],” Dahl said.

Her bachelor’s degree is in anthropology and she completed her Ph.D. at University of California, Santa Cruz, which culminated in a dissertation entitled Progressive Women, Traditional Men: The Politics of ‘Knowledge’ and Gendered Stories of ’Development’ in the Northern Periphery of the EU.

The class she is teaching at Gustavus is Gender and Sexuality in Scandinavia. However, these topics are only a small sampling of her interests and specialties. She also counts postcolonial theory, European ethnography, critical whiteness studies and queer theory among her areas of expertise.

“I think we’re really lucky to have a really prominent academic in the Scandinavian Studies field, especially one coming from Sweden, which is generally regarded as one of the most gender equal societies. It’s interesting to see how that stereotype is true and where gender inequality still is prevalent,” Senior Scandinavian Studies Major Robert Holder said.

Dahl’s most notable work is her 2009 book, Femmes of Power: Exploding Queer Femininities, a collaboration with Del LaGrace Volcano. The book complements her already extensive portfolio of writings, including articles and creative writings on everything from fashion and activism to ethnography.

Senior Political Science Major Jen Fox is a member of Dahl’s class this semester. Fox said that Dahl has high expectations, but also provides great support and a comfortable class setting.

“She has very different experiences and research background. She’s very fun,” Fox said. “She’s excited to be here, excited to learn about this place and we are lucky to have her…she brings a whole new perspective.”

Dahl is likewise enjoying her experience at Gustavus, despite its differences from her home university, Stockholm’s Södertörn University, where she is the assistant professor of Gender Studies.

“I like the small class size and close relationships here,” Dahl said. “It’s a different style of university.”

Dahl will be presenting at least two public lectures, one at the American Swedish Institute in Minneapolis and one at Gustavus. The dates are yet to be decided, as are the topics. Dahl encourages input on what the community wants to hear her speak about.

“I’m a resource for anyone looking to talk about fashion, film, femininity or any of my specialties,” Dahl said.