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Scott A. Sandage
Associate Professor of History at Carnegie Mellon University
Scott A. Sandage is an Associate Professor of History at Carnegie Mellon University, where he has been a faculty member since 1995.15 He is a cultural historian specializing in 19th-century United States history and the evolution of American identity.12
Academic Background and Expertise
Professor Sandage received his Ph.D. from Rutgers University in 1995.1 His research focuses on various aspects of American cultural history, including:
- The concept of failure in American society
- The development of American culture
- The U.S. Constitution and presidency
- Abraham Lincoln
- The roots of rock and roll music
Notable Works and Recognition
Sandage is best known for his book "Born Losers: A History of Failure in America," published by Harvard University Press in 2005.13 This work received praise from playwright Arthur Miller and has been influential in exploring the American fear of failure.1
His scholarly achievements have earned him several accolades:
- Named a Distinguished Lecturer by the Organization of American Historians14
- Recipient of the Elliot Dunlap Smith Award for Distinguished Teaching and Educational Service at Carnegie Mellon in 20061
- Selected as one of America's "Top Young Historians" by the History News Network in 20071
Teaching and Public History
At Carnegie Mellon, Sandage teaches a variety of courses, including:
- U.S. history survey
- Capitalism and individualism
- American political humor
- "The Roots of Rock & Roll"1
He is also active in public history, having served as a consultant for institutions such as the Smithsonian, the National Archives, and the National Park Service.1 From 1998 to 2015, he was a board member of the Abraham Lincoln Institute in Washington, D.C.1
Current Research
Professor Sandage is currently working on a new book project titled "Laughing Buffalo in Paris: A Tall Tale of Race from the Half-Breed Rez." This research explores racial identity in the United States through the lens of a Nebraska reservation established for families with mixed Native American, white, and African-American ancestry.1
