Welcoming our Newest Advisor!

Atux̂ Forever is thrilled to announce we have our newest advisor, Dr. Melissa Chakars! She has extensive knowledge of Indigenous peoples in Russia. She is a Department of History Professor and Chair at Saint Joseph's University located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Melissa Chakars to our team, bringing with her a wealth of expertise in Eurasian history. As a professor and chair of the Department of History at Saint Joseph's University, Dr. Chakars has built a distinguished career focusing on the Mongolian and Siberian peoples of Russia. Her scholarly work extends across various critical themes, including empire, identity, media, religion, and gender. Notably, she has co-edited significant volumes such as Buryat Intellectuals in Empire and Revolution and Modernization, Nation-Building, and Television History. Her acclaimed monograph, The Socialist Way of Life in Siberia: Transformation in Buryatia, demonstrates her deep engagement with the cultural and historical transformations in the region. With ongoing research into the history of Buddhism in the Russian Empire and Soviet Union, Dr. Chakars continues to contribute valuable insights into the diverse histories of the Kalmyk, Buryat, and Tyvan peoples.

Dr. Chakars' academic journey is enriched by her international experiences, having lived, studied, and worked in cities like Ulan-Ude, Vladivostok, Riga, and Ulaanbaatar. Since joining Saint Joseph's University in 2010, she has continued to expand her research, publishing numerous articles in respected journals. Her work not only highlights the historical narratives of the regions she studies but also underscores the complex interplay of politics, culture, and identity. As we welcome Dr. Chakars, we are excited about the new perspectives and expertise she brings to our team, promising to enhance our understanding of Eurasian history and its contemporary implications.