This summer, Classics PhD student Jake Pawlush was selected to participate in the American Numismatic Society’s (ANS) Eric P. Newman Summer Seminar in New York City, one of the most prestigious programs in the field of numismatics.

During the two-month program, Pawlush studied the history of money, numismatic methodologies, and research practices while completing a project under the guidance of Dr. Peter van Alfen (ANS) and Dr. John Ma (Columbia University). His research, a die-study of the civic coins of Ephesos-as-Arsinoeia during the reign of Lysimachos (294–281 BCE), is now being developed into a paper for publication with the ANS.

Pawlush’s participation was made possible by funding from the Kevin Herbert Memorial Award, the George R. Throop Endowment Award, the Suzanne Mizera and James Risch Fund, and the ANS graduate stipend. Reflecting on this support, he noted, “I would never have been able to afford two months living in NYC without this generous and vital support.”

In addition to advancing his research, Pawlush appreciated the opportunity to connect with leading numismatic scholars, collaborate with fellow graduate students—including former WashU student Samantha Doleno (now at Yale)—and build friendships through his stay at the International House in New York.

Looking ahead, Pawlush described the summer as both “formative” and “invigorating,” preparing him for the next stage of his studies as he enters his second year in the PhD program.