Philip Skorokhodov was born into the vibrant culture of Albuquerque, New Mexico, where he began his academic journey. With a keen interest in the humanities fostered from a young age, he attended the Manzano Day School for his elementary education. His academic prowess became evident early on and continued to shine as he transitioned to Albuquerque Academy for his secondary schooling. Here, he excelled in his studies, particularly in History and English, and developed a deep appreciation for the complex layers of human History and its impact on contemporary society.

The Swarthmore Chapter: Developing Historical Acumen

Philip's passion for History led him to Swarthmore College in Pennsylvania, where he joined the esteemed Honors Program. He pursued a bachelor's degree in History, minoring in Political Science, an interdisciplinary approach that broadened his analytical skills and understanding of global political dynamics. While at Swarthmore, he undertook an ambitious undergraduate thesis titled "Who Won the War? Teaching the Young Generation: The Case of France (1946-2008)." This thesis explored the narrative complexities and pedagogical challenges of teaching World War II in the French educational system. This topic allowed him to blend his History, education, and French cultural interests.

Philip's engagement with French History deepened during a transformative junior year abroad in Paris. Participating in the Internships in Francophone Europe program, he immersed himself in the French language and culture, gaining insights that would prove invaluable in his later research. This experience enhanced his fluency in French and enriched his understanding of European historical narratives and their contemporary relevance.

Pursuing Mastery: From Chicago to Arizona

With a solid history and political science foundation, Philip advanced to the University of Chicago, where he pursued a Master of Arts in Social Sciences. His master's thesis, "The Second World War Debates in Russia (2000-2010): Political and Academic Obsession," examined the persistent debates surrounding World War II in Russian political and academic circles. This research underscored his capability to engage with complex historical and political debates, further solidifying his expertise in Eastern European studies.

Philip's scholarly ambitions did not stop at a master's degree. He was accepted into the PhD program at Arizona State University, where he embarked on a dissertation entitled "A Tale of Two Cities: Food, Hunger and Rationing in Moscow and Paris during WWII." This ambitious project aimed to compare the survival strategies and government policies in Moscow and Paris during the harrowing years of World War II. Achieving ABD status, he completed all requirements for his PhD except the dissertation defense, demonstrating his deep commitment and scholarly rigor.

A Global Researcher: Field Studies in Moscow and Paris

Philip's research took him far beyond the classroom, with significant periods spent in Moscow and Paris. He delved into various historical archives, such as the State Archive of the Russian Federation and the Russian State Archive of Socio-Political History in Moscow, gathering crucial data on wartime policies. His summers were spent analyzing documents that shed light on how civilians coped with severe food shortages and other wartime hardships.

In 2016, Philip continued his archival research in Paris, working at the National Archives of France and the Paris City Historical Archive. These experiences provided him with primary source materials for his dissertation and a nuanced understanding of how different cultures manage and remember periods of crisis.

Academic Contributions and Teaching Roles

Throughout his academic career, Philip has been dedicated to education and mentorship. He has taught various history courses at Arizona State University, where he was responsible for curriculum design, lecturing, and grading. His ability to convey complex historical concepts in an engaging and accessible manner made him a favored instructor among students.

Philip also served as an adjunct faculty member at Chandler-Gilbert Community College, teaching World History and U.S. History courses, further broadening his teaching experience and academic contributions. His brief stint learning Russian at the Arizona Academy of Math and Science showcased his linguistic skills and adaptability as an educator.

Engaging with the Community

Beyond academia, Philip contributed to the Albuquerque International Association, a non-profit organization committed to fostering global awareness and understanding. He managed membership services and helped organize educational events that brought international issues to local audiences. His involvement with AIA demonstrated his organizational skills and his dedication to community service and educational outreach.

Personal Life and Hobbies

When not immersed in research or teaching, Philip enjoys a vibrant personal life filled with outdoor activities such as skiing, hiking, biking, and swimming. His cultural pursuits include attending concerts and visiting museums, reflecting his broad interests and continual quest for knowledge. At home, he finds joy and companionship in his corgi, Ryzhik, whose presence adds warmth and comfort to his life.

Philip Skorokhodov's journey is a testament to the power of education and the profound impact of History on shaping our understanding of the world. His academic and personal endeavors highlight his commitment to learning, teaching, and contributing to a greater sense of human experiences across time and space.

Philip Skorokhodov analyzes political obsessions with WWII in Russia