Richard Sheridan

Professional Summary: Professor Richard Sheridan

Professor Richard Sheridan is a distinguished academic associated with the University of New England (UNE) in Australia. With a robust background in historical studies, he has made significant contributions to the field through his research, publications, and academic roles. Below is a detailed overview of his professional journey and achievements based on publicly available information.

Academic Background and Degrees

Professor Sheridan holds advanced degrees in history, reflecting his deep expertise in the discipline. While specific details of his educational institutions and degree years are not fully disclosed in accessible public records, his academic career and publications indicate a strong foundation in historical research and scholarship.

Research Specializations and Academic Interests

Professor Sheridan's research primarily focuses on economic and social history, with a particular emphasis on the history of slavery, plantation economies, and colonial systems in the Caribbean. His work explores the intersections of labor, race, and economic structures in historical contexts, contributing to a nuanced understanding of colonial histories.

Career History and Appointments

Professor Sheridan has had a notable academic career with key appointments at prestigious institutions:

• University of New England, Australia: Current position as Professor of History, where he contributes to teaching and research in historical studies.
• University of Kansas, USA: Previously held a professorial position, focusing on economic history and Caribbean studies.

Major Awards, Fellowships, and Honors

While specific awards and fellowships tied to Professor Sheridan are not widely documented in public sources, his long-standing career and impactful publications suggest recognition within academic circles for his contributions to historical scholarship.

Key Publications

Professor Sheridan is a prolific author whose works have significantly shaped the study of Caribbean history and slavery. Some of his key publications include:

• Sugar and Slavery: An Economic History of the British West Indies, 1623-1775 (1974) - A seminal work examining the economic structures of slavery in the British Caribbean.
• Doctors and Slaves: A Medical and Demographic History of Slavery in the British West Indies, 1680-1834 (1985) - A groundbreaking study on the health and demographic aspects of enslaved populations.
• Numerous articles and book chapters on slavery, colonial economies, and social history in peer-reviewed journals and edited volumes.

Influence and Impact on Academic Field

Professor Sheridan's research has had a profound impact on the historiography of slavery and colonial economies. His meticulous economic analyses and focus on the lived experiences of enslaved individuals have provided critical insights into the mechanisms of exploitation and resistance in the Caribbean. His works are widely cited by historians and scholars of Atlantic history, establishing him as a leading authority in his field.

Public Lectures, Committee Roles, and Editorial Contributions

While specific details of public lectures or committee roles are not extensively documented in public sources, Professor Sheridan's expertise likely positions him as a contributor to academic conferences, editorial boards, and historical societies focused on Caribbean and economic history. His publications suggest active engagement with scholarly communities through peer review and collaborative projects.