The Ackerman Center Podcast

Ep. 79 Behind the Pages of "The Pessimist's Son": Martin Kimel in Conversation with Dr. David Patterson

In this episode, Martin Kimel talks about his book, "The Pessimist’s Son: A Holocaust Memoir of Hope" published in May 2025. He is hosted by Dr. David Patterson, who holds the Hillel A. Feinberg Distinguished Chair of Holocaust Studies at the Ackerman Center for Holocaust Studies. Their conversation moves through the heart of the story—its themes of family, identity, and the emotional legacy it carries. Martin reflects on what inspired his work, the writing process behind it and also shares how the project evolved over time and what he hopes readers carry with them once they’ve turned the final page.

Ep. 78 A Conversation with Ana Lorena Delgadillo

In this inaugural episode of the first Spanish-language podcast at UTD, Dr. Shilyh Warren, Associate Dean of Graduate Studies and affiliate faculty of the Ackerman Center, and Dr. Paula Cuellar Cuellar, Assistant Professor of History and Fellow of the Jacqueline and Michael Wald Professorship at the Bass School, sit down with Ms. Ana Lorena Delgadillo, J.D., a leading international human rights lawyer recognized worldwide for her work on truth, justice and reparations. In the podcast, Ms. Delgadillo reflects on her path as a human rights advocate for migrant rights, and victims of forced disappearances, and femicide. Additionally, Ms. Delgadillo shares insights on her work as the current Latin American member of the United Nations Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances.

Ep. 77 Defending Memory: Sabro Bengaro on the Assyrian Genocide and Historical Responsibility

In this episode, Dr. Mehak Burza interviews Sabro Bengaro, a Ph.D. candidate at The University of Texas at Dallas, who will soon be defending his dissertation, "Germany, Jihad , and the Assyrian Genocide of 1915". Sabro discusses the motivations behind his research, his academic journey and his dedication to preserving Assyrian memory.

Ep. 76 Beyond Walls: Exploring the Digital Twin of the Ackerman Center

What happens when memory, scholarship and cutting-edge technology come together? In this episode, Dr. Nils Roemer and Dr. Mehak Burza sit down with Professor Jeffrey Price to discuss the creation of the Digital Twin of the Ackerman Center. The conversation explores how the collaboration between the Ackerman Center and the VAST Lab (Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality, Simulation Technology Research) under the supervision of Professor Jeffrey Price has brought this innovative project to life. Designed as an interactive representation of the Center, it allows users to explore the Center's resources and exhibits, fostering a deeper understanding of Holocaust history and its enduring impact.

Ep. 75 Where Art Meets History: Kinder Doll Animation Project- Part II

This episode concludes the special two-part series on the Kinder Doll Animation Project. Hosted by Dr. Mehak Burza, this conversation highlights the faculty's role as creators, thinkers and visionaries behind Kinder Doll Animation Project- UT Dallas' first-ever stop-motion puppet animation. The faculty share their perspectives on shaping a project that merges disciplines—animation, sculpture, music, screenwriting, and history—into a unique storytelling experience. They further reflect on the creative process, the challenges of bringing the Kindertransport story to life, and the powerful intersection of art, history, and education.