Who is Kara Peruccio from Jeopardy? University Professor’s Age, Job, Family & More
Kara Peruccio, an assistant professor at the University of Maine, is set to make her debut on Jeopardy! in May 2025. A longtime fan of the show, Kara’s journey to the stage has been marked by determination and perseverance. Despite several unsuccessful attempts to get on the show, including auditions in 2011, 2020, and 2024, her passion for trivia and her love for Jeopardy! kept her going. In September 2024, Kara’s efforts finally paid off when she was selected to appear on the iconic game show. Her appearance will not only be a personal milestone but also a proud moment for her students and the larger academic community.
Kara’s love for Jeopardy! began at an early age, growing up watching the show with her family. Her competitive spirit was also fueled by the Jeopardy! CD-ROM game, where she enjoyed challenging her family members. This love for trivia runs deep in the Peruccio family—Kara’s twin sister, Caitlin Peruccio, was a contestant on Jeopardy! in 2013, further motivating Kara to continue her pursuit of a spot on the show.
Academic Background and Expertise
Kara Peruccio is an accomplished academic with a focus on modern Middle Eastern history and women’s movements. She earned her PhD in Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations from the University of Chicago in 2020, following a Master’s in Middle Eastern Studies from the same institution. Kara’s research interests revolve around the intersection of emotions, authoritarianism, and gender politics, with a particular emphasis on women’s literature in Italy and Turkey during the early 20th century. Her dissertation, titled Women on the Verge: Emotions, Authoritarianism, and the Novel in Italy and Turkey, 1922-1936, explores how women’s novels responded to the political climates of authoritarian regimes in these two countries.
In addition to her dissertation work, Kara is also developing a book about Mediterranean suffrage movements and their interactions with authoritarian governments and international suffrage organizations during the interwar period. Her academic contributions have garnered attention in her field, particularly in modern Middle Eastern history and Mediterranean gender studies. Kara has also contributed to respected journals, such as Journal of Women’s History and California Italian Studies, and has presented her research at numerous conferences.
Teaching and Community Engagement
At the University of Maine, Kara serves as an assistant professor in both the Department of History and the Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies program. In her role, she teaches undergraduate and graduate students, guiding them in the study of women’s movements, modern Middle Eastern history, and 20th-century Mediterranean history. Kara’s dedication to her students extends beyond the classroom; she is also committed to fostering academic growth and supporting research initiatives across disciplines. Her involvement in the academic community has made her a respected figure, particularly in her areas of expertise.
Kara’s ongoing academic contributions reflect her commitment to shaping the next generation of scholars and to promoting research that addresses key issues of gender, politics, and history. Her participation in Jeopardy! will undoubtedly inspire her students and add another layer to her professional journey.
A Milestone for Kara and Her Family
Kara Peruccio’s upcoming appearance on Jeopardy! marks a significant milestone in her life, both personally and professionally. The fact that she shares this connection with her twin sister, Caitlin, who was a contestant on the show in 2013, adds a special dimension to her participation. It’s a testament to Kara’s perseverance, her love for trivia, and her dedication to education that she finally secured a spot on the show after years of trying. Kara’s appearance on Jeopardy! is a proud moment for her and will surely be celebrated by her students, family, and colleagues.
As a professor, researcher, and now a Jeopardy! contestant, Kara’s career exemplifies her commitment to learning, education, and the pursuit of knowledge. Her appearance on the show will be a thrilling event, both for her and for her academic community.
