Gillis completed her master’s degree through the Harvard Germanic Languages and Literatures Department in 2003, and her Ph.D. in medieval history this spring. All the while, she interacted with other students, both as an adviser in Adams and as the TF of nine undergraduate courses.

“One of Clare’s favorite things to do on a nice day in spring was sitting on steps of Widener to philosophize and discuss current events with undergraduates,” Webb said.

After graduation, Gillis decided to travel around the Middle East and Asia, visiting countries like Israel, Syria, Lebanon, Yemen, Indonesia, and India.

“She is one of those scholars and educated people who have harnessed her education and passion for history and current events to serve the public,” More said.

Later on, Gillis went to Egypt and Libya to report on the revolutions.

“When she heard about the Egyptian revolution, she was really on fire about it. She went to Egypt to watch the revolution happening, and she was in Tahrir Square for a lot of it,” said Mellyn.

“[Gillis] doesn’t have the backing of a publication like the New York Times,” Turnator said. “We’ve been trying to mobilize alumni and apply pressure in any way we can on both local and international authorities.”

Professors have also become involved in the efforts, reaching out to the University administration, NGOs, and government organizations to call for Gillis’ release.

History Professor Jeffrey F. Hamburger said he sent an email to University President Drew G. Faust about Gillis’ capture over the weekend, and Michael McCormick, a professor of medieval history who worked closely with Gillis as her adviser, said he personally urged Senator John F. Kerry to prioritize Gillis’ release and encouraged other people to register their concerns with Kerry and Senator Scott P. Brown.

McCormick pointed out that Gillis’ case is indicative of “a terrifying trend of the past decades of evil forces to snuff out journalists.”

The State Department, Human Rights Watch, the Committee to Protect Journalists, GlobalPost, and the Turkish government are working together to compel the release of the journalists.

“It is important for the people who have her to know that there’s a large group around the world who care about the fate of this young woman,” said McCormick.

—Staff writer Heng Shao can be reached at shao@college.harvard.edu.

—Staff writer Nadia L. Farjood can be reached at nadiafarjood@college.harvard.edu.