Layla Koch is a visiting PhD student from the University of Heidelberg, Germany. At Heidelberg, she is pursuing her thesis, “The Grand Instrument to Convert the World: Childhood and Children in the U.S. Foreign Mission Movement, 1810-1865” under the supervision of Jan Stievermann. Her project explores how the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions grappled with early-nineteenth-century theological and cultural concepts of childhood as well as the role of children, who yearned to get involved in the cause. She is interested in the history of religious childhood, infantilization, parenting, and agency at the intersection with foreign missions. As a visiting student, Layla is conducting archival research at various Boston institutions. She is also excited to explore the East Coast during the fall with as many hikes, treats, and coffees as possible.