His research interests include the late 19th century African American history, West African History and Culture, and West African drum traditions. In addition to his teaching and research, Dr. Bellinger is also involved in training student teachers to teach history in the middle and secondary schools, working on the inclusion of African and African diasporan history and culture into school and university curriculums, and working with the student abroad programs that provide students an international, cross-cultural enhancement of their academic work. He received his Ph.D. from Boston College, his Ed.M. from Harvard University, and his B.A. from Amherst College.