Emily Vanderploeg

Dr. Emily Vanderploeg is an Affiliate Creative Writing Lecturer at Queen’s University and holds a PhD in Creative Writing from Swansea University. Her academic journey includes a BA in English Language and Literature & Art History (Queen’s University, 2006), MA Creative Writing (Swansea, 2008), and a BEd PGCE in English/Drama from University College London (2017). She has taught as an Academic Assistant to Professor Carolyn Smart and later as an Instructor for CWRI 295.

Her research focuses on creative writing, poetry, and fiction exploring themes of cultural identity, migration, and personal narrative. Notable works include the poetry collection Strange Animals (Parthian Books, 2022) and the pamphlet Loose Jewels (Cinnamon Press, 2020), which won the prestigious Pamphlet Competition. Her writing has been shortlisted for major awards and supported by grants.

Her publications reflect a journey from Canada to Wales, examining identity through transnational perspectives. She is also engaged in teaching creative writing to both children and adults, and has participated in the Hay Festival Writer at Work program.

• Awards: Literature Wales Bursary (2019), Cinnamon Press Win (2020)
• Teaching: Academic Assistant (9 years), CWRI 295 Instructor