About
Fiona Bell, a literary translator and scholar from St. Petersburg, Florida, specializes in 19th-century Russian literature and gender studies. With formal education from Princeton, Oxford, and Middlebury, she integrates physical theater practices into her scholarship and teaching. Her work explores intersections of translation theory, cultural criticism, and creative reinterpretation.
Education:
- M.A. in Russian, Middlebury Language Schools (2022)
- MSt in Modern Languages, Oxford University (2019)
- B.A. in Slavic Languages and Literatures, Princeton University (2018)
Her research interests span Russian imperial histories of racialization, gender dynamics in literary translation, and physical theater pedagogy. Articles demonstrate her focus on radical translation practices, gendered narratives in Russian texts, and cross-cultural reinterpretations of canonical works. Her translations of Nataliya Meshchaninova and Avdotya Panaeva have garnered significant recognition.
Scientific Awards:
- North American Dostoevsky Society Graduate Essay Competition Winner (2022)
- ASEEES Internship Program Grant (2022)
- PEN/Heim Translation Fund Grant (2020)
- English Teaching Assistantship Award, Russian Federation (2019-20)
- ALTA Emerging Translator Mentorship (2018-2019)
As a reviews editor at Full Stop, she contributes to literary discourse through critical analysis of grief literature, postcolonial narratives, and contemporary translations. Her creative work merges Russian literary themes with humor, including satirical pieces on skincare and gendered absurdities in The Belladonna Comedy.
