Heidi A. Backes

Dr. Heidi A. Backes is an Associate Professor of Spanish at Missouri State University, affiliated with the Reynolds College of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities and the Languages, Cultures and Religions Department. Her research focuses on neo-Gothic literary representations of Spain’s post-Franco era, contemporary Spanish fiction, and cultural studies. She teaches courses in Spanish Peninsular literature, translation, and cultural studies, including travel-based language immersion.

Education:

• PhD in Modern Spanish Peninsular Literature, University of Wisconsin–Madison (2011)
• MA in Spanish Literature, University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee (2007)
• BA in Spanish, University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point (2004)

Research Interests:

• Neo-Gothic fiction and its engagement with Spain’s historical traumas
• Spanish women writers and gender agency in literature
• Translation pedagogy and cultural representation

Awards and Recognition:

• 2020 Maroon and White Banquet Faculty Mentor
• 2019 International Travel Grant (MSU)
• 2017 COAL New Faculty Summer Research Award

Professional Activities:

• Member of the International Gothic Association (IGA)
• Member of Gothic Association of New Zealand and Australia (GANZA)