Jessica Birch

Jessica Birch is an Associate Teaching Professor at Bowling Green State University (BGSU) in the College of Arts and Sciences, affiliated with both the Ethnic Studies and Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies departments. She holds a Ph.D. in American Studies with a focus in Theory and Cultural Studies from Purdue University, along with a Graduate Certificate in Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies.

• Education:
  • Ph.D. American Studies (Theory and Cultural Studies), Purdue University
  • Graduate Certificate in Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, Purdue University
  • M.A. English, Indiana University South Bend
  • B.G.S. (Philosophy and Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies), Indiana University South Bend

Her research investigates how cultural narratives sustain social inequality through feminist theory, critical race theory, critical pedagogy, and cultural studies. She is particularly examining the role of vampires in literature within neoliberal discourse frameworks. Her work bridges Popular Culture and Critical Race Theory, analyzing themes like racial capitalism and feminist critique in Gothic and speculative fiction.

At BGSU, she teaches courses including Introduction to Ethnic Studies, Introduction to Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, and Contemporary Issues in Native American Studies. She previously taught at Case Western Reserve University, Ivy Tech Community College, Indiana University South Bend, and Purdue University.

Jessica is the area chair for Race & Ethnicity and Popular Culture & Pedagogy at the Midwest Popular Culture Association. She also actively participates in the National Women’s Studies Association, Conference on College Composition and Communication, and the National Popular Culture Association.

Contact: jebirch@bgsu.edu | Office: 239 Shatzel Hall | Phone: 419-372-7610