Julia Kark Callander

Dr. Julia Kark Callander is a Visiting Assistant Professor in the Department of Cultural, Gender, and Global Studies at Appalachian State University, affiliated with the College of Arts and Sciences. She specializes in interdisciplinary teaching and research, emphasizing service learning and experiential education. Her work bridges literature, food studies, and medical humanities, with a focus on intertextuality, intimacy, and the cultural construction of embodiment in historical contexts.

Education: She holds a PhD in English from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), and has taught at UCLA and Occidental College before joining Appalachian State. Her academic journey reflects a commitment to creative pedagogy and interdisciplinary scholarship.

Research & Teaching: Dr. Callander’s research explores intersections of food politics, food justice, and early modern studies, particularly the cultural dimensions of embodiment and disembodiment. She integrates volunteer work, cooking, and community engagement into her courses, such as a freshman seminar on food politics. She also led an Alternative Spring Break program at Jones Valley Teaching Farm in Birmingham, Alabama.

Program Involvement: As part of the Watauga Residential College, she fosters deep, discussion-based learning and nurtures sustained student relationships. The program’s interdisciplinary approach allows her to connect diverse fields, such as literature and sociology, to real-world issues. She emphasizes student agency in shaping classroom dynamics and cultivating a mindful ethic of service.