Laurie Leach

Laurie Leach is a Professor of English in the Department of English and Applied Linguistics within the College of Liberal Arts at Hawaii Pacific University. She teaches a wide range of courses in literature, writing, and American studies, with a focus on 19th-century British and American literature, ethnic literature, and the literature of slavery.

Education:

• Ph.D., English, Louisiana State University, 1990
• M.A., English, Louisiana State University, 1987
• B.A., English, University of Virginia, 1986

Her research interests include 19th-century literature, American and British literary modernism, ethnic literature, gender studies, and the cultural representation of slavery. She has published extensively on topics such as Roots, Kindred, Doubt, and the works of Langston Hughes, exploring moral ambiguity, racial narratives, and the intersection of literature with social justice. Her scholarship often analyzes how literature reflects and challenges societal norms around race, gender, and power.

Her recent publications and conference presentations demonstrate a sustained engagement with literary ethics, adaptation, and pedagogy. Themes across her work include the role of narrative in shaping historical memory, the complexities of authorial voice, and the teaching of difficult literary subjects. She has presented at national and international conferences including the Pacific Ancient and Modern Languages Association and the Octavia E. Butler Conference.

Scientific Awards:

• No awards listed in the provided text.

Laurie Leach has contributed significantly to literary scholarship through her peer-reviewed journal articles, book chapters, and a full-length biography of Langston Hughes. While no formal advising or grant information is provided, her extensive publication record and active conference participation indicate a robust scholarly profile. She is also involved in academic service, including curriculum development and pedagogical innovation, particularly in first-year writing programs.

Labs and Research Teams:

No specific research labs or formal teams are mentioned. However, her participation in interdisciplinary conferences and collaborative edited collections suggests engagement with broader scholarly communities in American studies, literary criticism, and ethnic literature.