Lisa Vitale

Lisa Vitale serves as an Associate Professor in the Department of World Languages & Literatures at Southern Connecticut State University, where she teaches Italian language and literature from her office in EN D 174. Her contact information includes email vitalel3@southernct.edu and phone (203) 392-6750.

Dr. Vitale's research centers on second language acquisition pedagogy, medieval Italian literature, spiritual literature, and interdisciplinary connections between arts and literature. She has developed significant expertise in Catherine of Siena studies, examining dietary practices, mystical experiences, and spiritual authority through historical and literary lenses. Her work frequently explores gender dynamics within medieval religious contexts and the intersection of bodily discipline with spiritual power structures.

Her scholarly output reveals consistent thematic focus on medieval Italian religious figures, particularly Catherine of Siena, with publications spanning dietary dialectics, spatial authority, and mystical orality. These works demonstrate methodological intersections between literary analysis, religious studies, gender theory, and cultural history, often challenging conventional interpretations of medieval female mystics through innovative textual examinations.

Dr. Vitale has received significant recognition for her academic contributions:

• Junior Faculty Research Fellowship

Her research has been supported through competitive funding including the Junior Faculty Research Fellowship, enabling deep investigation into medieval Italian literary traditions. Conference presentations indicate active scholarly engagement across multiple disciplines, with particular emphasis on medieval studies, language pedagogy, and Italian cultural heritage. While specific student advising details aren't documented, her collaborative conference work suggests mentorship involvement in language education initiatives.