M.A. Keller

M.A. Keller is an Instructor in the Department of English at Virginia Commonwealth University and current Online Editor of the Blackbird Founders Archive, following 22 years as Online Editor of Blackbird: an online journal of literature and the arts (2001-2023).

Education:

• MFA, Virginia Commonwealth University, 1989
• BA, James Madison University, 1985

Keller's research centers on creative writing with dual focus on poetry/nonfiction and Appalachian representation. They investigate digital publishing challenges including archive fragility, error transmission systems, and multimodal narrative structures (hypertext, alternative pathways). Specialized interests include ADA-compliant captioning practices, nature writing in digital contexts, and artificial body representation.

Publications from 2010-2023 reveal consistent engagement with digital literary preservation through Blackbird, featuring author interviews (Scafidi, Bouldrey), collaborative Appalachian-themed poetry (1918 Suite), and new media criticism. The work demonstrates evolving exploration of pandemic narratives, historical trauma, and digital error within multimodal frameworks.

Scientific Awards:

• No awards documented in source materials

No graduate student advising or research grants are referenced in available documentation.

Keller leads the Blackbird Founders Archive initiative with advisors Mary Flinn and Kurtis Zirkle, maintaining 43 issues as free educational resources. The project focuses on preserving digital literary heritage through outreach to global educators, students, and contributors while addressing digital fragility challenges.