Mark Celeste

Mark Celeste is an Assistant Professor of English at Hampden-Sydney College in Virginia. His academic work bridges historicist and formalist approaches to British literature of the long nineteenth century (1768-1914), with a focus on maritime networks, oceanic systems, and postcolonial themes.

• Education: B.A., The Pennsylvania State University; M.A., Syracuse University; M.A. and Ph.D., Rice University; Graduate Certificate in Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, Rice University.

His research explores the intersection of oceanic circulation, climate theory, and Victorian literary form, particularly in the blue humanities and network analysis. He examines how maritime ecologies and empire shaped the structure of the novel and contributes to pedagogy on peer review and collaborative writing.

His recent publications address oceanic infrastructure in Victorian culture, network visualization in Dickens, and interdisciplinary approaches to teaching literature in a globalized context.

• William W. Elliott professorship, 2024-present
• Diversity Infusion Stipend, Center for Teaching Excellence and Faculty Development, Berry College (2020-2021)
• Postdoctoral Teaching Fellowship, Rice University (2019-2020)
• Diana Hobby Editorial Fellowship, SEL Studies in English Literature 1500-1900 (2014-2019)
• Graduate Teaching Award for Independent Instruction, Rice University (2018-2019)
• Marilyn Marrs Gillet International Travel Fellowship, Rice University (2017)

He teaches courses on climate fiction, Victorian connectivity, and first-year writing, integrating Universal Design for Learning and collaborative storytelling methods.