María Victoria Albornoz

María Victoria Albornoz, Ph.D., is a faculty member in the Spanish Department at Saint Louis University-Madrid, within the College of Arts and Sciences. She holds a Ph.D. and M.A. in Spanish from Washington University in St. Louis and an Honors B.A. in Literature from Universidad de Los Andes, Bogotá. Her academic work is deeply rooted in contemporary Spanish American literature, with a focus on narrative form, trauma, and cultural identity.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Spanish (2004), Washington University in St. Louis
• M.A. in Spanish Literature (1998), Washington University in St. Louis
• Honors B.A. in Literature (1997), Universidad de Los Andes, Bogotá

Her research interests include contemporary Spanish American narrative, the short story, historical novels, Colombian literature of the 20th and 21st centuries, bodily transgression, posthumanism, and the representation of violence and trauma. She explores how literature reflects and processes social and psychological upheavals, particularly in the context of Latin American conflict and identity. Her work often engages with feminist theory, narrative psychology, and postcolonial thought.

Her recent publications analyze works by authors such as Samanta Schweblin, Laura Restrepo, and Juan Gabriel Vásquez, focusing on themes like posthuman identity, fragmented narratives, and the psychological impact of violence. The articles show a consistent engagement with trauma, monstrosity, and the limits of language and representation in fiction.

Scientific Awards and Honors:

• Distinguished Faculty Award, 2020
• Annual Distinguished Alumni Award, 2020
• Finalist, III Concurso Nacional 'Relatos de Mujeres Viajeras', 2011
• Finalist, XVII Premio de Narrativa 'Miguel Cabrera', 2010
• Finalist, XXII Certamen Literario 'Joaquín Lobato', 2009
• Finalist, XXI Premio Ana María Matute, 2009
• First Place, Premio Internacional de Cuento Casa de Teatro, 2005
• Accesit, Premio Internacional Julio Cortázar, 2004
• Dean of Arts and Sciences Dissertation Fellowship, 2002-2003
• Helen Fe Jones Award for Excellence in Teaching, 1999

Dr. Albornoz has been actively involved in academic advising and conference presentations, with recent appearances at LASA, AATSP, and FOGO. While no formal grants are listed, her research output and recognition indicate a sustained scholarly trajectory. She has also contributed to creative writing anthologies and published her own short story collection. Her work bridges literary criticism and creative expression, reflecting a deep commitment to both scholarship and the literary arts.