Molly Bendall

Molly Bendall is a Professor (Teaching) of English at the University of Southern California. She holds M.A. in Poetry from Johns Hopkins University (1987) and M.F.A. in English/Creative Writing from the University of Virginia (1986). As a poet and educator, she teaches courses in poetry workshops, Contemporary American Poetry, and Poetry of Women Around the Globe.

Her research and creative work focus on ecopoetics, animal-human relations, and experimental forms. Her acclaimed collection Watchful interrogates human-nature boundaries through fragmented lyricism, while Under the Quick explores transient joy in linguistic innovation. Recent collaborations include Waterways and Dwellings with composer Molly Pease (2022).

Key awards include the Gertrude Stein Award (2006-2007) and Pushcart Prizes. She serves as a judge for the Wonderland Awards (Doheny Library, 2016–2024) and organizes creative writing events for USC students, including career-focused lunch meetings and readings with alumni.