Sophie R. Bell

Sophie R. Bell is a Professor and Chair in the Department of Core Studies at St. John's University, within the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. She holds a Ph.D. in English from Tufts University (2008), an M.Ed. in the Teaching of English from Harvard University (1994), and a B.A. in History from Wesleyan University (1991). Her research focuses on rhetoric, culturally responsive pedagogy, and race-related literacies. Her 2021 book, Mapping Racial Literacies: College Students Write about Race and Segregation, examines how student writing influences contemporary discourses on race. She publishes in journals such as Composition Forum and Journal of College Literacy and Learning.

• Leads equity-focused initiatives via the Academic Center for Equity and Inclusion and RESPECT (restorative justice team).
• Serves on the advisory board for Intersections: A Journal of First Year Writing.

Her teaching emphasizes writing as a tool for bridging social divides. She collaborates widely on curricula and professional development programs addressing educational equity.