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Carl Lindahl is a Professor at the University of Houston's Department of English, specializing in folk narrative, medieval folklore, and disaster response ethnography. His work explores Cajun, Appalachian, and Haitian folk cultures, focusing on covert power dynamics and traditional healing strategies. Education: Ph.D. and M.A. from Indiana University, B.A. from Harvard University Research Interests: Lindahl investigates how folk cultures preserve and transmit knowledge through oral traditions, festivals, and survival strategies during crises. His projects bridge folklore studies with disaster anthropology, emphasizing community resilience and self-documentation. Scientific Awards: Fellow of the American Folklore Society Fulbright Distinguished Scholar Alcée Fortier Award University of Houston Teaching Excellence Award Projects & Grants: Founder of Surviving Katrina and Rita in Houston (SKRH), organizer of the Rockefeller Foundation Bellagio Conference on survivor-centered disaster recovery, and developer of Sivivan pou Sivivan in Haiti. His grants support cross-cultural disaster response initiatives.

• Folk Narrative
• Medieval Folklore
• Folktales and Legends
• +9 more

Katie Carmichael is an Associate Professor at Virginia Tech's College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences, Department of English. She serves as Director of Language Sciences and Co-director of the Speech Lab. Her research focuses on language variation/change, language ideologies, and language-place connections, particularly in Louisiana French and Southern US dialects like New Orleans English and Cajun English. Director of Language Sciences Co-director of Speech Lab Active in language research and teaching Carmichael's work centers on variationist sociolinguistics, exploring topics such as: Low-back vowel mergers in New Orleans English Intergenerational dialect change Raciolinguistic identity in Creole communities Phonetic/phonological diffusion patterns Language endangerment in Louisiana French Place-linked dialect awareness Scientific recognition includes: Roger W. Shuy Best Paper of the Year in American Speech (2024) Exemplary Program Award for Language Sciences (2024) University Award for Excellence in Teaching (2024) College of Liberal Arts Certificate of Teaching Excellence (2024) She teaches graduate-level courses like "Language and Place" and undergraduate courses including "Language and Ethnicity," "Language and Society," and "Contemporary Approaches to Linguistics II." As Co-director of Virginia Tech's Speech Lab, she leads research on acoustic phonetics and sociolinguistic variation.

• Variationist sociolinguistics
• Language change
• Language and identity
• +8 more

Irina Shport is an Associate Professor in the Department of English at Louisiana State University, affiliated with the College of Humanities & Social Sciences. She holds a Ph.D. from the University of Oregon and directs research on phonetic variation and language acquisition. Her work integrates sociolinguistics, phonology, and cognitive science approaches. Dr. Shport's research examines phonetic and phonological patterns across languages, with focus areas including: Cross-linguistic speech perception and production Sociophonetic variation in Southern U.S. dialects Factors influencing second language acquisition Socially meaningful variation in speech Her publications (2016-2024) demonstrate consistent focus on dialectal variation, particularly in Louisiana English (Cajun, African American, and Southern varieties), and cross-linguistic studies of Vietnamese, Mandarin, and Japanese. Core themes include: Vowel variation as identity markers Prosodic patterns in tone languages Cognitive aspects of phonetic learning Clear speech adaptations Shport maintains community-engaged research partnerships with schools in East Baton Rouge Parish and has received teaching awards including the Tiger Athletic Foundation Undergraduate Teaching Award (2015).

• Phonetics
• Phonology
• Speech Perception
• +4 more

Dr. Maria Hebert-Leiter is a Lecturer in the Department of English at Lycoming College. She teaches courses in composition and the survey of early American literature, integrating her research on ethnic representation and diversity into her pedagogy. Education: B.A., Loyola University M.A., University of North Carolina Ph.D., University of North Carolina Her research focuses on American literature, particularly the representation of Cajun identity and Southern culture. She explores how literature reflects and shapes ethnic identity, with special attention to marginalized communities in the U.S. South. Her work bridges literary analysis and cultural history, often incorporating visual sources such as Depression-era photography. Her publications reveal a sustained engagement with Southern literary and cultural studies. Both of her books examine the intersection of literature, regional identity, and historical representation, with a strong emphasis on Louisiana and Acadian heritage. Her scholarship demonstrates interdisciplinary rigor, combining literary criticism with historical and visual analysis. Scientific Awards and Recognitions: NEH Summer Institute on Ernest J. Gaines and the Southern Experience (Guest Scholar, 2016) Dr. Hebert-Leiter actively contributes to academic discourse through her publications and participation in national scholarly programs. Though no formal advisees are listed, her role as a lecturer suggests involvement in mentoring undergraduate students. She has not been noted as leading a lab or research team, but her collaborative work on the FSA photography book indicates experience in interdisciplinary research partnerships.

• American Literature
• Ethnic Representation in Literature
• Southern Literature
• +5 more

Monika Giacoppe is an Associate Professor of Comparative World Literature at Ramapo College of New Jersey's School of Humanities and Global Studies, where she has been teaching since 2000. She is a faculty member within the English & Literary Studies department, contributing to the academic mission through her expertise in diverse literary traditions. Dr. Giacoppe earned her B.A. in French from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst (with additional certification in Latin American Studies), followed by her M.A. and Ph.D. in Comparative Literature from the Pennsylvania State University. Her educational background has shaped her interdisciplinary approach to literary studies. Her research focuses on Literatures of the Americas , particularly Francophone Literature and Translation Theory and Practice . She has developed specialized expertise in Louisiana Literature & Culture and International Women's Writing. Her scholarly work reveals a consistent interest in cross-cultural literary connections, linguistic diversity, and the complex relationships between language, identity, and power in North American contexts. Analysis of her publications shows a strong emphasis on comparative approaches to literature, particularly examining connections between different linguistic and cultural traditions within the Americas. Her work frequently addresses issues of bilingualism, cultural identity, and the intersections between literature and social history, with particular attention to marginalized voices and borderland cultures. As an educator, Professor Giacoppe teaches courses including Literatures of the Americas, African American Women Writers, Survey of European Literature, Fictional Histories in the Americas, College English, Readings in the Humanities, and Introduction to Literature. Her teaching philosophy integrates her research interests, emphasizing the importance of understanding literature within its cultural and linguistic contexts. She maintains regular office hours (Tuesdays 2:30-5:00 pm and Fridays 2:00-2:30 pm) in her office B-208, demonstrating her commitment to student engagement and mentorship within the English & Literary Studies program.

• Literatures of the Americas
• Francophone Literature
• Translation Theory and Practice
• +2 more

Jessica Sertling Miller is a Professor of French and Chair of the Languages Department at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. She has taught French at all levels since 2006 and is a certified ACTFL OPI Tester. Ph.D. in French Linguistics (University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 2007) M.A. in French Literature (St. Louis University, 2001) M.A. in English Linguistics (Université Marc-Bloch, Strasbourg, 2001) Her research focuses on second language acquisition , phonetics , and proficiency development , emphasizing equitable instructional design and flipped learning to enhance academic integrity and communicative success. Her work addresses cognitive load management, error analysis, and technology integration in language classrooms. Recent publications highlight trends in virtual language pedagogy , diversity in curriculum , and assessment frameworks for sustainable program development. Key themes include empathy, equity, and intercultural immersion. Wisconsin Language Teacher of the Year (2024) AATF National Exemplary Program (2017 & 2020) ACTFL Global Engagement Initiative Award (2015) Wisconsin-AATF Award of Recognition (2016) Miller’s grants include the ACTFL Global Engagement Initiative Award for her course 'Cajun Watershed & Intercultural Immersion Program.' She advocates for universal design principles to foster academic integrity across teaching modalities.

• Second Language Acquisition
• Phonetics
• Oral Proficiency
• +5 more

Denis Augier serves as an Associate Professor in the Department of Foreign Languages at the University of New Orleans, a position he has held continuously since 1998. His academic trajectory includes prior teaching appointments at Indiana State University and Indiana University, reflecting deep institutional engagement in French literary studies. Augier's scholarly identity bridges rigorous historical analysis with contemporary creative expression. Education: Ph.D. in French Literature, Indiana University Bloomington, 1997 M.A. in French Literature, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 1992 Licence in English, University of Avignon, France, 1989 D.E.U.G in English, University of Avignon, France, 1988 Augier's research centers on alchemical symbolism across French literary history, spanning 16th-17th century texts to modern opera. His work examines how alchemical principles manifest in authors like Rabelais and Cyrano de Bergerac, while extending to 19th-21st century operatic developments. This chronological breadth reveals consistent thematic preoccupations with transformation, symbolism, and interdisciplinary connections between science and art. His published scholarship demonstrates methodical exploration of alchemical motifs from Renaissance manuscripts to Hugo's Gothic narratives. Articles analyze how literary figures encode philosophical concepts through alchemical imagery, particularly in Notre-Dame de Paris and Le Songe de Poliphile . This body of work establishes Augier as a specialist in esoteric literary traditions with enduring relevance. Augier maintains active scholarly engagement through regular presentations at forums like the Society for Interdisciplinary French 17th Century Studies, while simultaneously pursuing musical composition. His recent orchestral and electronic works—including Cajun Music #1 (2023) and Ghost Generators (2022)—demonstrate a unique fusion of literary scholarship and avant-garde artistry, reflecting his multidimensional creative intellect.

• 16th and 17th century French literature
• Alchemy and literature
• Opera (19th-21st century)
• +3 more

Marie M. Schein , Ph.D., is a Senior Lecturer of French at Texas Christian University (TCU) and Director of the Center for Languages and Cultures. She teaches a range of French language and culture courses, including advanced writing, media studies, and study abroad programs focused on immigration and identity. Ph.D. in English (American Literature), University of North Texas (1994) MA in French (Language and Literature), University of Colorado at Boulder (1985) MA in English (EFL), Université Paul Valéry-Montpellier (1982) B.A. in English and Modern Languages (Italian, German, Spanish), Université Paul Valéry-Montpellier Schein's research explores intersections between French/Francophone literatures, immigration policies in France, and social justice frameworks in children's education. She has developed courses like Multicultural France: Citizenship, Identity, and Nationalism and Contemporary France Through the Media , integrating service-learning pedagogy. Her publications address educational equity in France, refugee integration through academic programs, and bilingual education strategies for special needs students. She emphasizes experiential learning, leading study abroad initiatives in Montpellier and collaborating with local immigrant associations.

• French Studies
• Francophone Cultures and Literatures
• Immigration in France
• +3 more

Martin Pousson is a queer Cajun novelist, poet, and Creative Writing Professor at California State University, Northridge (CSUN). He earned a BA in English from Loyola University New Orleans (Most Outstanding Graduate) and an MFA in Creative Writing from Columbia University (Dean’s Fellowship Award). Previously, he taught at Columbia University, Rutgers University, and Loyola University. Education BA in English, Loyola University New Orleans (1987) MFA in Creative Writing, Columbia University (1999) His work explores themes rooted in Cajun culture, queer identity, and Southern Gothic traditions. His novels and poetry have been recognized with prestigious accolades, including PEN Awards, Lambda Literary Award nominations, and NEA Fellowships. At CSUN, he has taught courses such as The Short Story (ENGL 364), Advanced Narrative Writing (ENGL 408), and Senior Seminar in Narrative Writing (ENGL 490). He has served as Faculty Advisor for the Northridge Creative Writing Circle, LGBTQA, Queer Ambassadors, and the Queer People of Color Committee. Scientific Awards PEN America/PEN Center USA Fiction Award National Endowment for the Arts Fellowship Lambda Literary Award Finalist Pushcart Prize Nomination Outstanding Faculty Award for Exceptional Creative Accomplishment (CSUN) Excellence in Teaching Award (CSUN) Jerome Richfield Scholar Award (CSUN)

• Creative Writing
• Queer Studies
• Louisiana Literature
• +2 more