Christopher Merkner is an Associate Teaching Professor in the Department of English at the University of Colorado Denver's College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. His expertise spans the short story, its historical evolution, compressed fiction, and creative writing pedagogy. Education: MFA from University of Florida, PhD from University of Denver Courses Taught: Narrative Form & Theory, Introduction to Creative Writing, Fiction Workshop, Advanced Fiction Workshop, The American Novel, The American Short Story Awards: Recognized in O. Henry Prize Stories and Best American Mystery Stories anthologies His published work The Rise & Fall of the Scandamerican Domestic has been featured in prestigious literary collections, including the W.W. Norton anthology New Micro .
School of the Art Institute of ChicagoUnited States
Lucy McRae is a multidisciplinary artist, filmmaker, inventor, and "body architect" based in Los Angeles. She serves as a visiting professor at the Southern California Institute of Architecture (SCI-Arc) where she co-directs a futures incubator. Recognized as a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum and a TED Fellow, McRae leads an art-research studio investigating how emerging technologies impact human evolution. Her work has been exhibited at prestigious venues including the Venice Biennale, Centre Pompidou, Science Museum London, and National Gallery of Victoria. McRae's research explores the intersection of science, technology, and the human body, with particular focus on: Future technologies and their impact on human evolution Speculative reproductive technologies and artificial wombs Genetic engineering ethics and implications Human intimacy in technological futures Emotional technologies and comfort devices Body architecture and science fiction prototyping Her artistic practice creates "prophetic aesthetics" that generate "nostalgia for a future about to happen," diversifying the predictive voices in science and technology through designed hypothetical worlds. McRae uses speculation as a tool to provoke exploration of ideologies and ethics about human evolution. Her notable works include Heavy Duty Love (Venice Biennale), Future Survival Kit , Compression Carpet , and Solitary Survival Raft , which explore themes of human touch in increasingly digital worlds and potential future reproductive technologies. Her major recognitions include: Young Global Leader, World Economic Forum TED Fellow McRae collaborates extensively with institutions and brands, serving as a futurist consultant to Hollywood productions (including Blade Runner 2099), and working with organizations including MIT, NASA, Aesop, Adidas, Nike, Adobe, Intel, and BMW Mini. Her studio functions as a research incubator exploring speculative futures through art, film, and conceptual fashion. Based in Los Angeles, McRae's studio operates at the intersection of art, science, and technology, creating immersive installations and prototypes that engage the public in critical dialogue about emerging technologies and their implications for human evolution and society.
Queens College, City University of New YorkUnited States
Oded Nir is an Assistant Professor of Hebrew at Queens College (CUNY), holding a PhD from The Ohio State University (2014). His research employs Marxist theory to analyze how Israeli cultural texts reflect tensions within contemporary capitalism, examining intersections of literature, film, and social form. As Associate Editor for CLCWeb: Comparative Literature and Culture , Nir maintains active scholarly engagement. Research interests include Israeli-Palestinian conflict representation, political economy of culture, and materialist approaches to cultural production. Recent publications explore themes ranging from structural analysis of Hebrew fiction to examinations of populism in Israeli television. Teaching encompasses Hebrew literature, Israeli film/TV, and conflict representation courses, emphasizing multidisciplinary analysis of cultural texts as social commentary. Publications demonstrate consistent focus on cultural critique and social theory.
Courtney Handman is an Associate Professor in the Department of Anthropology at the University of Texas at Austin, specializing in linguistic anthropology and Melanesian studies. With a Ph.D. from the University of Chicago, she explores intersections between language, religion, and infrastructures. Research Trajectory : From analyzing Protestant Christian translation projects in Papua New Guinea to examining decolonization-era circulation infrastructures, her work now investigates AI's role in redefining human-nonhuman communication. Teaching : Offers courses like Humans and AI , Culture and Communication , and Language and Posthumanism , exploring themes from invented languages to non-human communication systems. Her recent publications address algorithmic translation, colonial infrastructures, and cross-species communication frameworks. Connect through email for office hours or course inquiries.
Dr. Kristen Figgins serves as Assistant Professor of English in the Department of English at Mississippi University for Women's College of Arts & Sciences. Her scholarly profile integrates Victorian literary traditions with contemporary adaptation theory, petrofiction, and environmental humanities, emphasizing regional Texan contexts and gender dynamics. Her academic foundation includes: Ph.D. in English from University of Arkansas M.A. in English from University of Louisiana B.A. in English from University of Texas-Permian Basin Research focuses on: Adaptation Studies: particularly Victorian literature's transformation in modern media Petrofiction: analyzing oil culture narratives in Permian Basin literature Environmental Humanities: examining ecological anxieties through Lovecraft and VanderMeer Flash Fiction: exploring narrative compression and fabulist techniques Publication trends reveal consistent engagement with adaptation theory across temporal and geographic contexts, from 19th-century illustrations to contemporary oil narratives. Her work demonstrates methodological rigor in connecting historical literary forms with urgent ecological and cultural concerns, particularly regarding gender representation and regional identity in American Southwest literature. No scientific awards are documented in available sources. Student advising, grant activities, and laboratory affiliations remain unspecified in current materials, though her research trajectory suggests ongoing contributions to adaptation theory and environmental literary studies through future publications and academic collaborations.
Beth Bennett is a Professor of Journalism at Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism, Media, and Integrated Marketing Communications, and concurrently serves as Associate Dean. She is also an Adjunct Lecturer at the Segal Design Institute within the McCormick School of Engineering. Her expertise bridges broadcast journalism, documentary filmmaking, and interdisciplinary communication training. Education: Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), University of Pennsylvania MSJ, Medill School of Journalism, Northwestern University AB in English and Art History, Kenyon College Research & Practice: Bennett's work focuses on documentary storytelling, broadcast journalism, and translating academic research into public communication. She has produced award-winning films such as Kindred (Emmy Award, 2011) and pioneered programs like Ready Set Go , teaching STEM researchers to communicate effectively with media audiences. Awards: Chicago/Midwest Emmy for Kindred (2011) MPD2 Faculty of the Year Award (2019) Teaching & Outreach: She teaches in Northwestern's Master of Product Design and Development Management (MPD2) program and advises through Medill's journalism curriculum. Her career includes over 15 years in broadcast television news as an on-air reporter and producer for stations in Chicago, Milwaukee, and beyond. Labs/Teams: Active in the Segal Design Institute's interdisciplinary initiatives and Medill's journalism innovation programs.
Arielle Silver is an Adjunct Professor at Antioch University Los Angeles (AULA), where she teaches creative writing and creativity research studies. She is a multidisciplinary artist and educator, blending literary writing, songwriting, and holistic yoga practices into her pedagogy and creative work. Her academic focus includes Creative Nonfiction, Fiction, and Literary Translation. Educational History: MFA in Creative Writing, post-MFA Certificate in Creative Writing Pedagogy (AULA); Graduate Diploma in Songwriting, Clarinet (Berklee College of Music); BA in Psychology (Brandeis University) Research interests span experimental creative nonfiction, postmodernism, feminist pedagogy, and the intersection of music and narrative. Her work often explores the wicked stepmother archetype , lyric essay structures , and interdisciplinary artistic methodologies . Recent trends in her publications emphasize multimodal storytelling , with works like A Thousand Tiny Torches integrating music, visual art, and literary essays. This aligns with her broader exploration of fragmented narratives and embodied creativity. Scientific Awards: Two-time AULA Library Research Award winner (2016, 2017) Bermuda Triangle Poetry Prize (2016) Pushcart Prize nominee (2016) Best New Poets nominee (2016) Best of the Net nominee (2017) She has taught courses including Sources of Creativity (ART-3100), Writing Memoirs: Turning Towards Home (ENG3030), and Feasting on Form (I2P), while also mentoring graduate students in AULA's MFA program. Her work has been featured in Brevity , Literary Hub , and other platforms, with Pushcart and Best New Poets nominations.
Scott Lerner is the Arthur and Katherine Shadek Professor of Humanities and French and Italian at Franklin & Marshall College, where he has served since 1995. He chairs the Department of Italian Studies & Hebrew and has held leadership roles in Comparative Literary Studies and Judaic Studies. Educated at Yale (B.A.) and Harvard (Ph.D. in Comparative Literature), his research focuses on 19th–20th century French/Italian literature, Jewish identity, Proust, the Dreyfus Affair, and intersections of psychoanalysis, critical theory, and film. His current project, Italy Out of the Ghetto: A Catholic Nation in the Jewish Mirror , examines Jewish-Christian intersections in Italian culture. He co-edited The New Italy and the Jews and authored works on Proust and the Dreyfus Affair. Awards include NEH Fellowships and Woodrow Wilson grants. He teaches courses in French, Italian, Judaic Studies, and Comparative Literature, and leads F&M's Tuscany summer program. Education: Ph.D. (Harvard, Comparative Literature), B.A. (Yale, English) Fellowships: NEH (2020–21), Frankel Institute (2007–08), Woodrow Wilson (2007–09) Publications: Books on Proust, Italian-Jewish history, and edited volumes on modern Jewish literatures Teaching: Courses include French literary analysis, comparative modernism, and trauma in Jewish studies His research bridges literary and cultural studies, emphasizing how Jewish narratives reflect broader national and religious identities. He has served on editorial boards for journals like Journal of Jewish Identities and reviewed for NEH grants.
Lauren Slaughter is a Professor at the University of Alabama at Birmingham with over a decade of experience teaching creative writing , late American and British literature , and English composition . She developed the innovative course #funnynotfunny , exploring humor’s role in addressing challenging subjects. B.A., Kenyon College M.A., University of Montana M.F.A., University of Alabama Her research focuses on contemporary poetics , narrative humor , and creative pedagogy . Recent publications in 32 Poems , Pleiades , and Kenyon Review Online reflect her interests in minimalist poetry , regional storytelling , and interdisciplinary writing . Rona Jaffe Foundation Writers’ Award Walter E. Dakin Fellowship, Sewanee Writers’ Conference Her award-winning poetry collection A Lesson in Smallness was a finalist for the Rousseau Prize for Literature and the Eric Hoffer Award in Poetry . She lives in Birmingham with her family.
Kellie Wells is a Professor in the Department of English at the University of Alabama. Her work bridges creative writing, literature, and critical theory, with a focus on speculative fiction, disability studies, and Victorian spiritualism. She holds a PhD from Western Michigan University and MFAs from the University of Montana and University of Pittsburgh. Education: PhD, Western Michigan University MFA, University of Montana MFA, University of Pittsburgh Her research explores dystopian/apocalypse literature, crime scene dioramas, and anomalous experiences. She has authored four books, including Compression Scars and Fat Girl, Terrestrial . Her awards include the Kurt Vonnegut Prize and Flannery O'Connor Award. Her writing critically engages with topics like chronic illness in late capitalism, postcolonial narratives, and the intersection of folklore with modernity. She has been a resident at prestigious institutions such as MacDowell Colony and Hedgebrook.
Dr. Wojciech L. Golik serves as Professor of Mathematics and Assistant Dean for Mathematical and Natural Sciences at Lindenwood University's College of Science, Technology, and Health. With a distinguished academic career spanning over three decades, he holds leadership responsibilities while maintaining active research and teaching commitments. His educational background includes a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Poznan Technological University (1982), followed by an M.S. (1985) and Ph.D. (1988) in Mathematics from New Mexico State University. His doctoral dissertation focused on Convergence of the Boundary Integral Methods in Numerical Solutions of Fourier Problems . Dr. Golik's research centers on advanced computational methodologies, with particular expertise in numerical analysis, computational electromagnetics, and data science applications. His work demonstrates sophisticated integration of wavelet theory with electromagnetic modeling, developing innovative algorithms for solving complex boundary value problems and integral equations. The publication timeline reveals sustained contributions to computational mathematics, with recent expansion into data science and interdisciplinary applications. His 2013 Polish-language publication Siedemdziesiąt Trzy indicates broader intellectual interests beyond pure mathematics. Teaching responsibilities encompass foundational and advanced mathematics courses including Calculus sequences, Differential Equations, Linear Algebra, Numerical Analysis, and specialized topics like Computational Electromagnetics and History of Mathematics. His extensive course portfolio reflects deep expertise across both theoretical and applied mathematics domains. Professional activities include significant administrative leadership as Assistant Dean, though specific grant funding details aren't documented in available materials. His departmental involvement supports multiple undergraduate and graduate programs including Mathematics (BA/BS), Data Science, and Actuarial Science tracks within the College of Science, Technology, and Health.
Scott Boswell is an Associate Professor and Fiction Filmmaking Coordinator at the School of Cinema, San Francisco State University. He coordinates undergraduate advising and teaches film production, directing, and screenwriting. His professional background includes directing award-winning feature films and short films, including A Wake (2019) and The Stranger in Us (2010), which have screened globally and garnered festival awards. He previously led The Factory, an Oakland-based youth filmmaking collective that produced Emmy-winning films. Education: M.F.A., Cinema, San Francisco State University B.A., Communication Arts: Film and Television, University of Wisconsin-Madison His research interests span narrative filmmaking, youth media education, and collaborative storytelling. Current projects include developing a television series and a 3D animated feature film. Boswell’s work emphasizes character-driven narratives and social themes, blending cinematic innovation with community engagement. His films have been recognized at prestigious festivals including the Seattle International, Chicago Reeling, and San Francisco International. Beyond academia, he directs plays locally and runs a feature screenwriting group. Grants & Advising: Advises undergraduate students in the School of Cinema. Previously directed The Factory, a nonprofit fostering youth filmmaking through grants and partnerships. Labs/Teams: Active in the School of Cinema’s production facilities and collaborates with local theater companies and animation studios.
Kersti Powell is an Associate Professor and Director of the Irish Studies Program at Saint Joseph's University's Department of English, Writing and Journalism. Her academic career spans over two decades, with significant contributions to Irish and contemporary British literature studies. She holds a DPhil from Oxford University, an MA from the University of Tartu, and a BA from the University of Tallinn. Her research focuses on contemporary Irish and British fiction, with particular expertise in John Banville, crime fiction, and literary adaptation. She has explored themes of identity, emigration, and authorship across multiple scholarly venues. Her work bridges literary analysis with interdisciplinary interests in science and narrative structure. Dr. Powell’s publications include the book Irish Fiction: An Introduction (2004) and over 20 refereed journal articles and book chapters. Her recent work examines race and belonging in Irish crime fiction and the interplay between quantum theory and narrative form. She has received grants for research (2023 Summer Research Grant) and innovative teaching initiatives, including a team-taught course with Prof. Emily Hage (2022). Key Awards: Saint Joseph’s University Faculty Teaching Award (2018), Michael J. Morris Grant (2017-18) Grants: Multiple Saint Joseph’s University grants, Wake Forest Archie Grant (2005) Teaching Innovation: Open Educational Resources adoption (2021), collaborative course development Her academic service includes editorial roles and contributions to dictionaries of literary biography. She actively maintains research ties to Irish literary archives and authorial manuscripts, reflecting her commitment to both traditional and modern textual studies.
Robert Boswell is a Professor in the Department of English at the University of Houston, part of the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences. He is a prominent figure in creative writing, with a distinguished career as a novelist, short story writer, essayist, and playwright. His work spans literary fiction, narrative theory, and dramatic writing. His educational background includes: MFA in Creative Writing, University of Arizona, 1984 MS in Rehabilitation Counseling, University of Arizona, 1979 BA in Creative Writing/Psychology, University of Arizona, 1977 Boswell’s research and creative interests center on the craft of writing, particularly fiction and literary nonfiction. His essays explore narrative philosophy, storytelling ethics, and the emotional depth of character. He is known for blending psychological realism with existential themes, often set against the backdrop of American life. His work reflects a deep engagement with human behavior, memory, and identity. His publications include novels such as Tumbledown and Crooked Hearts , short story collections like Dancing in the Movies , and the influential essay collection The Half-Known World: On Writing . His works have been adapted into film and theater, including the CBS television movie Twelve Mile Road and the play The Long Shrift . Collectively, his writings demonstrate a mastery of narrative structure, emotional complexity, and thematic depth across genres. Boswell has not been publicly associated with scientific awards or fellowships. However, his contributions to literature have been widely recognized through publication with major presses such as Graywolf and Knopf. He has advised numerous students informally through his teaching, though specific names are not listed. There is no mention of research grants or funding in the provided texts. Boswell’s creative output suggests ongoing engagement with narrative innovation and literary exploration. He is affiliated with no formal research labs or collaborative teams, but his work in theater and collaborative nonfiction indicates interdisciplinary engagement. His office is located in the Roy Cullen Building, and he can be reached at rboswell@uh.edu.
Casey Andrews is a Professor of English at Whitworth University, joining the faculty in 2008. His research focuses on 20th-century British and Irish literatures, film studies, postcolonial literature, and peace studies. He earned his Ph.D. and M.A. from Loyola University Chicago and a B.A. from Valparaiso University. His work bridges literary analysis with activist themes, particularly examining how literature and film engage with peace movements and historical conflicts. Notable works include Writing against War (2017), which explores the intersection of literature and pacifism, and articles analyzing films like Dunkirk and The Ferryman . Education: Ph.D. and M.A., Loyola University Chicago B.A., Valparaiso University Andrews has presented at major conferences such as the Modern Language Association (MLA) and Modernist Studies Association (MSA), organizing panels on topics like 'Theorizing Peace Literature' and 'Modernity, Ecology, Extremity.' His research often combines political theology, environmental apocalypse, and queer missiology with anti-war themes. He teaches courses including Writing I: Faith and Nation , African American Literature , and Church Drama , reflecting his commitment to integrating literary analysis with broader cultural and ethical inquiries.
