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Richard KirklandView profile

Professor

• Irish Literature
• Cultural Theory
• Postcolonial Studies
• +5 more

Professor Richard Kirkland is a leading scholar of Irish Literature and Cultural Theory at King's College London's Department of English. He holds a prestigious position in the Faculty of Arts & Humanities, where he teaches courses on 20th-century Irish literature, modernist poetry, and contemporary cultural studies. His research focuses on modern Irish writing, cultural theory, and postcolonial studies, with a particular emphasis on Ireland's political and cultural history, including the Irish Literary Revival and Northern Irish post-conflict narratives. He has authored influential monographs like Irish London: A Cultural History 1850–1916 (2021), which won the 2022 BAIS Book Prize, and edited volumes on Medbh McGuckian's poetry. Professor Kirkland’s work spans literature, film, television, and popular culture, analyzing themes such as identity, colonialism, and cultural hybridity. He has held research grants exploring Irish London’s cultural history and collaborated on projects like Kathleen Goodfellow (a.k.a. François Villon) , examining gender and time in the Irish Revival. He is a Fellow of the English Association and actively supervises PhD students in Irish cultural studies. His publications include essays on Fenian legacies, Northern Irish cinema, and Dr. Corry’s National Diorama, showcasing his interdisciplinary approach. He teaches undergraduate and postgraduate courses on Joyce, modernist poetry, and postcolonial literature, contributing to King’s College’s strong reputation in English studies ranked 6th in the UK (QS 2018).

Daisy BlackView profile

Lecturer

• Medieval Religious Drama
• Gender and Queer Theory in Medieval Literature
• Temporality in Medieval Drama
• +12 more

Daisy Black is a Lecturer in English Literature at the University of Wolverhampton, Faculty of Arts, Business, and Social Sciences. She previously held a lectureship at the University of Hull. Her work bridges academic research and creative performance, with a strong focus on medieval and Renaissance drama. BA, University of Cambridge Her research centers on medieval religious drama, especially gender, temporality, and representations of the 'other' such as Jews and Saracens. She explores how performance reshapes lay theology during the early Reformation and investigates medievalism in modern board and card games. Her interests also include queer theory, fabliaux, Chaucer, Shakespeare, and writing for performance. Recent publications reflect a growing interdisciplinary trend, connecting medieval studies with cultural memory, performance theory, and popular media. Her monograph Play Time (2020) and recent articles examine how time, gender, and anti-Semitism are constructed in biblical drama. She has also published on cannibalism and the Eucharist, silence in performance, and the medieval 'Dark Ages' in gaming culture. BBC / AHRC New Generation Thinker (2018) As a public intellectual, she has contributed to BBC Radio 3 and BBC Radio Sheffield. She is also an active theatre director and storyteller, performing her own medieval storytelling shows across the UK. She serves as an editor for Year's Work in English Studies and supervises research in medieval and Renaissance literature. Her teaching includes courses on Shakespeare, children’s literature, and taboo in theatre. She performs in and leads projects on medieval storytelling and performance, including the 'Yde and Olive Storytelling Tour' (2025), and advocates for inclusive and safe conference dance practices.

Jason CrawfordView profile

Professor

• Early Modern Literature
• Shakespeare Studies
• Tragedy and Religion
• +5 more

Jason Crawford is a Professor of English at Union University, specializing in early modern literature and culture. He holds a Ph.D. from Harvard University and has authored works such as *Allegory and Enchantment* (Oxford UP, 2017). His research explores Shakespearean tragedy and comedy, Dante, Petrarch, and questions of modernity. He has held fellowships at institutions like the Huntington Library and Corpus Christi College, Oxford. Education: Ph.D. in English, Harvard University A.M. in English, Harvard University B.A. in English and Philosophy, Louisiana State University Research Interests: Early modern literature, Shakespearean tragedy and comedy, religious symbolism in drama, ancient epic and drama, Dante studies, aesthetics, and the philosophical limits of modernity. His work bridges literary analysis with theological and cultural critique. Recent Scholarship Trends: Focus on the intersection of religion and literary form in early modern texts, particularly Shakespeare’s exploration of judgment in comedy and the role of liturgical imagery in tragedy. Recent publications engage with Herbert’s poetic wisdom and contemporary readings of religious texts. Awards: Faculty Member of the Year, Union University (2019) Fellowships from the Huntington Library and Corpus Christi College, Oxford Advising & Grants: Active in mentoring students in early modern literature and has secured multiple Pew Research Grants for his projects on Shakespeare and medieval allegory.

Katherine R. LarsonView profile

Professor

• Early Modern Literature
• Gender and Sexuality Studies
• Women’s Writing
• +3 more

Katherine R. Larson is a Professor at the University of Toronto Scarborough (UTSC) and Vice-Dean of Teaching, Learning, and Undergraduate Programs. Her academic work bridges Early Modern Literature, Gender Studies, and Musicology through groundbreaking research on 16th-17th century women’s writing, embodiment, and song culture. Current projects: Special issue of Sidney Journal , The Post-Pandemic University (Routledge), and Cambridge Companion to Mary Wroth Collaborative initiatives: Co-developer of Early Modern Songscapes digital platform with Sarah Williams and Scott Trudell Research Focus: Integrates feminist theory with textual analysis of early modern poetry, drama, and musical practices. Key themes include gendered soundscapes, spatial production of songs, and critical pedagogy innovations. Awards: John Charles Polanyi Prize for Literature Rhodes Scholarship 2014 Co-Editor Recognition from Society for the Study of Early Modern Women Grant Support: Funded by SSHRC, Connaught Foundation, Folger Shakespeare Library, and Jackman Humanities Institute.

Joan DarlingView profile

Adjunct Professor

• Television Direction
• Film Production
• Acting Pedagogy
• +3 more

Joan Darling is an accomplished filmmaker, director, and acting teacher affiliated with Vermont College of Fine Arts (VCFA). She holds adjunct professor roles and has extensive experience in television and film production. Her career includes groundbreaking work as the original director of Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman and the iconic Mary Tyler Moore Show episode 'Chuckles Bites the Dust.' Darling has received major industry accolades, including an Emmy and a DGA Award, and is noted as the first woman Emmy nominee in her category. Education details are not explicitly stated in the text, but her professional trajectory suggests advanced training in film and theater. Her research interests center on narrative direction in television/film and actor-director collaboration, reflected in her Sundance Lab workshops. Over 20 years, she has advised at institutions like USC, CalArts, and Carnegie Mellon, focusing on directing techniques. Notable works include directing M*A*S*H , Rhoda , and Magnum P.I. , alongside her acting credits in Owen Marshall: Counselor at Law and her one-woman show Joni vs. the Bard…The Shakespeare Smackdown . Her creative advising spans Sundance Labs and international collaborations. Awards: Emmy, DGA Award, Image Award Grants/Advising: Sundance Director’s Lab Creative Advisor, Moonstone European Program Labs/Teams: Sundance Directors Lab workshop creator, Falcon Theatre collaborations

Lisa WaltersView profile

Senior Lecturer

• Renaissance Literature
• Gender Studies
• Early Modern Philosophy
• +5 more

Dr. Lisa Walters is a Senior Lecturer in Women's Writing at the University of Queensland’s School of Communication and Arts. She holds affiliations with the Centre for Critical and Creative Writing. Her research focuses on Renaissance literature, particularly Margaret Cavendish, Shakespeare, and gender studies. She has held academic positions across Europe and the US, including a postdoctoral fellowship at Ghent University and visiting professorships in France. Dr. Walters earned her BA from UC Santa Cruz and MA/PhD from the University of Edinburgh. Her research explores intersections of science, philosophy, gender, and political thought in early modern works. Notable publications include Margaret Cavendish: Gender, Science and Politics (2014) and edited volumes such as Margaret Cavendish: An Interdisciplinary Perspective (2022). She currently co-edits Cavendish and Milton (Oxford UP) and serves as Deputy Chair of the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee for UQ’s HASS Faculty. Recent articles address Cavendish’s scientific contributions, gender in early modern philosophy, and Shakespearean themes. Awards include the 2016 Teaching and Innovation Award (Liverpool Hope University) and a 2022 collaborative project honor. She chairs the International Margaret Cavendish Society and edits Margaret Cavendish: A Multidisciplinary Journal .

David DuffView profile

Professor

• Romanticism
• Genre Theory
• Literary Theory
• +3 more

Professor David Duff is a Professor of Romanticism at Queen Mary University of London's School of English and Drama, joining in 2016 after teaching at the University of Aberdeen. He holds a BA and DPhil from the University of York. His research focuses on Romanticism, genre theory, and literary history, with notable work on Shelley, the French Revolution's literary impact, and the history of the book. He co-founded the London-Paris Romanticism Seminar and the International Summer School of Romanticism, fostering international collaboration. Duff chairs the English Association and serves as a Trustee, advocating for English studies. His teaching spans Romanticism, literary theory, and genre history. He has published extensively, including the award-winning Romanticism and the Uses of Genre , and contributes to public engagement through lectures and media commentary. Education: BA (University of York) DPhil (University of York) Research Interests: Romanticism, genre theory, literary forms, Shelley studies, French Revolution impact, and the history of the book. Awards and Roles: ESSE Book Award (2009) Fellow of the English Association (FEA) Chair of the English Association Public Engagement: Keynotes for the Charles Lamb Society, Burns Club of London, and Royal College of Psychiatrists. Media contributions include op-eds in the Guardian and Daily Mail. Labs/Teams: Co-director of the London-Paris Romanticism Seminar and International Summer School of Romanticism.

Diane JakackiView profile

Research Fellow

• Digital Humanities
• Early Modern Theatre History
• Pedagogical Solutions
• +3 more

Diane Jakacki is a Research Fellow in the Writing and Communication Program at Georgia Tech, specializing in early modern printed drama and digital humanities. She holds a PhD from the University of Waterloo, where she focused on social semiotic analysis of early modern theatre and contributed to federally-funded digital humanities projects. At Georgia Tech, she integrates digital tools into pedagogy, notably developing a digital edition of Tarlton’s Jests and exploring the touring relationship between Elizabethan clown Richard Tarlton and the Queen’s Men. She is a software consultant for imageMAT and the Records of Early English Drama. Her research spans digital humanities methodologies, early modern performance history, and innovative teaching practices. Collaborations include presenting at the Renaissance Society of America (2012) and co-authoring work on digital image annotation. She received the CIOS Teaching Excellence Award and contributed to the Georgia Tech It Gets Better video project, addressing LGBTQ+ support on campus. She emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, blending literary analysis with technology to enhance student engagement in courses like #DigitalBard: New Media Approaches to Shakespearean Drama . Her future work continues examining Tarlton’s legacy and advancing digital pedagogical frameworks. She is actively involved in the Communication Center’s design, fostering spaces for 21st-century communication skills.

• Poetry
• Modern and Contemporary Poetry
• Poetry and Theology
• +7 more

Michael Symmons Roberts is Professor of Poetry at Manchester Metropolitan University, within the Department of English, Faculty of Arts and Humanities. A renowned poet, librettist, and broadcaster, he holds a degree in Philosophy and Theology from Oxford University and was formerly Executive Producer at BBC Religion & Ethics. Full Name: Michael Symmons Roberts Position: Professor of Poetry Institution: Manchester Metropolitan University Department: Department of English Field: Poetry and Creative Writing His research interests center on modern and contemporary poetry, with a particular focus on intersections between poetry and theology, science, music, and broadcast media. He is deeply engaged in exploring how poetic form interacts with spiritual, scientific, and ethical questions, often through collaborative and interdisciplinary projects. Michael’s recent publications and creative works reflect a sustained exploration of spiritual and existential themes. His poetry collections such as Drysalter and Ransom , radio dramas like Paradise Lost and Utopia , and choral works including Quickening and The Birds of Rhiannon demonstrate a consistent engagement with religious symbolism, myth, and the human condition. His works are frequently shortlisted for major literary prizes, highlighting their critical acclaim. Among his many honors are the Forward Poetry Prize (twice), the Costa Poetry Prize, the T.S. Eliot Prize shortlist (five times), the Jerwood Award for Non-Fiction, and the Sandford St. Martin Award. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature and a trustee of the Royal Literary Fund. Forward Poetry Prize for Best Collection (2013, 2004) Costa Poetry Prize (2013) T.S. Eliot Prize Shortlist (2001, 2004, 2013, 2017, 2021) Fellowship of the Royal Society of Literature (2014) Whitbread Poetry Award (2004) Eric Gregory Award (1988) BBC Audio Drama Awards (2013, 2014) He supervises PhD students in poetry and creative writing, teaches campus and online workshops, and is active in public engagement through performances, radio broadcasts, and commemorative poetry projects. His collaborations with composer James MacMillan have resulted in major commissions for the BBC Proms, Royal Opera House, and Welsh National Opera, underscoring his impact across literature and music. He has not been associated with any formal research lab but leads creative teams in interdisciplinary performance and literary projects.

Deborah SteinView profile

Professor

• Playwriting
• Theatrical Collaboration
• Experimental Performance
• +5 more

Deborah Stein is a distinguished faculty member in the Department of Theatre and Dance at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), where she teaches playwriting and theatrical collaboration. She is also Co-Artistic Director of Stein | Holum Projects (SHP), a collaborative laboratory for creating innovative performances. Her work bridges academic scholarship and professional theatre, with national commissions and festival premieres. BA, Swarthmore College MFA, Brown University (studied with Paula Vogel) Her research and creative practice focus on playwriting, experimental performance, and interdisciplinary collaboration . She explores narrative innovation through devised theatre, often working with ensembles and MFA students to create original works that challenge traditional forms. Her work emphasizes emotional depth, physicality, and social themes. The 15 most recent creative projects reflect a strong trend in collaborative, experimental, and socially engaged theatre . They span festival productions, commissioned works, and student collaborations, often developed in residency settings. Keywords include immersive storytelling, devised creation, and political resonance, with subfields ranging from physical theatre to identity exploration. Deborah has received numerous honors and grants supporting her artistic research: Drama Desk Award Nomination (CHIMERA) National Theatre Project Award (2015) NYSCA Grant Bush Artist Fellowship Two Jerome Fellowships McKnight Advancement Grant Alumna, New Dramatists She actively mentors MFA students, having co-created THE BITTER GAME with Keith Wallace and MOVERS + SHAKERS with graduate students. Her advising integrates creative development with academic rigor. She has secured external funding from NEFA, ArtsEmerson, and foundations to support collaborative projects. Her work has been developed in partnership with institutions such as Playwrights’ Horizons, HERE, and La Jolla Playhouse. Deborah leads creative research through Stein | Holum Projects, which functions as a performance laboratory. This collective has developed work at major venues including FringeArts, the Playwrights’ Center, and Perry-Mansfield, fostering a national network of experimental theatre makers.

Femke KramerView profile

Researcher

• Medieval History
• Historical Pragmatics
• Dutch Literature
• +3 more

Femke Kramer is a researcher at the Faculty of Arts, affiliated with the Research Centre for Historical Studies (CHS). Her work focuses on medieval and early modern Dutch literature, historical pragmatics, and rhetorical innovations in theater. She actively engages in interdisciplinary projects and public outreach. University: Not explicitly stated School: Faculty of Arts Department: Research Centre for Historical Studies (CHS) Academic Rank: Researcher Research Interests: Kramer specializes in the intersection of language, ritual, and theater in the 16th-century Dutch context. Her studies explore disenchantment in linguistic practices, rhetorical techniques in drama, and the role of magical language in historical texts. Recent projects connect historical studies with environmental humanities through initiatives like 'Rewilding de eerste indaging.' Article Trends: Her publications emphasize early modern Dutch farce, rhetorical analysis, and cultural transformations. Recurring themes include the interplay of ritual, language, and humor, with methodological approaches spanning historical pragmatics and literary criticism. Activities: Kramer has organized academic workshops on playwriting and nature-focused creative education. She participated in the 2024 Spring School on Landscape History & Ecology and contributed to public festivals like 'Liveable Futures,' highlighting her commitment to bridging academic research with societal challenges. Media Contributions: She has appeared in radio and television interviews (e.g., TV Noord, Radio 1/NCRV) discussing historical and cultural topics, demonstrating her engagement with public discourse.

• Early Modern Studies
• Literary studies
• Religious studies
• +7 more

Alison Shell is a Professor of Early Modern Studies at the Department of English Language and Literature, University College London , where she has been affiliated since 2010. Her work bridges literary analysis with religious and historical contexts, focusing on England's long Reformation and its cultural ramifications.

Marcus NevittView profile

Senior Lecturer

• Seventeenth-Century Literature
• Print Culture
• Restoration Theatre
• +3 more

Dr Marcus Nevitt is Senior Lecturer in Renaissance Literature at the University of Sheffield's School of English, where he was appointed in 2002 after teaching positions at the University of Hertfordshire and University of Leeds. His office is located in Jessop West building at 1 Upper Hanover Street, Sheffield. His research focuses on seventeenth-century literature with particular expertise in print culture, news media, and Restoration theatre. Key interests include: Women's agency in Civil War pamphlets Newsbook production and circulation Restoration theatrical patronage Royalist literary responses during the Interregnum Intersections of journalism and poetry Nevitt's publication trajectory reveals a scholarly evolution from early work on revolutionary pamphlets to current focus on Restoration theatre. His 2006 monograph Women and the Pamphlet Culture of Revolutionary England established foundational work on female print engagement, while recent projects include co-editing Seventeenth-Century Journalism and the Digital Age (2017) and contributing to Aphra Behn's Complete Works . Current research examines Restoration theatre patronage through dedicated book projects. He actively supervises postgraduate research and teaches across undergraduate and MA modules including Renaissance Poetry, Restoration Literature, and Writing the English Civil War . His external engagement includes regular book reviewing for The Spectator . Nevitt holds significant research funding including a £200,000 AHRC Speculative Research Grant for 'Participating in Search Design: A Study of George Thomason’s Newsbooks' and a £10,000 HEIF 4 Grant for archival work with Derbyshire Record Office.

Christopher V. TrinactyView profile

Associate Professor

• Classical Studies
• Latin Literature
• Ancient Philosophy
• +3 more

Christopher V. Trinacty is an Associate Professor of Classics at Oberlin College, affiliated with the College of Arts and Sciences. He holds a PhD from Brown University (2007), MA from the University of Arizona (2000), and BA from Pitzer College (1996). His primary research focuses on Seneca the Younger, particularly his tragedies and Naturales Quaestiones , exploring Stoic philosophy and intertextuality with Augustan poets like Horace, Virgil, and Ovid. He has published a commentary on Seneca’s Natural Questions and contributed to volumes such as C.H. Sisson Reconsidered . Trinacty teaches Latin and Greek language, Roman history, and courses integrating public humanities projects, such as an Ancient Science class website . He curated an exhibition on the island of Aegina at Oberlin’s Terrell Library and actively presents at international conferences (e.g., University of Athens, University of Cincinnati). His work bridges classical literature with modern interpretations, as seen in studies linking Seneca to contemporary media like Batman. Education: PhD in Classics, Brown University, 2007 MA in Classics, University of Arizona, 2000 BA in Classics, Pitzer College, 1996 Research Interests: Senecan tragedy and philosophy, Augustan poetry reception, Stoic natural science, intertextuality in Roman literature, ancient science communication, and digital humanities. Recent Scholarly Work: Explores Seneca’s engagement with Augustan literary tradition, the impact of natural disasters on Stoic thought, and cross-media adaptations of classical myths. Key publications include Senecan Tragedy and the Reception of Augustan Poetry (2014) and commentary on Seneca’s Natural Questions (2022). Labs/Teams: Leads Oberlin Classics’ public humanities initiatives, including student-driven commentaries and digital projects like Horace’s Epistles website.

Jonas BakkenView profile

Professor

• Norwegian Didactics
• Rhetoric
• Children's Literature
• +7 more

Jonas Bakken is a Professor of Norwegian Didactics at the Department of Teacher Education and School Research, University of Oslo. His work bridges rhetoric, children's literature, and sustainable development education through innovative didactic approaches. As academic director of the Associate Professorship Program, he shapes teacher education and curriculum design. Research Interests: Norwegian language arts, rhetoric integration in education, ecocriticism, multicultural narratives, and bilingual pedagogy. Projects: Evaluation of bilingual education (ETOS), Linking Instruction and Student Experiences (LISE), Scandinavian Narratives of Guilt and Privilege (Scanguilt), Minority Literary Voices in Scandinavia. Publications span textbook analysis, rhetorical strategies in Sámi literature, CLIL education equity, and oral creativity pedagogy. His recent works focus on task culture conflicts and curriculum renewal in Norwegian language arts.