Adam Dickinson is a Professor in the Department of English Language & Literature at Brock University, where he has established a distinguished career at the intersection of poetry and scientific inquiry. Holding a PhD from the University of Alberta, Dickinson's work spans over two decades and encompasses four critically acclaimed poetry collections and extensive scholarly publications. His research, consistently supported by SSHRC funding, pioneers innovative approaches to ecocriticism through scientific frameworks, with particular focus on metabolic processes and the Anthropocene. Education: PhD, University of Alberta Dickinson's research centers on the dynamic synthesis of poetry and scientific discourse, developing what he terms "Metabolic Poetics" to explore the inscrutable connections between human/nonhuman biological processes and global energy systems. His work integrates biosemiotics, pataphysics, and Anthropocene theory to challenge conventional signification, creating alternative modes of poetic composition that engage directly with chemical and microbial realities. This approach manifests in projects like his chemical self-testing documented in Anatomic , where empirical data becomes literary material. Analysis of Dickinson's recent publications reveals a trajectory deepening into material ecocriticism, with increasing emphasis on bodily permeability, microbial ecologies, and toxic precarity. His work transitions from theoretical frameworks toward immersive, interoceptive practices that document environmental entanglement at molecular levels. This evolution demonstrates a commitment to developing poetic forms capable of registering the complex metabolic exchanges defining the Anthropocene, moving beyond traditional ecopoetics to incorporate empirical scientific engagement. Dickinson's literary contributions have earned significant recognition: Finalist, Governor General’s Award for Poetry (2013) for The Polymers Finalist, Trillium Book Award for Poetry (2014, 2007) for The Polymers and Kingdom, Phylum Shortlisted, Raymond Souster Award (2018) for Anatomic Finalist, CBC Poetry Prize (2016) for a section of Anatomic Finalist, K.M. Hunter Artist Award in Literature Nominee, ReLit Award for Poetry (2014) Finalist, Henry Kreisel Award for Best First Book (Alberta Book Awards) As an educator, Dickinson actively supervises graduate students in poetry and poetics, environmental writing, and science-literature intersections. His SSHRC-funded research enables interdisciplinary collaborations that bridge creative practice with scientific inquiry, facilitating participation in major international literary festivals including Poetry International in Rotterdam, Harbourfront International Festival of Authors in Toronto, and Oslo International Poetry Festival. These projects exemplify his commitment to expanding poetic practice through rigorous engagement with scientific methodologies.
