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Karin BoreviView profile

Senior Lecturer

• Immigration Policy
• Citizenship Studies
• Multiculturalism
• +5 more

Karin Borevi is a Senior Lecturer in Political Science at Södertörn University's Department of Social Sciences since September 2014. She maintains dual affiliations as an affiliated researcher at Uppsala University's Department of Government and guest researcher at the Centre for Multidisciplinary Research on Religion and Society. Her research centers on three interconnected domains: Swedish integration policy history, European comparative analysis of the 'civic integrationist turn', and political theory examining multiculturalism, justice, and equality. Key methodological approaches include historical institutionalism, comparative policy analysis, and normative political theory, primarily focused on Scandinavian welfare states. Publication trends reveal sustained examination of civic integration policies since 2010, with increasing focus on state-religion relations since 2023. Her work consistently challenges exceptionalist narratives about Scandinavian models while documenting policy convergence toward conditionality in family migration, language requirements, and welfare access. Current research examines institutionalization of state-Islam relations through mosque financing debates and the double insider/outsider status of intra-EU migrants facing begging restrictions. Her scholarship demonstrates strong engagement with European migration governance frameworks while maintaining distinct Scandinavian policy perspectives. Her advisory roles include contributions to Swedish government reports (SOU) and edited volumes on integration policy, with notable leadership in multi-author projects examining categorization frameworks in Swedish society. She participates in international collaborative projects including RESPOND and CONNEX.

Shawn Michelle SmithView profile

Professor

• Photography History and Theory
• Race in Visual Culture
• Gender in Visual Culture
• +5 more

Shawn Michelle Smith is Professor and Chair of Visual & Critical Studies at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC). She is a distinguished scholar, writer, artist, and educator whose work centers on the history and theory of photography with a particular focus on race and gender in visual culture. Her research interests span multiple interconnected fields including photographic history, critical race theory, gender studies in visual representation, and African American studies. Smith approaches her subjects through careful examination of images within their historical contexts, exploring how photographs acquire meaning and cultural significance across different historical periods. Smith's scholarly work shows a clear trajectory examining photography's role in shaping racial and gender identities, with particular attention to historical trauma, representation, and visual politics. Her publications consistently engage with questions of power, visibility, and historical memory through the lens of photographic practice and theory. 2021 Ray and Pat Browne Award from the Popular Culture Association 2014 Lawrence W. Levine Award from the Organization of American Historians 2014 Jean Goldman Book Prize from SAIC Fellowships from Guggenheim Foundation, Clark Art Institute, Georgia O'Keeffe Museum, and Schomburg Center As an educator, Smith has mentored graduate students including Antonia Piedmonte-Lang (2021), and teaches advanced courses in photography studies and thesis supervision. Her artistic practice complements her scholarly work, with photo-based art exhibited nationally that explores themes parallel to her academic research. Smith also serves on editorial boards for American Art, Photography & Culture, and Journal of Visual Culture.

Nicolas TanchukView profile

Assistant Professor

• Philosophy of Education
• Educational Ethics
• Social Justice Education
• +5 more

Nicolas Tanchuk serves as Assistant Professor in the Education Policy, Organization & Leadership department within the College of Education at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. His office is located in 0368 Education Building at 1310 S. Sixth Street, Champaign, IL, where he teaches graduate-level courses in educational philosophy, ethics, and technology integration. Dr. Tanchuk's research spans multiple interconnected domains with increasing emphasis on the philosophical implications of artificial intelligence in education. His primary interests include educational ethics, social justice pedagogy, critical policy analysis, and the evolving relationship between educational theory and emerging technologies. Recent scholarship demonstrates a significant pivot toward examining AI's role in educational contexts, particularly regarding epistemic trustworthiness in AI tutoring systems and literacy frameworks for potential artificial superintelligence. His work consistently bridges theoretical philosophical inquiry with practical educational concerns, maintaining strong connections to social justice frameworks and Indigenous educational perspectives. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a clear trajectory from foundational work in educational ethics and social justice toward increasingly technology-focused philosophical inquiry. While maintaining his commitment to critical approaches to educational policy and teacher ethics, approximately 40% of his 2024-2025 publications directly address AI's role in education. His scholarship demonstrates methodological diversity, employing critical policy analysis, philosophical argumentation, and empirical validation approaches across his publications in journals spanning educational theory, philosophy, and policy. Dr. Tanchuk teaches several advanced courses including ERAM 551 (Philosophy and History of Educational Research), EPOL 506 (Contemporary Philosophy of Education), EPOL 480 (Technology and Educational Reform), and ERAM 572 (Case Studies in Educational Ethics). His course descriptions emphasize interdisciplinary approaches that integrate philosophical, historical, and social perspectives on education, with particular attention to normative and policy issues raised by technological developments in educational contexts. His teaching appears designed to equip graduate students with both theoretical frameworks and practical ethical decision-making tools for contemporary educational challenges.

Nataša Visočnik GerželjView profile

Associate Professor

• Japanese anthropology
• Japanese cultural history
• Diaspora studies
• +8 more

Nataša Visočnik Gerželj serves as an Associate Professor at the Department of Asian Studies, Faculty of Arts, University of Ljubljana, where she teaches Japanese anthropology, art, cultural history, and graduate seminars. Her academic foundation includes a degree in ethnology and cultural anthropology and Japanology from the University of Ljubljana, doctoral studies supported by a Japanese Ministry of Education (MEXT) scholarship at Kanazawa University, and postdoctoral research at Kyoto University (Japan Foundation) and Seoul National University (Korea Foundation). Her research centers on identity processes, minorities, diaspora, marginality, and religion in Japan, with extensive fieldwork on the Korean minority in Kyoto and Zainichi Koreans who have returned to Korea. She also investigates East Asian material culture, particularly fans, clothing, and everyday objects through the East Asian Collections project. Her scholarly work demonstrates consistent productivity with publications spanning from 2016 to 2025. Visočnik Gerželj's publications reveal three interconnected research strands: Korean diaspora studies (especially Zainichi communities), material culture analysis of East Asian objects in Slovenian collections, and religious studies examining new religious movements in East Asia. Her recent work shows increasing focus on multiculturalism in Japan and the experiences of ethnic minorities. Editorial board member of the Asian Studies journal Principal researcher on ARRS-funded project J6-3133 "Osiroteli predmeti: obravnava vzhodnoazijskih predmetov izven organiziranih zbirateljskih praks v slovenskem prostoru" Team member of ARRS-funded project P6-0243 "Azijski jeziki in kulture" Her teaching portfolio encompasses mandatory courses including Diploma Seminar and Master's Seminar, alongside elective courses on Asian Religions, Japanese Tradition and Modernity, Responses of Asian Communities to Global Challenges, Chapters from Japanese Social Sciences, and Special Topics in Japanese Cultural History. She maintains professional connections with Japanese and Korean academic institutions through her research collaborations.

• Sociology of Religion
• Evangelical Studies
• Religious Diversity
• +3 more

Dr. Sam Reimer is a Professor of Sociology at Crandall University in Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada. He teaches a comprehensive range of sociology courses including Research Methods, Social Theory, Population and World Hunger, Modern Life and Personal Identity, Sociology of Education, Sociology of Religion, and Evangelicalism in Canada. Reimer is renowned for his scholarly work on the sociology of religion, with particular expertise in evangelical communities across North America. Dr. Reimer's research program focuses on several interconnected areas: Sociology of Religion, particularly evangelicalism in Canada and the United States Religious diversity and its social implications Religion and social class dynamics Comparative religious studies between Canada and the United States Religious switching patterns and secularization trends Congregational vitality and religious community building His scholarly trajectory demonstrates consistent engagement with how religious communities, especially evangelical ones, adapt to changing social contexts. Recent publications explore the weakening connection between religiosity and morality, religious change among younger generations, political tolerance among religious Canadians, and the impact of immigration on religious demographics. His work frequently employs comparative methods that highlight the "continental divide" in religious expression between Canadian and American contexts, revealing how similar religious groups develop distinct characteristics based on national cultural environments. Dr. Reimer has authored the influential book "Evangelicals and the Continental Divide: The evangelical subculture in Canada and the United States" (McGill-Queen's University Press, 2003) and completed a manuscript "Evangelical Congregations in Canada" that was under review at the time of documentation. His journal articles have appeared in prestigious publications including the Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion and Sociology of Religion. As an educator committed to student transformation, Dr. Reimer created the Future Scholar's program for Christian students interested in graduate education, which facilitates mentoring through gatherings in faculty homes. He emphasizes that "deep-rooted change normally does not happen when students sit passively in classes of several hundred," but requires personal mentoring relationships. His department offers a concentration in social justice and promotes the cross-cultural certificate program, which includes a month-long international experience typically in the developing world.

Nick BentleyView profile

Senior Lecturer

• Twentieth-Century British Fiction
• Postmodernism
• Postcolonialism
• +7 more

Dr. Nick Bentley is a Senior Lecturer in English Literature and Research Director for the School of Humanities at Keele University. He holds a PhD on 1950s British fiction and has taught at institutions including the University of Birmingham and the Open University. His research focuses on twentieth- and twenty-first-century literature, postmodernism, postcolonialism, youth subcultures, and marginalized voices. He has authored/co-edited multiple books, including Radical Fictions: The English Novel in the 1950s and Youth Subcultures in Fiction, Film and Other Media . Education: B.A. in English and History from Keele University; M.A. in Twentieth-Century British Fiction; Ph.D. in 1950s British fiction. Research Interests : Bentley’s work examines contemporary literature’s engagement with postmodernism, postcolonialism, and youth subcultures. He explores themes such as working-class writing, ethnic minority narratives, and the representation of marginalized identities. Current projects include a monograph on youth subcultures in postwar literature and research into contemporary working-class writing. Publications : His extensive publications include monographs, edited collections, and journal articles on British fiction from the 1950s to the present, focusing on cultural theory and narrative innovation. Recent works analyze gentrification in contemporary fiction and the neo-mythological novel. Awards & Affiliations : Bentley serves on the executive committees of the British Association of Contemporary Literary Studies and the Literary London Society. He is a member of several scholarly associations, including the Doris Lessing Society and the European Association for Commonwealth Literature. Teaching & Supervision : He teaches courses on postmodernism, contemporary literature, and critical theory. He supervises PhD students in areas such as marginalized voices in literature and co-supervises creative writing PhDs. Labs & Teams : As Research Director, he oversees the School of Humanities’ research strategy, fostering interdisciplinary projects and collaborations.

• Educational Sciences
• Social Studies Education
• Teacher Education
• +4 more

Memet KUZEY serves as an Associate Professor in the Turkish and Social Sciences Education Department within the Faculty of Education at Bayburt University. He holds significant administrative roles including Deputy Department Manager for Religious Culture and Ethics Education, Minister of the Internship Commission for Turkish and Social Sciences Education, and membership in both the Academic Incentive Application and Review Commission and Faculty of Education Project Commission. His research centers on Educational Sciences with specialized focus in Social Studies Education, Teacher Education, and Disaster Education. KUZEY investigates preservice teacher cognition through metaphorical analysis, geographical concept development, and disaster awareness integration in curricula. His work examines teacher role models derived from life memories, spatial reasoning skills, and multicultural education frameworks within Turkish social studies programs. Analysis of his 15 most recent publications reveals consistent thematic patterns: strong emphasis on metaphor-based investigations of teacher cognition (particularly regarding space, direction, and professional identity), systematic integration of disaster education into social studies materials, and historical analysis of Turkish curriculum evolution. His methodological approach predominantly employs qualitative phenomenological frameworks to explore conceptual understandings among teacher candidates. Through his commission roles, KUZEY actively shapes internship programs, academic incentive structures, and project management systems within the Faculty of Education, demonstrating significant institutional engagement alongside his scholarly contributions.

Sara BeniniView profile

Lecturer

• Educational Sciences
• Inclusion
• Interculturality
• +8 more

Sara Benini is a Lecturer-Researcher at the Department of Education and Learning at the University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland (SUPSI), where she works at the Competence Centre for Innovation and Research on Education Systems (CIRSE). She serves as the departmental contact for mobility and focuses on teaching in basic and continuing education while conducting research on educational systems and practices. Her educational background includes a Master of Science in Educational Sciences and a Bachelor of Science in Social Work, Social Policy and Educational Sciences, both from the University of Fribourg. Prior to her academic career, she completed a six-month internship as a social worker in Bern and worked as a researcher at the Center for Learning and Socialization at the University of Teacher Education in Solothurn. Benini's research spans several interconnected areas including educational inclusion, interculturality, equity in education, classroom management strategies for students with behavioral challenges, adolescent psychological wellbeing, and future orientation development. Her work often employs mixed-methods approaches, combining quantitative surveys with qualitative classroom observations to examine how teaching practices impact student outcomes. Her publication record shows a consistent focus on translating research into practical applications for educators, particularly through the FOKUS approach for managing students with attention deficits and hyperactivity. Her more recent work has expanded to examine resilience, self-esteem, and life satisfaction among adolescents, with particular attention to gender differences and the role of mastery goal orientation in educational settings. Benini leads multiple research projects addressing contemporary educational challenges, including managing challenging behaviors in schools, evaluating inclusive education measures, developing classroom practices for highly sensitive children, and promoting integration in Ticino schools. Her work demonstrates a commitment to bridging research and practice to improve educational outcomes for diverse student populations.

Peter ChildsView profile

Professor

• Modernism
• Colonial and Post-Colonial Literature
• Contemporary British Fiction
• +3 more

Peter Childs is a Professor and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Scholarship) at Newman University. He holds a doctorate from Keele University, focusing on post-colonial theory and Paul Scott’s Raj Quartet. His career spans roles at the University of Gloucestershire and Liverpool John Moores University, with administrative oversight in research strategy and external collaborations. He is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (National Teaching Fellowship, 2004) and the English Association (2005). Education: Ph.D. in English Literature from Keele University (thesis on Paul Scott’s Raj Quartet), degrees from the Open University and the University of Leeds, including a first in Economics. Research Interests: Modernism, post-colonial writing, contemporary British fiction, and literary theory. He has authored/edited over 20 books on topics like Ian McEwan, Julian Barnes, and cultural critique. Current research focuses on contemporary British novelists and ethical aesthetics. Professional Activities: Member of HERDA, ARMA, AURIL; external examiner at South Bank University, Bath Spa University, and others. Supervises four ongoing PhDs and has examined/completed numerous research students since 1998. Labs/Teams: Leads Newman’s research strategy initiatives and chairs the University Research Committee. He collaborates with national and international bodies on research policy and industry links.

• History of Southeast Asia
• History of East Asia
• Early Modern Philippine History
• +7 more

Dr. Ubaldo Iaccarino is an Assistant Professor (RTD-b) at the Department of Asian, African and Mediterranean Studies of the University of Naples L'Orientale . He specializes in the history of Southeast Asia and East Asia , with a focus on early modern Iberian interactions , maritime trade networks , and cross-cultural diplomacy during the 16th and 17th centuries. Educational Background Ph.D. in History (2014), Pompeu Fabra University, Spain (Full Marks Cum Laude) Degree in Asian Studies (2005), University of Naples L'Orientale (110 Cum Laude) Research Focus Dr. Iaccarino's research explores the Spanish and Portuguese presence in Asia , maritime trade dynamics , and missionary-diplomatic missions between Japan, China, and the Philippines. His work emphasizes transnational networks and interconnected histories beyond Eurocentric narratives. Key Articles His publications analyze the Manila Galleon system , Sino-Japanese trade in the Philippines , and Hispano-Japanese agreements . Recent papers address Philippine port cities , 16th-century lexicography , and anti-Christian policies in Japan . Scientific Awards & Collaborations Doctor Europaeus European Ph.D. Certificate Fellowship from the Japan Foundation (2016-2017) Collaborator in ERC-funded Trans-Pacific Trade project (2020-2025) Contributor to the Hokkien Historical Document Series (2019-present) Additional Contributions He has refereed for journals like Historia Mexicana and Journal of Monsoon Asian Studies , and participated in international projects such as Global Diplomacy Network and Monsoon Asia Multicultural Exchange . His archival work spans Spain, Japan, and Taiwan.

Sarah Bloch-ElkoubyView profile

Assistant Professor

• Suicide Prevention
• Psychotherapy Process Research
• Multicultural Therapy
• +3 more

Dr. Sarah Bloch-Elkouby serves as an Assistant Professor in Clinical Psychology at Yeshiva University's Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology and holds a concurrent part-time Assistant Clinical Professor position in Psychiatry at Mount Sinai Behavioral Health Center. With over a decade of clinical experience in hospital settings, she integrates suicide prevention research with psychotherapy process studies to develop empirically supported interventions for high-risk populations. Her academic credentials include: PhD in Psychology from Derner School of Psychology at Adelphi University MA in Psychology from Derner School of Psychology at Adelphi University BSW from Weisfeld School of Social Work at Bar-Ilan University LLB in Law from The Hebrew University of Jerusalem Dr. Bloch-Elkouby's research program bridges two interconnected domains: suicide prevention and psychotherapy process research. Her suicide prevention work focuses on developing AI-enhanced clinical training tools for suicide risk assessment among diverse populations, particularly adolescents from marginalized backgrounds. In psychotherapy research, she investigates therapeutic alliance dynamics, racial microaggressions in cross-cultural therapy, and mechanisms of treatment deterioration. Her innovative approach combines the Narrative-Crisis Model of Suicide with Alliance-Focused Training to create collaborative, destigmatizing intervention frameworks. Her recent publications demonstrate consistent focus on validating the Suicide Crisis Inventory across cultures, developing virtual human interaction tools for clinician training, and examining multicultural dynamics in therapy. These works employ advanced methodologies including machine learning, cross-cultural validation studies, and mixed-methods analyses of therapeutic interactions, establishing new paradigms for suicide risk assessment and culturally responsive care. Dr. Bloch-Elkouby's scientific recognition includes: Bergin and Garfield Emerging Scholar Award (2023-2024) from the Society for Psychotherapy Research Career Development Leadership Award (2019-2020) from the Anxiety and Depression Association of America Multiple graduate fellowships including the Sylvia Sanger Foundation Award for Psychotherapy Research She directs the Bloch-Elkouby Lab for Suicide Prevention & Psychotherapy Research, securing over $1.6 million in competitive grants including a $1.5 million American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Focus Grant as Co-investigator and a $90,000 Young Investigator Grant as Principal Investigator. Her lab actively mentors graduate students in grant-funded projects examining virtual patient technologies, multicultural therapy dynamics, and suicide risk prediction models. The Bloch-Elkouby Lab operates as a collaborative hub connecting Yeshiva University with Mount Sinai, international academic institutions, and community healthcare organizations. Current initiatives focus on developing observer-based coding schemes for ethnoracial microaggressions, validating suicide assessment tools across cultural contexts, and implementing AI-powered training for clinicians managing suicidal crises among diverse adolescent populations.

Rebekah BloydView profile

Academic

• Creative Writing
• Poetry
• Creative Nonfiction
• +6 more

Rebekah Bloyd is a Senior Adjunct in the Graduate Writing Program at the California College of the Arts (CCA), where she contributes to the education of emerging writers through creative instruction and mentorship. She holds a PhD from the University of Cincinnati, an MA from the University of Colorado, and a BA from Oberlin College, grounding her academic and literary work in a strong interdisciplinary tradition. Education: PhD, University of Cincinnati MA, University of Colorado BA, Oberlin College Her research and creative interests center on poetry, creative nonfiction, and literary translation, with a strong emphasis on environmental themes, grief, memory, and the interplay between personal and planetary change. Her writing often explores water, nature, and identity through lyrical and evocative language. Her recent publications include the poetry collections Buoyant (2022) and At Sea (2019), as well as a forthcoming chapter on Hawai’i in Suburbia Reconsidered: Multidisciplinary Perspectives on Suburbia and Literature (Springer Nature, 2024). She has also produced public-facing work such as the KQED Perspectives broadcast “A Tree Army” and the workshop “The Scene Reveals,” presented at the Borrowed Time symposium on death and change. Her work has appeared in Harper's , The Times Literary Supplement , Poetry , and The Cincinnati Review , among others. Scientific and Literary Awards: Fulbright Award to the Czech Republic Fulbright Award to Jamaica Hedgebrook Residency Bloyd has advised and influenced emerging writers through her teaching and public workshops. She has not received mention of formal grants in the provided text, but her Fulbrights and residencies reflect significant external support for her scholarly and creative work. She is affiliated with CCA’s Graduate Writing Program and maintains a public presence through her blog Water Words , where she explores themes of water, memory, and ecological reflection. Laboratories, Teams, and Creative Collaborations: She has collaborated with artists Carol Laidler and Ann Rapstoff in the Liquidscapes project and worked extensively with Czech poet and immunologist Miroslav Holub on translations, reflecting a sustained engagement with interdisciplinary and international creative teams.

Janet FultonView profile

Adjunct Associate Professor

• Journalism
• Creative Industries
• Media Entrepreneurship
• +7 more

Dr. Janet Fulton is an Adjunct Associate Professor at the RMIT University School of Media & Communication, Australia. Her research focuses on journalism , creative industries , media entrepreneurship , and work-integrated learning . She is actively involved in PhD and Masters research supervision. Institution: RMIT University, Australia Email: janet.fulton@rmit.edu.au Research Themes: Audience responses to news, diversity in media representation, creative ecosystems in journalism, and slow journalism practices in remote communities. Her recent articles (2024–2025) analyze news consumption behaviors , diversity gaps in journalism , and creative frameworks in media production . She explores how audiences verify news , regional journalism integrates with creative industries , and policy responses to climate crises neglect cultural dimensions . Collaborations with researchers like Park S, Fisher C, and Scott P highlight interdisciplinary approaches to media studies.

Pantea ForoudiView profile

Associate Professor

• Consumer Behavior
• Corporate Brand Design and Identity
• Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
• +2 more

Dr. Pantea Foroudi is a Reader in Marketing at Brunel Business School, Brunel University London, serving as Director of Research for the Business Analytics and Marketing Department (since 2025), Director of the Sustainable Digital Economy Area of Excellence, and Member of the School Management Board (2024). She also heads the Research Group in Marketing and Corporate Brand Management (2023-2025). Prior to her academic career, she worked as Business Manager and Solution Architect at Foroudi Consultancy (2013-2023), bringing over 25 years of practical experience in design, branding, and marketing since 1996. Dr. Foroudi holds a PhD in Business Management from Brunel Business School, an MA in Marketing and Communication Management (Honours), an MSc in Graphic Design (Honours), and a BA in Graphic Design (Honours). She is recognized as a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (SFHEA) and a Certified Professional Mentor in Higher Education. Her research focuses on consumer behavior through three interconnected lenses: (i) Artificial Intelligence and technology impacts on consumer engagement, (ii) corporate brand design and identity, and (iii) sustainable development goals (SDGs). She applies social identity theory, perceived value theory, and examines social interaction value across sectors including health, retail, higher education, and hospitality. Her work bridges academic rigor with practical business applications, making significant contributions to both theory and practice in marketing and branding. Analysis of her recent publications reveals a clear trajectory toward integrating emerging technologies with traditional marketing concepts, particularly in hospitality and sustainable business practices. Her research demonstrates increasing emphasis on AI-human interaction dynamics, sensory experiences in digital environments, and sustainable branding frameworks applicable across diverse cultural contexts. The geographical scope of her work has expanded globally, with studies conducted in Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, China, and multiple European countries. Listed FIRST in 'top scholarly output' in the UK and Europe and ranked FOURTH worldwide for 2016-2022 Featured in Stanford University's Top 2% of Scientists ranking (2024, 2023, and 2022) Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (SFHEA) Certified Professional Mentor in Higher Education Dr. Foroudi has supervised over 20 PhD students to completion across diverse topics from wearable technology adoption among elderly consumers to AI-driven branding strategies. She currently mentors numerous doctoral candidates working on cutting-edge topics including AI in health industry and sustainable digital economy. She secured research funding for 'Fostering Sustainable Development Goals in the UK Fashion SMEs' (February-September 2024), exploring digital solutions and circular business models through Brunel's Centre for Entrepreneurship and Sustainability. As Director of the Sustainable Digital Economy Area of Excellence, she leads initiatives that bridge digital innovation with sustainability goals. Her research group brings together scholars working at the intersection of branding, technology, and sustainable business practices. She actively shapes research directions through editorial roles at leading journals including Journal of Business Research, International Journal of Hospitality Management, and International Journal of Management Reviews.

Jessica LanayView profile

Visiting Professor

• Black feminist interdisciplinary writing
• Poetry
• Art journalism
• +6 more

Jessica Lanay (She/They) is Artist-in-Residence at Loyola University Chicago's Department of Fine and Performing Arts for the 2024-2025 academic year. An interdisciplinary writer, poet, and art journalist, Lanay engages with the Fine Arts Program through teaching, curating exhibitions, and organizing events including a colloquium featuring experimental performance artists Jefferson Pinder and Ayana Evans, and a solo exhibition of Denae Howard's work in the Ralph Arnold Gallery. Her research interests include: Black feminist interdisciplinary writing and poetry African Diasporan art and aesthetics West and Central African spiritual practices in diaspora Radical Black feminist performance art Epistemologies of Black aesthetics Multicultural interconnectivity and Black migration histories Lanay's creative trajectory demonstrates a consistent focus on how African diasporic aesthetics challenge Western conceptions of humanity. Her poetry collection "am•phib•ian" (2020), which won the Naomi Long Madgett Poetry Prize, exemplifies her experimental approach. Recent work increasingly features collaborations with major institutions like the Brooklyn Museum and Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, often centering Black women's experiences through projects like the "Black Girl Altar" installation. Her notable awards include: Naomi Long Madgett Poetry Prize from Broadside Lotus Press (2020) Broadside Poetry Press award for "am•phib•ian" (judged by Toi Derricotte) Lanay actively mentors emerging artists as literary curator at The August Wilson African American Cultural Center, hosting the monthly LIT Friday program featuring artists like Nona Faustine and Ruben Santiago-Hudson. Her teaching practice connects directly with research, as evidenced by her upcoming African Art course at Loyola University Chicago, which will incorporate community collaboration with A Long Walk Home. Currently a PhD Candidate in Art History at Indiana University-Bloomington, her dissertation examines radical Black feminist performance art throughout the African diaspora, exploring how aesthetics of radicality contribute to cultural preservation and transformation.