Ann Martinez

Ann Martinez is an Associate Professor in the Department of English at Kent State University, affiliated with the School of Multidisciplinary Social Sciences & Humanities. Her research spans two primary areas: medieval literature’s treatment of nature, marginalized figures, and ecocritical theory; and Shakespeare’s presence in performance and popular culture. She holds a terminal degree from the University of Kansas (2014).

Education:

• University of Kansas, 2014 (PhD in English Literature, assumed)

Research Interests: Dr. Martinez’s work bridges literary texts and historical context, employing feminism, ecocriticism, and historicism. She analyzes medieval depictions of nature and monstrosity, tracing their legacy into later periods. Her Shakespeare-focused research examines live performances, digital relays, film adaptations, and cultural appropriations in sci-fi/fantasy genres. She also explores audience engagement dynamics in theatrical and mediated experiences.

Publications: Her articles explore themes like insect symbolism in literature (Renaissance to Enlightenment), Tolkien’s medievalist eco-vision, and Shakespeare’s cultural capital in modern media. She contributes to peer-reviewed journals like Arthuriana and Studies in Medievalism, as well as edited volumes from Bloomsbury Publishing.

Professional Highlights: She has reviewed books on medieval regionalism and ecohorror, and her work The Ballad of the Lone Medievalist (forthcoming 2018) reflects her experiences as a sole medievalist in her department.