Ben DeVries

Ben DeVries is a PhD Candidate in Literary Studies at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign's Department of English, within the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences. His research focuses on recent American literature, science fiction, fantasy, apocalypticism, aesthetics, and politics. He has taught courses such as RHET 105: Writing and Research, ENGL 109: Introduction to Fiction—Advanced Composition, ENGL 116: Introduction to American Literature, and ENGL 119: Literature of Fantasy as an instructor, and served as a teaching assistant for ENGL 255: Early American Literature.

DeVries holds an MA in American Literature from the University of Illinois (2017) and a BA in Literature and Creative Writing from Calvin College (2015). His academic profile emphasizes interdisciplinary engagement with contemporary literary forms and cultural themes, particularly within speculative fiction genres. He is affiliated with the Department of English’s research initiatives and contributes to pedagogical efforts in undergraduate education.