Colleen English

Colleen English is a Full-Time Lecturer in the Department of English at Loyola University Chicago, affiliated with the College of Arts and Sciences. Her research focuses on 18th- and 19th-century British and Irish literature, particularly affect theory, the sentimental tradition, and elegiac modes. She co-convenes the Irish Studies Scholarly Seminar at the Newberry Library and teaches writing and literature courses emphasizing social justice and analytical skills. Her monograph project, 'Writing the Dead: Epitaphs, Elegies and Communities of Sentiment in Romantic Ireland,' explores the role of Irish elegiac poetry in fostering transnational empathy between England and Ireland.

Education: BA from New York University, MFA from City College of New York, PhD from University College Dublin.

Research interests include Irish Literature and Culture, Romanticism, Affect Theory, and Creative Writing. Her scholarly publications span peer-reviewed articles, book reviews, and creative short stories. She has received awards such as the Stephen Copley Research Award (2016) and the Teaching Plus Award (2008).

Teaching philosophy centers on fostering analytical skills through close textual reading and situating works within socio-political contexts. She prioritizes creating inclusive environments that respect human dignity and promote social responsibility. Her interdisciplinary approach bridges literary analysis with digital humanities and textual studies.