معرفی
David Thomas Sumner serves as Professor of English and Environmental Studies and Chair of the English Department at Linfield University, where he has taught for 16 years while also gaining international experience through a Fulbright fellowship at Germany's University of Bayreuth and Semester at Sea global voyages.
His academic credentials include:
- B.A. from University of Utah
- M.A. from Brigham Young University
- Ph.D. from University of Oregon
Specializing in Environmental Rhetoric, the Nature Tradition in American Literature, and Ecocriticism, his research examines the intersections of landscape, literature, and environmental ethics. Key publications analyze Edward Abbey's works, the rhetoric of "ecoterrorism," and American nature writing traditions, demonstrating deep engagement with environmental philosophy and literary theory.
His recent scholarly output reveals interdisciplinary breadth across environmental humanities, technical communication, and pedagogy, with recurring themes of activism, place-based education, and ethical frameworks in ecological discourse. This work consistently bridges literary analysis with practical environmental concerns.
Professional recognition includes:
- Fulbright Fellowship at University of Bayreuth, Germany (2007)
As an educator, he designs innovative courses including Literature and Landscape and the Sea of Cortez travel seminar following Steinbeck's path, reflecting his commitment to experiential learning. His cross-disciplinary teaching collaborations demonstrate educational leadership beyond traditional departmental boundaries.
Outside academia, he maintains strong connections to the outdoors through backpacking, flyfishing, and performing bluegrass music with the Bootleg Jam, embodying the environmental ethos central to his scholarship.
