Jenna N. Hanchey

Jenna N. Hanchey is an Associate Professor in the Department of Rhetoric and Critical/Cultural Studies at Arizona State University's Hugh Downs School of Human Communication. Her research focuses on African Science Fiction and Fantasy (SFF), decolonial studies, and critiques of colonialism and global development. She is a prominent voice in Africanfuturism and speculative fiction as tools for decolonial imagination. Hanchey is a nominated writer for SFWA, Codex, BSFA, and Ignyte Awards, with notable work in narrative and editorial contributions to speculative genres. Her academic work bridges rhetorical theory, ethnography, and critical communication, addressing issues of power, reflexivity, and organizational rhetoric in global contexts.

Education and Background: While specific academic credentials are not explicitly detailed, her extensive publications and professorial role indicate advanced degrees in Communication Studies or related fields. Her work integrates interdisciplinary approaches, reflecting a commitment to both scholarly rigor and creative expression.

Research Interests: Hanchey’s scholarship interrogates the intersections of speculative fiction, postcolonial theory, and decolonial methodologies. She examines how narratives and organizational structures perpetuate or challenge colonial legacies, particularly in African contexts. Key themes include the politics of representation, global aid critiques, and the role of imagination in resistance.

Articles and Trends: Her recent work emphasizes decolonial frameworks, with a focus on NGO collapse, speculative fiction’s role in envisioning futures, and the ethics of ethnographic practice. Articles like "The Center Cannot Hold" and "Africanfuturism as Decolonial Dreamwork" highlight her engagement with institutional critique and cultural reclamation. Her 2024 piece on speculative fiction as decolonial rehearsal underscores her innovative methodological contributions.

Awards and Recognition: Nominations for prestigious speculative fiction awards reflect her creative output alongside academic work. These include the SFWA, Codex, BSFA, and Ignyte Awards, signaling her influence in both literary and scholarly spheres.

Advising and Grants: While explicit details about grants and advisees are not provided, her prolific publication record suggests active involvement in mentoring graduate students and securing research funding. Her interdisciplinary approach likely involves collaborations across departments and international networks.

Labs/Teams: Hanchey’s research often involves fieldwork and ethnographic collaboration, though specific lab affiliations are not mentioned. Her work is part of broader initiatives in critical communication and decolonial studies at ASU, contributing to institutional research priorities.