Mairead Byrne

Mairéad Byrne is a Professor in the School of Literary Arts and Studies at the Rhode Island School of Design. With academic credentials from University College Dublin, Trinity College, and Purdue University, she has been designing and teaching undergraduate and graduate courses in poetry and digital poetics since 2002.

Educational Background:

• BA from University College Dublin
• Higher Diploma in Education (First Class Hons) from Trinity College
• MA in Gaelic Literature (First Class Hons) from University College Cork
• MA and PhD in American Poetry & Creative Writing and Theory & Cultural Studies from Purdue University

Her research focuses on experimental poetics across visual, sonic, digital, and material forms, with specialization in Gaelic poetry and translation. Current projects include a critical study of Brian Merriman's Cúirt an Mheán Oíche.

Recent publications span nine poetry chapbooks, six full-length collections, and three collaborative works with visual artists. These include The Best of (What’s Left of) Heaven (2019), Famosa na sua cabeça (2015), and You Have to Laugh: New & Selected Poems (2013).

Scientific Awards:

• John R. Frazier Award for Excellence in Teaching (2016)
• Art residencies at Tyrone Guthrie Centre, Saltonstall Foundation, Siena Art Institute, Seoul Art Space Yeonhui, Storyknife, and Cill Rialaig Project

Byrne has also contributed to pedagogical innovation through her First-Year Literature Seminar and graduate teaching practicum work, while maintaining active involvement in third culture language arts exploration.