Mary Besemeres

Mary Besemeres is an Honorary Lecturer at the Australian National University (ANU) in the School of Literature, Languages and Linguistics. Her research focuses on cross-cultural autobiography, bilingualism, and migrant experiences. She authored *Translating One's Self: Language and Selfhood in Cross-Cultural Autobiography* (2002) and co-edited *Translating Lives: Living with Two Languages and Cultures* (2007 with Anna Wierzbicka). She co-founded the *Life Writing* journal and serves on its editorial board.

Her work explores themes like translingual narratives, migrant identity, and the intersection of language and emotion. Notable projects include the ARC-funded *Anglos Abroad: Memoirs of Immersion in a Foreign Language and Culture* (2008–2010). Recent research examines multilingual Australian literature, Cold War family memoirs, and Polish-Australian cultural writing.

Publications span academic articles, book chapters, and edited volumes. Her 2024 review of multilingual Australian literature highlights postcolonial and transcultural trends. She also analyzes journalist memoirs and Cold War narratives, showcasing her expertise in transnational and postcolonial studies.

• Editorial roles: *Life Writing* journal
• Grants: ARC project (2008–2010)
• Labs/teams: Contributes to ANU's literary studies research networks