Molly T. Blasing

Molly T. Blasing is an Associate Professor of Russian Studies at the University of Kentucky, specializing in modern Russian poetry, second language acquisition, and AI in language education. She holds a Ph.D. in Slavic Languages and Literatures from the University of Wisconsin-Madison (2014) and an A.B. from Harvard University (2002). Her research explores intersections between photography and poetry in Russian culture, with a focus on Marina Tsvetaeva, and she curates the American Archive of Marina and Anastasia Tsvetaeva. Blasing is a co-founder of C-SAILS (Consortium for the Study of AI and Language in Slavic) and a former Rankin Fellow for AI and Teaching (2023-2024). She develops STEM-focused Russian language curricula and publishes on AI's role in language pedagogy.

Her books include *Snapshots of the Soul: Photo-Poetic Encounters in Modern Russian Culture* (Cornell UP, 2021), supported by NEH and Fulbright grants. Current projects include a cultural history of Tarusa, Russia, and translations of Anastasia Tsvetaeva's memoirs. Blasing serves on AATSEEL’s Executive Council and edits for *Issues in the Teaching of East European and Eurasian Languages and Cultures*. Her grants include seed funding from UK’s Energy Research Priority Area and UKY Libraries’ Alternative Textbook program.

Recent teaching includes courses on Russian film, STEM Russian, and cultural history. Awards include the MLA Task Force appointment (2025-2027) and recognition for innovative pedagogy. She actively bridges STEM and humanities through interdisciplinary partnerships.