Nana Nkweti

Nana Nkweti is an Assistant Professor in the Department of English at the University of Alabama. She holds an MFA in Creative Writing from the University of Iowa (2014) and a BA in Political Science from Rutgers University (1999). Her work bridges literary genres including horror, Afrofuturism, and speculative fiction while exploring themes of hyphenated identity and African diasporic experiences.

• Education:
  • MFA, Creative Writing, University of Iowa, 2014
  • BA, Political Science, Rutgers University, 1999

Her research focuses on genre innovation in contemporary literature, particularly works by women and authors of color. Her acclaimed short story collection Walking on Cowrie Shells (2021) challenges monolithic representations of African experiences through its kaleidoscopic narrative forms. The work has received accolades including the Whiting Award and international acclaim.

• Awards:
  • 2022 Whiting Award
  • 2019 Caine Prize Finalist
  • 2017 Master Review Short Story Award (2nd Prize)

Nkweti's pedagogy integrates graphic novels, medical humanities, and digital storytelling. She has held residencies at Bucknell University (Phillip Roth Writer-in-Residence) and Hub City, supported by prestigious fellowships from institutions like MacDowell and the Wurlitzer Foundation.