Nicole Pekarske

Nicole Pekarske serves as a Lecturer in the Department of English at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), teaching composition and creative writing courses since 2003.

Her academic credentials include:

• Ph.D. from the University of Missouri
• MFA from the University of Virginia
• B.A. from the University of Maryland, College Park

A widely published poet, Pekarske's work appears in Poetry, Georgia Review, and has been featured multiple times by Poetry Daily. Her 2004 collection Intermissa, Venus exemplifies her focus on creative writing and poetic composition, characterized by unflinching analysis, haunting musicality, and subversive wit. Her research interests prioritize literary craftsmanship within contemporary poetry and pedagogical approaches to writing instruction.

Her professional recognitions include:

• Writing residency in Iceland
• Writing residency in Taos, New Mexico
• Maryland State Arts Council grant (2009)

Pekarske maintains active contributions to literary communities through teaching and creative output, with ongoing engagement in writing residencies and state-funded artistic projects.