Rachel M. Hartnett

Dr. Rachel M. Hartnett is a Marion L. Brittain Postdoctoral Fellow in the Writing and Communication Program at the Georgia Institute of Technology's School of Literature, Media, and Communication. Her work bridges postcolonial studies, U.S. empire discourse, and popular culture analysis with a focus on science fiction and fantasy literature.

Education

• PhD in English (2023), University of Florida
• MA in English (2016), Florida Atlantic University

Research Interests
Her scholarship examines how imperialist ideologies manifest through media adaptations and fantasy narratives. Key areas include postcolonial ecocriticism, race representation in popular fiction, and the intersection of supernatural motifs with historical military occupations.

Recent Publications
Current works analyze Game of Thrones adaptations, climate change narratives in postcolonial contexts, and U.S. imperial motifs in A Song of Ice and Fire. Upcoming publications will explore Trinidad's military occupation through supernatural storytelling and fan interpretation dynamics.

Academic Recognition

• 2023 DEI Graduate Award
• 2023 Presidential Service Award
• 2022 Ruth McQuown Scholarship
• 2022 Champion for Change Award

Teaching Focus
Designs English composition courses with thematic connections to horror commentary, urban studies of Atlanta, and critical analysis of American popular culture.