Robert Fanuzzi

Robert Fanuzzi is an Associate Professor of English at St. John’s University, affiliated with the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. He specializes in African American literature, trans-Atlantic slavery, French imperialism, and the intersections of race and history. His research includes projects like Abolition’s Public Sphere and a forthcoming book on French colonialism’s impact on American democracy. He co-founded the Staten Island Alliance for Interdisciplinary Studies and directs the American Studies Interdisciplinary Minor.

Education:

• Ph.D., 1993, Northwestern University (English)
• M.A., 1987, Northwestern University (English, Presidential Fellow)
• B.A., 1983, College of William and Mary (English and Philosophy, magna cum laude)

Research & Engagement: Dr. Fanuzzi’s work bridges academia and community through initiatives like 30000 Degrees: College Readiness for a Stronger Staten Island and Sandy Ground at St. John’s: Faces of the Underground Railroad, which received a Humanities Action Grant. He emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches to food justice, urban design, and public history.

Awards & Grants:

• St. Vincent de Paul Teacher-Scholar Award
• Vincentian Institute for Social Action Award
• New York Council for the Humanities Action Grant (2016)

Teaching & Outreach: Known for engaged courses on critical race theory, urban studies, and food justice, Fanuzzi advocates for the public purpose of higher education. His collaborations with organizations like the Sandy Ground Historical Society highlight his commitment to community-driven scholarship.