Russell Helms

Russell Helms is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of English at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. With a unique background blending healthcare and creative arts, he teaches creative writing and scientific writing, emphasizing the pedagogical crafts underlying both disciplines.

• Education: MFA in Creative Writing (Eastern Kentucky University, 2011), MPH in Health Policy, Research, and Administration (Yale University, 1993), BA in History (Auburn University, 1990), AS in Nursing (Jefferson State Community College, 1983).

Research and Pedagogical Focus
Helms combines his expertise in healthcare and literature to explore intersections between scientific communication and creative expression. His published works include over 50 short stories, two novels, and a researched narrative analyzing depression through a sociocultural lens.

Service and Community Engagement
Actively involved in local outreach, he serves as a Lunch Server at the Community Kitchen in Chattanooga since January 2024, demonstrating a commitment to community service alongside his academic career.