Mildred Lewis is an Assistant Professor at Chapman University 's Wilkinson College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences , specializing in English . Her academic work intersects with creative practice through playwriting, screenwriting, and multimedia projects. Education: Bachelor of Arts, Oberlin College Master of Arts, University of California, Los Angeles Master of Fine Arts, University of California, Los Angeles Lewis explores interdisciplinary arts through works addressing domestic violence , cultural identity , and social justice . Her projects span theatre , film , and digital media , including the Humanitas' PLAY LA residency and Playground-LA collaborations. Recent works examine urban dynamics , historical memory , and gender roles , with productions at major festivals like Outfest Fusion and Rockford New Play Festival . Her research connects classical mythology with contemporary social issues . Awards & Recognitions: L.B. Williams Award, New Circle Theatre (2021) Grand Jury Award, Fusion Theatre (2022) Finalist/semi-finalist in multiple playwriting festivals (2013-2022) Competitively selected for 2017-8 Writers' Pool
Dr. Jackie Hoermann-Elliott is an Associate Professor of English, Rhetoric, and Spanish at Texas Woman's University (TWU) within the College of Arts & Sciences. She serves as Director of First-Year Composition and contributes to TWU's Health & Well-Being Initiative through movement- and mindfulness-based pedagogy. Ph.D., Rhetoric and Composition, Texas Christian University M.A., Rhetoric, Composition, and Professional Communication, Iowa State University B.A., English Literature and Language, University of Missouri-Kansas City Her research bridges embodied cognition with pedagogical innovation , focusing on how sensorimotor activities like running, yoga, and walking enhance learning. She integrates mindfulness practices into writing courses, advocating for first-year composition reforms, technical writing , and translingual pedagogy . Her work also examines gender dynamics in academic leadership and support systems for academic mothers . Recent publications explore racial geography in composition, self-efficacy for underrepresented writers, and contemplative approaches to technical writing. Awards highlight her excellence in writing program administration , service to student life , and academic leadership . She actively collaborates on OER development and global writing initiatives . Distinguished Service to Student Life Award (2025) Best Program of the Year Award (2024) Mary Mason Lyon Award for Distinguished Junior Faculty (2024) OER Fellowship (2023) TCEA's Best Paper Award (2022) Dr. Hoermann-Elliott co-develops open educational resources and co-curricular writing programs to address equity in minority-serving institutions . Her work with the Health & Well-Being Initiative links physical activity to academic performance , reflecting her personal commitment to an active lifestyle as a runner, former yoga teacher, and mother of three.
Zara Chowdhary is an Assistant Professor in the Department of English within the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at the University of Iowa. A multilingual writer and translator specializing in South Asian cultural expressions, she contributes to creative writing and postcolonial studies through both academic and artistic practice. Education: MA in Writing for Performance, University of Leeds MFA in Creative Writing and Environment, Iowa State University Research Interests: Dr. Chowdhary investigates environmental science fiction and speculative literature from the Indian subcontinent, analyzing how South Asian postcolonial identities evolve through fine art, music, street culture, protest theatre, social media, and popular cinema. Her interdisciplinary approach bridges literary analysis with cultural anthropology and environmental humanities. Notable Awards and Honors: PEN America finalist (Nonfiction) for "The Lucky Ones" (2024) Asian Television Award for screenwriting (National Geographic India) TIME Magazine's Top 10 Nonfiction Books of 2024 (#4) for "The Lucky Ones" Her professional trajectory spans Bollywood studios, documentary production for Turner Classic Movies, and development of cultural learning materials. She has taught Hindi and South Asian culture at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and instructed at the Tin House Summer Workshop, demonstrating commitment to both academic pedagogy and public-facing cultural work.
Professor Jerry Hunter is a distinguished academic at Bangor University's School of Welsh, where he has served since 2003 after previous positions at Harvard University and Cardiff University. His career spans both scholarly research and creative writing, establishing him as a leading authority in Welsh-language literature across historical periods. His educational background includes a BA in English from the University of Cincinnati, an MPhil in Welsh from the University of Wales, Aberystwyth, and a PhD in Celtic Languages and Literatures from Harvard University. Hunter's research encompasses the full spectrum of Welsh literary tradition, from medieval texts to contemporary works, with particular expertise in 17th-century conflict literature, American Civil War-era writings by Welsh immigrants, and the intersection of prophecy with historiography. His scholarly approach bridges historical analysis with literary criticism, revealing how Welsh cultural identity has been constructed and expressed through writing across centuries. His recent publications demonstrate consistent scholarly output with a clear trajectory toward increasingly nuanced examinations of Welsh literary responses to historical trauma and social change, particularly focusing on how literature processes collective experiences of conflict and displacement. The 2025 works continue his exploration of foundational Welsh literary figures while expanding into Arthurian traditions. Literature Wales Book of the Year Award (2004) for Llwch Cenhedloedd: Y Cymry a Rhyfel Cartref America National Eisteddfod Prose Medal (2010) for Gwenddydd Gwyn Alf Williams BAFTA Cymru Award for documentary series Cymry Rhyfel Cartref America Multiple shortlistings for Literature Wales Book of the Year Award Hunter has supervised numerous research projects including the recently completed 'Merch Glyndwr (The Lady Speaks in Welsh)' (2022-2024), which examined Owain Glyndŵr's wife through literary and historical lenses. His creative works have extended the reach of Welsh-language writing to broader audiences, including the English translation of Y Fro Dywyll as Dark Territory (2017). His documentary work for S4C has successfully translated academic research into accessible public history programming. As an active researcher and creative writer, Hunter maintains engagement with multiple academic communities through his publications, public lectures including the 2016 J.V. Kelleher Lecture at Harvard, and ongoing contributions to Welsh cultural discourse through platforms like Nation.Cymru.
Chongpongmeren Jamir is a Postdoctoral Researcher in Theology and Religious Studies at Åbo Akademi University’s Faculty of Humanities, Psychology and Theology, affiliated with the Polin Institute. He earned his Ph.D. from Middlesex University and conducts research on tribal Christianity in Northeast India, particularly among the Naga people, focusing on themes of identity, inter-religious relations, political theology, and peacebuilding. Ph.D., Middlesex University His research interests lie at the intersection of theology, culture, and society, with a strong emphasis on indigenous Christian expressions in India. He explores how tribal communities negotiate identity, respond to violence, and contribute to reconciliation through ecclesial and theological practices. His work engages deeply with the concepts of forgiveness, justice, and restorative dialogue in conflict-affected regions. His recent publications (2022–2025) span book chapters, peer-reviewed journal articles, and academic editorials, appearing in outlets such as Transformation: An International Journal of Holistic Mission Studies , Teologia.fi , and edited volumes on global Christianity. The body of his work reveals a consistent focus on breaking cycles of violence, interfaith engagement, and the symbolic dimensions of tribal theology. He frequently addresses the role of the church as a transformative agent in society. Reviewer, Priscilla Papers (2025) Contributor to Compact Atlas of Global Christianity (2025) Participant in international conferences on Pentecostalism, political theology, and religion and politics Dr. Jamir is actively engaged in academic discourse through conference presentations and media commentary, including a notable piece titled “Majoritarian normalisation and violence to history” (2024). He is involved in collaborative research networks, particularly those examining religion in South Asia, and contributes to public theology through accessible writing and peer review. While no formal advising or grant information is listed, his scholarly output and activities indicate a robust and ongoing research trajectory.
Sara Dustin is a Professor in the Department of English at Florida SouthWestern State College, affiliated with the School of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences. She serves as an academic leader in literary studies and writing instruction, with a focus on fostering critical thinking and creative expression. Research Interests: Literature Creative Writing English Studies Cultural Studies Language Studies Writing Instruction
Prof. Dr. Jan Standke serves as the Chair of Didactics of German Literature at the Institute of German Studies (Technical University of Braunschweig). He leads the Working Group for Youth Literature (AKJ) and chairs the Kritikerjury for the German Youth Literature Prize. Research focuses on contemporary children's/young adult literature Specializes in media culture's impact on literary education Examines self-writing practices in digital youth media Develops didactic frameworks for modern poetry and classical texts His 2024 publications address trigger warnings , Kafka's educational relevance , and autobiographical forms in youth media. As AKJ chairman, he advocates for literature that reflects societal challenges through aesthetic innovation. Email: j.standke@tu-bs.de Office: Room 132, Bienroder Weg 80, Braunschweig
Heather Finch is an Assistant Professor of English in the College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences at Belmont University. She holds a Ph.D. from Auburn University and specializes in Early American and African American literature, with a focused interest in the fragmented narratives of pre-nineteenth-century enslaved women. Her work integrates literary scholarship with diversity and inclusion initiatives in higher education. Her educational background includes a B.A. from Tuskegee University, M.A. and Ph.D. from Auburn University, and professional experience linked to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. These institutions have shaped her interdisciplinary approach to teaching and mentorship. Dr. Finch's research centers on marginalized voices in early American literature, particularly the literary expressions and lived experiences of enslaved women before the nineteenth century. She explores how trauma, memory, and identity are constructed through fragmented narratives. Her teaching philosophy emphasizes critical thinking, reading, and writing as tools for personal and academic empowerment. She also contributes to diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts in higher education, blending her scholarly work with institutional service. While no recent publications are listed in the provided text, her research trajectory suggests ongoing contributions to the fields of American literary studies, African American women's writing, and narrative theory. Her interdisciplinary lens likely connects literature with history, gender studies, and cultural studies. Belmont University – Assistant Professor of English Tuskegee University – B.A. Auburn University – M.A., Ph.D. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign – Professional experience Dr. Finch is actively involved in mentoring students and professionals from diverse backgrounds. She has over sixteen years of experience as an instructor, consultant, program coordinator, and mentor. Her professional roles extend beyond the classroom, including consultancy in writing and communication, program administration, and publicity work. There is no mention of research grants in the provided text. She maintains a professional presence through her website and continues to contribute to academic and institutional communities through teaching, mentorship, and diversity initiatives. No specific labs or research teams are mentioned.
Samuel Best is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Electronic Production and Design at Berklee College of Music, Massachusetts. He is actively engaged in both academic instruction and professional creative work in music and sound design for visual media. Bachelor of Arts (BA), Electronic Production & Design, Berklee College of Music, 2022 Artist Diploma (AD), Contemporary Classical Music Performance, Escola Artística de Música do Conservatório Nacional, Portugal, 2015 Samuel Best specializes in music and sound for picture, with a strong focus on film, television, commercials, and short films. His work bridges artistic expression and technical precision in electronic music production and audio post-production. He has contributed to major streaming platform projects and international film festivals, demonstrating expertise across diverse media formats. His creative portfolio reflects consistent engagement with sound design and composition for visual storytelling, particularly in high-profile series like Severance S2 and films such as Killer Heat and My Spy: The Eternal City . Collaborations with renowned figures like Chris Lane and institutions like Sony Innovation Studios and Bleeding Fingers highlight his integration into top-tier industry networks. Although no formal scientific awards are listed, his professional recognition is evident through project placements and client testimonials. Sam Best mentors emerging creators through his academic role and collaborative projects. He has worked closely with directors and producers on films like Susie and Simone , offering sound supervision, design, and composition services. While no formal grant information is available, his client-based work with organizations such as Iberdrola Portugal and Dunkin’ indicates funded creative commissions. He is affiliated with the Electronic Production and Design (EPD) program at Berklee, a hub for innovation in music technology and production, where he contributes to curriculum delivery and student development.
A.G. "Jerry" Wemple is a Professor in the Department of Languages, Literatures, and Writing at Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania, part of the College of Liberal Arts. He holds an M.F.A. from the University of Massachusetts-Amherst and is a distinguished poet and educator whose work centers on identity, race, place, and regional culture. M.F.A., University of Massachusetts-Amherst Wemple’s primary research and teaching interests include poetry, creative nonfiction, African American literature, and literature of Pennsylvania. His creative work explores personal and cultural identity, often rooted in the Susquehanna Valley and his own experiences as a mixed-race individual adopted into a Pennsylvania German family. His writing blends emotional depth with social commentary, particularly on race, heritage, and belonging. His recent publications span literary journals such as cahoodaloodaling , Full Grown People , Heart , and Hamilton Stone Review , with themes ranging from social justice and historical figures like Frederick Douglass to personal narratives about family, memory, and place. The body of his work reveals a consistent engagement with identity formation, regional consciousness, and the power of storytelling. Wemple has received numerous accolades, including: Fellowship in Literature from the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts Word Journal chapbook prize Two-time recipient of the Dean’s Salute to Excellence Jack and Helen Evans Endowed Faculty Fellowship Vermont Studio Center Fellowship Susquehanna Valley Reading Council’s Literacy Award (2015) He has advised and promoted regional writers through initiatives like the Big Dog Reading Series and serves as editor of Watershed: The Journal of the Susquehanna . He has no known active research grants mentioned, but his editorial and community engagement efforts reflect sustained scholarly service. He also co-edited the anthology Common Wealth: Contemporary Poets on Pennsylvania , further amplifying regional voices. Wemple leads a literary community focused on place-based writing and inclusive storytelling, contributing significantly to both creative and academic spheres at Bloomsburg University and beyond.
Valerie Crumpton (MBA, DMin) is a multifaceted academic and religious leader, currently serving as the Director of the Doctor of Ministry Program at Jakes Divinity School (JDS) and as an Adjunct Professor at Portland Seminary, George Fox University. She has been a devoted member of The Potter’s House mega-church since 1999, ordained since 2008, and oversees diverse ministries including substance abuse, military veterans, and multicultural outreach. Her work bridges theology, leadership education, and practical ministry. Education: Doctor of Ministry (Portland Seminary, George Fox University), Master of Business Administration (Dallas Baptist University), Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (University of Phoenix) Her research and professional interests focus on integrating theological principles with strategic leadership practices, church administration, and community-based pastoral care. She has also contributed to religious education through technical writing, notably crafting content for the TD Jakes Devotionals and weekly sermon study notes. Dr. Crumpton has led mission trips in Africa and South America and delivered leadership lectures in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Her literary contributions include three books: Express Yourself , The Church Has Left the Building , and co-authored The Lectionary Story . She is actively involved in academic leadership as a former mentor pastor for SMU Perkins School of Theology, former Dean of Women at The Potter’s House School of Ministry, and current Council member at Jakes Divinity School. Additionally, she serves in the African American Pastors Coalition (Dallas Chapter) and Grand Prairie ISD Ministerial Alliance.
Laurie Ann Britt-Smith is the Director of the Center for Writing and Program Advisor for the Rhetoric and Composition Minor at the College of the Holy Cross. She holds a Ph.D. from Saint Louis University and has previously served as Associate Professor and Writing Program Director at the University of Detroit Mercy. Her academic work is deeply rooted in rhetoric, composition, and writing studies, with interdisciplinary connections to social justice, gender, and Jesuit education. Ph.D., Saint Louis University Director, Center for Writing, College of the Holy Cross (2015–present) Associate Professor and Writing Program Director, University of Detroit Mercy (2008–2015) Assistant Director, Writing Program, Saint Louis University (2006–2007) Her research centers on rhetoric, social justice, composition studies, writing across the curriculum, professional writing, language and literacy, and humor studies. She explores how writing pedagogy can foster civic engagement, ethical communication, and feminist praxis. Her work often intersects with Jesuit educational values such as eloquentia perfecta and social responsibility. The recent publications of Laurie Ann Britt-Smith span themes of workplace writing, grammar, civic literacy, feminist rhetoric, and digital discourse. Collectively, her articles reflect a commitment to bridging academic and public spheres, advancing inclusive pedagogies, and critically examining the role of rhetoric in shaping identity, ethics, and justice in contemporary society. Her scientific awards include: Mellon Grant for Humanities Studies (2009) Dr. Mary Louise Adams Endowed Fellowship (2007) VanReenan Award for Excellence in Teaching (2000) Britt-Smith actively contributes to academic service and leadership. She serves as Treasurer of the Association for Writing Across the Curriculum (2018–present), was Vice-Chair/Chair of the Jesuit Conference on Rhetoric and Composition (2017–2020), and chaired the Northeast Writing Across the Curriculum Consortium (2017–2019). She has also been a member of the editorial boards for Conversations in Jesuit Higher Education and The International Journal of Religion and Spirituality in Society , and served as editor of To Wit , the newsletter of the American Humor Studies Association (2011–2016). She is involved with the HC F1RST Advisory Board and the Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies program. Her leadership in writing program administration and editorial work underscores her commitment to advancing writing education, interdisciplinary scholarship, and institutional support for faculty and student writers.
Randall L. Kennedy is the Michael R. Klein Professor of Law at Harvard Law School, where he teaches contracts, criminal law, and the regulation of race relations. He is a leading scholar in civil rights, constitutional law, and legal theory, with a focus on race, freedom of expression, and social justice. His work bridges academic scholarship and public discourse, appearing in journals and major media outlets. Harvard Law School, Faculty Member Michael R. Klein Professor of Law Trustee Emeritus, Princeton University Member, American Academy of Arts and Sciences Member, American Law Institute Education: St. Albans School Princeton University Oxford University (Rhodes Scholar) Yale Law School Randall Kennedy's research centers on civil rights, racial justice, and the law. His work critically examines the role of race in American legal institutions, the legacy of segregation, affirmative action, and the boundaries of free speech, especially regarding racial slurs. He explores the contradictions in American democracy, the moral dimensions of law, and the evolution of civil rights discourse. His scholarship is known for its intellectual rigor, historical depth, and willingness to confront controversial topics. His recent publications reflect a sustained engagement with constitutional law, civil rights, and public policy. Themes include the First Amendment, the role of the Supreme Court in racial equality, the ethics of protest, and the politics of racial discourse. He frequently writes about contemporary legal figures, historical movements, and current events, blending legal analysis with moral philosophy. Scientific Awards: 1998 Robert F. Kennedy Book Award for Race, Crime, and the Law Advising and Grants: While no specific advisees or grant funding are listed in the provided texts, Kennedy has co-authored works with prominent scholars such as Eugene Volokh and Cass Sunstein, and has contributed to academic journals and edited volumes, indicating active scholarly collaboration. He has also written forewords and introductions for significant works, suggesting mentorship and influence in the academic community. Labs and Teams: No formal labs or research teams are mentioned. However, Kennedy is associated with interdisciplinary academic initiatives at Harvard Law School, including the American Journal of Law and Equality, which he co-founded with Martha Minow and Cass Sunstein, reflecting a collaborative intellectual environment.
Ana Gago is a researcher at the Research Center for Science and Technology of the Arts (CITAR), affiliated with the Catholic University of Portugal. Her work bridges digital literature, cultural heritage, and artistic creation, with a strong focus on technology-mediated art forms and artist-in-residence programs. She actively contributes to academic discourse through publications, conference organization, and editorial roles. Research Interests: Ana's research centers on digital literature, intangible heritage, motion in art, and the role of technology in artistic creation. She explores how digital tools transform heritage practices, especially in post-pandemic contexts. Her work emphasizes experimental and interdisciplinary approaches, often merging ethnographic methods with digital storytelling. The recent publications reveal a consistent focus on digital heritage, cyberliterature, and artist residencies , particularly in Portuguese cultural institutions. Her work frequently examines how museums and artistic programs adapt during crises, using digital and participatory methods to engage communities. Scientific Engagement: Organized major conferences including the VI CHAM International Conference and the [e]motion Graduate Conference. Served as guest editor for journals such as Cibertextualidades and Cadernos de Sociomuseologia . Contributed to public discourse through media appearances on museums, education, and heritage resilience. Ana Gago is an active advisor and collaborator in research projects, though no formal students are listed. She has been involved in multiple research outputs, including articles, edited books, and visual artworks, often in collaboration with scholars like Diana Marques and Leonor Castro. Her work is supported by CITAR’s interdisciplinary research environment. Laboratories and Teams: She is a core member of CITAR (Research Center for Science and Technology of the Arts), a leading Portuguese research unit promoting innovation at the intersection of science, technology, and the arts. Her activities reflect strong engagement with collaborative networks in heritage, digital arts, and museum studies.
Joaquim Félix is an Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Theology, Universidade Católica Portuguesa, where he actively contributes to research, teaching, and supervision. His academic work spans theology, liturgical studies, religious architecture, and poetics of faith, with a strong emphasis on public theology and cultural ecology. His research interests include the theological dimensions of beauty, religious art and architecture, liturgical symbolism, and the interplay between poetics and spirituality. He explores how sacred spaces, rituals, and artistic expressions mediate theological meaning in contemporary contexts. The most recent articles reflect a deep engagement with liturgical theology, sacramental symbolism, Marian devotion, and the role of joy and struggle in worship. His publications often bridge academic theology with pastoral and cultural reflections, emphasizing interdisciplinary and aesthetic approaches. Joaquim Félix is an active researcher in the COLIVING2020 project, which investigates intercultural living and public theology during pandemic times. He supervises multiple students and serves as an examiner in theological dissertations, demonstrating a strong commitment to academic mentorship. His collaborative network includes scholars across Europe and Latin America, focusing on Christianity, public theology, and religious culture. While no formal awards are listed, his sustained scholarly output and leadership in research projects underscore his academic impact.
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