Gina Zucker is an Adjunct Associate Professor in the Writing Department at Pratt Institute's School of Liberal Arts & Sciences. She specializes in creative writing, literature, and community engagement pedagogy. Education: MFA in Creative Writing, The New School (with merit scholarship) BA in English and American Literature, Washington University in St. Louis (with Honors) Program in Paris, Sarah Lawrence College Research & Teaching: Zucker designs courses such as 'Dystopian Women' and 'Fictive Constraints.' Her pedagogy emphasizes interdisciplinary connections between writing craft and societal issues. She coordinates Pratt Writing’s Student & Faculty Reading Series, fostering community through literary events. Publications: Recent works include 'Child Psychology' (Tin House Online, 2022), 'Foe in the Kitchen' (Hobart, 2022), and 'Big People' (Fantastic Women anthology, 2023), showcasing her expertise in narrative innovation and thematic depth. Professional Background: Prior to academia, Zucker worked as a reporter, fact-checker at Rolling Stone and Cosmopolitan, and research editor. Her career spans literary journalism, publishing, and mental health advocacy through her work at Vermont State Hospital.
Mike Martinez Jr. is a Professor and Director of the Sarita Kenedy East Law Library at St. Mary’s University School of Law. He holds a J.D. (2000) from St. Mary’s and an M.S.I.S. (2005) from the University of Texas at Austin, along with a B.A. (1996) from UT Austin. His work focuses on legal research methodologies, law library innovation, and integrating information technology into legal education. As Director, he oversees strategic library initiatives to enhance faculty and student support. He teaches Legal Research and Writing, supervises independent student writing projects, and manages the Dean’s Research Fellows program. Martinez also coordinates externship training and leads workshops for students and alumni. His research emphasizes cost-effective legal research strategies, millennial learning dynamics, and diversity in legal education. Notably, his 2011 article on cost-effective research won the State Bar of Texas’ Best Feature Story award. He has presented widely on topics like library adaptation to digital trends and fostering inclusive academic environments. Martinez previously served as Vice Provost for Academic Affairs (2020-2021), demonstrating leadership in institutional strategy. His professional contributions span library management, curriculum development, and bridging gaps between legal education and practice.
Bryan Czibesz is an Associate Professor in the Art Department at SUNY New Paltz. He holds an MFA from San Diego State University and a BA from Humboldt State University. His research explores the intersection of digital technologies and ceramic art, focusing on how prosthetic tools mediate human creativity and physicality. Czibesz’s work combines hand-building techniques with 3D printing and microcontroller systems to create sculptural pieces that juxtapose organic and artificial forms. Education: MFA in Art, San Diego State University BA in Art, Humboldt State University Research Interests: His practice investigates material dialectics between clay and technology, creating works that critique and celebrate technological intervention in artmaking. Projects often invite viewers as active participants in interpreting binaries like 'biological vs artificial' or 'graceful vs awkward.' Exhibitions & Residencies: Featured in solo/group exhibitions at Fondation Bernardaud (France), Houston Center for Contemporary Craft, and Honolulu Museum of Art Residencies: International Ceramics Studio (Hungary), C.R.E.T.A. Rome, The Clay Studio (Philadelphia), Watershed Center for Ceramic Arts Professional Contributions: Editor of Studio Potter Magazine (2019) Artist-in-Residence programs across multiple institutions Workshops and lectures globally
Graham Drake is a Professor of English at SUNY Geneseo, where he has served since 1989. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Pennsylvania. His teaching focuses on medieval literature, Bible as literature, history of the English language, and Canadian literature. He currently serves as Interim Director of the Medieval Studies program and is a Pre-Law program advisor. He is active in study abroad initiatives, leading courses in Athens, Berlin, Oxford, and London. Research interests include medieval romance and LGBTQ issues in the Middle Ages, with publications featured in GLQ: A Journal of Lesbian and Gay Studies and SMART . He co-edited Four Romances of England (1999). Additional roles include Assessment Coordinator, Internship Coordinator, and involvement with Phi Alpha Delta’s Geneseo Pre-Law Chapter. His pedagogical work emphasizes integrating queer theory and medieval studies into classroom practices, as seen in his article Queering the Medieval Classroom .
Dr. Michael Cribb is a Lecturer in English at Coventry University's Faculty of Arts and Humanities. He holds a PhD in Applied Linguistics from the University of Reading and has extensive teaching experience in Language and Linguistics, including roles at Oxford Brookes and in the Far East. His research focuses on Second Language Acquisition, Discourse Analysis, and the Philosophy of Language and Mind. He supervises MA and PhD students in these areas and teaches courses such as Research Methods, Psycholinguistics, and Discourse Analysis at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Education: PhD in Applied Linguistics, University of Reading Research Interests: Second Language Acquisition strategies in political discourse Discourse Analysis of parliamentary language Philosophical intersections of language and reality Oral presentation skills for non-native speakers Psycholinguistic aspects of intonation and hesitation Publications: Over 20 peer-reviewed articles and 3 authored books focusing on linguistic pragmatics, political rhetoric analysis, and applied language pedagogy. Recent work includes Research Methods for Undergraduate Students (2021) and Nonrepresentational Linguistic Idealism (2021 monograph). Awards: Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (HEA). External Activities: Link Tutor for Coventry University's English programs in Egypt; former editor/reviewer for top journals; maintains educational websites like Oral Presentation Skills and Neutral Footing . Grants/Advising: Extensive supervision of MA/PhD theses in applied linguistics and discourse studies. No specific grants listed but actively involved in curriculum development for digital intercultural learning projects.
James Barilla is a Professor of English Language and Literature at the University of South Carolina's McCausland College of Arts and Sciences. He holds a PhD from the University of California, Davis (2004) and an MS from the University of Montana (1995). His research focuses on creative nonfiction, nature writing, and ecocriticism, particularly exploring human-environmental coexistence in urban settings. His notable work includes the book My Backyard Jungle (2013), which examines urban wildlife habitats through a creative nonfiction lens. Barilla teaches courses such as Environmental Literature, Advanced Creative Nonfiction Workshop, and Memoir Writing. He has been featured on NPR affiliates including PRI's Life on Earth and WHYY's Radio Times . Education: PhD, University of California, Davis, 2004 MS, University of Montana, 1995 Research Interests: Creative Nonfiction, Nature Writing, Ecocriticism, Urban Ecology Courses Taught: Environmental Literature, Advanced Creative Nonfiction Workshop, Introduction to Creative Writing Barilla’s work bridges literary creativity with environmental advocacy, emphasizing the intersection of human narratives and ecological systems. His publications and media engagements highlight innovative approaches to environmental storytelling.
Michael Peter Theophilos serves as Associate Professor of Biblical Studies at the School of Theology within the Faculty of Theology and Philosophy at Australian Catholic University. His academic work bridges the gap between ancient material culture and biblical interpretation, particularly focusing on how numismatic evidence informs our understanding of New Testament texts. Professor Theophilos specializes in the intersection of numismatics (the study of coins) and biblical studies, demonstrating how ancient coinage provides crucial contextual background for understanding New Testament terminology and historical settings. His research spans multiple areas including Greek lexicography, papyrology, textual criticism, and early Christian studies. He has made significant contributions to understanding how Roman, Parthian, and Seleucid coinage illuminates Pauline ethics, Christological titles in Revelation, and various lexical elements throughout the New Testament. His publication record reveals a consistent focus on using material evidence to inform biblical interpretation, with particular attention to how numismatic data clarifies ambiguous terms in biblical texts. Over the past fifteen years, his research has increasingly focused on the relationship between ancient coin inscriptions and New Testament Greek vocabulary, establishing him as a leading scholar in this specialized interdisciplinary field. While specific awards are not listed in the available information, his extensive publication record in prestigious venues like New Testament Studies and contributions to major reference works such as The Oxford Handbook of the Septuagint demonstrate significant scholarly recognition. His work appears in leading academic presses including Brill, Oxford University Press, SBL Press, and Peeters Publishing. Professor Theophilos has maintained an active research agenda with multiple publications each year, demonstrating ongoing scholarly productivity. His work connects biblical studies with archaeology, ancient history, and linguistics, creating a more nuanced understanding of the historical contexts that shaped early Christian writings.
Dr. Anil Bas is a Research Fellow at Bournemouth University's Centre for Applied Creative Technologies (CfACTs), supported by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Postdoctoral Fellowship. His work bridges computer vision, graphics, and machine learning, with a focus on photorealistic 3D scene representations, digital avatars, and AI-driven creative projects. Prior to this, he served as an Assistant Professor and Deputy Head of Department at Marmara University, Istanbul. He holds a PhD in Computer Science from the University of York (2018), funded by the Turkish Higher Education Council. His research explores novel view synthesis, neural rendering, and generative AI applications in creative fields such as poetry and drama. Notable projects include Silwerwit in die soontoe , an AI-generated Afrikaans poetry book, and studies on AI's role in post-anthropocene performance art. He also investigates technical challenges in face reconstruction, vehicle routing optimization, and maker education. Dr. Bas has contributed to over 20 peer-reviewed publications since 2013, spanning journals like International Journal of Computer Vision and conferences such as ECAI. His work frequently addresses interdisciplinary topics, blending computational methods with cultural and creative applications. He is actively involved in grant-funded projects and maintains strong ties to industry through collaborative research. Awards: Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Postdoctoral Fellowship (202X). External affiliations include roles as an ORCID researcher and social media presence across LinkedIn, Twitter (@dranilbas), and a personal website.
Teresa Bell is an Associate Professor of German & Russian at Brigham Young University (BYU). She actively participates in cultural initiatives such as the Christkindlmarkt Board, organizing events like the Salt Lake City German Christmas Market since 2016. Her community engagement includes presentations on topics like Silent Night’s 200th Anniversary and language learning through culinary experiences. Dr. Bell’s research focuses on language pedagogy, teacher training, and curriculum development, with a particular emphasis on second language acquisition and proficiency assessment. She has contributed to discussions on emergency remote teaching, ACTFL standards, and innovative classroom methods like flipped learning. Her work bridges language education and cultural studies, integrating 'big C' (high culture) and 'little C' (everyday culture) into curricula. She has explored challenges in study abroad programs, literary teaching strategies, and dialogue journals for grammatical improvement. Her articles span decades, reflecting sustained contributions to improving language education practices globally. Dr. Bell has been a featured speaker at BYU Education Week and has been interviewed on KBYU’s 'Community Connection' show. She has also participated in podcast discussions, such as the 2025 episode on remembering poet Anya Krugovoy Silver. Her efforts emphasize connecting language learning with cultural immersion and community engagement.
Anna-Lisa Halling is an Assistant Professor of Spanish & Portuguese at the University of Southern Indiana. Her research focuses on Early Modern Iberian Theater, with a particular emphasis on convent theater and feminist reinterpretations of literary works. She specializes in analyzing gender dynamics, spatial performance practices, and the intersection of religion with artistic expression. Halling has coordinated numerous international festivals, including the 2015 and 2016 Siglo de Oro Drama Festivals, and serves as a consultant for the Centro Dramático Rural in Spain. Her recent work includes exploring maritime literary culture in Portugal and mentoring initiatives connecting students with early modern women writers. She has contributed to translations of 19th-century Portuguese novels and edited volumes on Iberian theater pedagogy. Her teaching philosophy emphasizes collaborative learning and the application of historical theater practices to modern educational settings. Halling frequently presents at academic conferences and has been featured in podcasts discussing literary figures like Anya Krugovoy Silver. Her research bridges literary analysis with performance studies, offering fresh perspectives on underrepresented female voices in early modern texts. Key areas of academic contribution include feminist critiques of male-dominated narratives, the role of space in dramatic works, and interdisciplinary approaches to religious literature. Despite no listed academic awards, her extensive publication record demonstrates sustained scholarly engagement with under-researched areas of Iberian and Latin American studies.
Kelly Kathleen Ferguson is an Associate Professor and Director of HTC Journalism at Ohio University's E.W. Scripps School of Journalism. With expertise in creative nonfiction and narrative journalism , she specializes in longform storytelling, immersion journalism, and researched essays using narrative tools like character, tension, and plot. Her teaching portfolio includes magazine feature writing and the News and Information Capstone , where students produce Southeast Ohio magazine within a single semester. Ferguson holds an MFA in creative nonfiction from the University of Montana and a PhD in creative nonfiction from Ohio University, reflecting her deep academic commitment to narrative forms. Known for her humorous and insightful memoir My Life As Laura: How I Searched for Laura Ingalls Wilder and Found Myself , Ferguson's career spans roles at publications like Mental_floss , The Chronicle of Higher Education , and McSweeney’s Internet Tendency . She combines academic rigor with personal storytelling, as seen in her solo prairie-themed road trip documented in a prairie dress. Currently based in southern Ohio, Ferguson teaches across diverse genres while cultivating an asparagus plant with long-term aspirations for its harvest, mirroring her dedication to slow, deliberate narrative development.
Dr. Laurie Petrou is an Associate Professor in the Media Production program at RTA School of Media, Toronto Metropolitan University. She is an award-winning author with a focus on contemporary adult fiction featuring complex female characters, blending her expertise in creative writing, media production, and digital art. Education: BFA from Queen’s University MA from Toronto Metropolitan University PhD from Toronto Metropolitan University and York University Her research and creative practice center on developing narrative structures that explore female identity and relationships, with works appearing in notable publications such as CBC Books , The Globe and Mail , and Kirkus Reviews . She also contributes to literary mentorship and education through teaching roles. Scientific Awards: Inaugural Half the World Global Literati Award Starred Kirkus Review Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection Multiple Globe and Mail Top 100 Books of the Year Featured in CBC Books , The Toronto Star , Refinery 29 , and Cosmopolitan notable lists Dr. Petrou actively mentors writers and creators, bridging her academic role with her literary career. Her publications span diverse formats, including novels and short stories, reflecting her interdisciplinary approach to media and storytelling.
Jananne Al Ani is a Reader in Photography and Moving Image at the London College of Communication, part of University of the Arts London. She is also a member of the Photography and the Archive Research Centre (PARC) at LCC. Her academic career is deeply intertwined with her practice as a visual artist, researcher, and lecturer working across photography, film, and video. Al Ani studied Fine Art at the Byam Shaw School of Art and completed her MA in Photography from the Royal College of Art. Her educational background forms the foundation for her interdisciplinary approach that bridges artistic practice with academic research. Her research primarily investigates the complex relationships between photography, surveillance, and contested landscapes. Early work examined the fetishized veiled body in Orientalist painting and photography, while her ongoing project The Aesthetics of Disappearance: A Land Without People explores the disappearance of the body in contested landscapes through the lens of aerial reconnaissance and military surveillance technologies. Her work critically engages with how these technologies have influenced disciplines ranging from art to archaeology, initially focusing on Middle Eastern landscapes and later expanding to American Southwest and British landscapes featuring decommissioned military sites. The trajectory of Al Ani's artistic output reveals a consistent exploration of historical memory, political conflict, and visual representation. Her work demonstrates how aerial perspectives have transformed our understanding of landscape, territory, and conflict zones, while maintaining a strong connection to documentary traditions and personal testimony. The recurring themes across her exhibitions and publications indicate a sophisticated interrogation of power structures embedded in visual technologies. Recipient of the Abraaj Capital Art Prize Recipient of the East International Award Her work is held in collections including the Imperial War Museum (London), Centre Pompidou (Paris), Mori Art Museum (Tokyo), Museum of Fine Arts (Boston), and Darat al Funun (Amman) As an educator and academic, Al Ani has influenced contemporary discourse through her teaching and research supervision. Her institutional affiliations extend beyond UAL to include her role as trustee of The Photographers' Gallery in London and board member of Mophradat in Brussels, demonstrating her significant contribution to the broader art ecosystem. She has received commissions and grants supporting her artistic research, including a commission from Film and Video Umbrella that resulted in a monograph on her moving image work. Al Ani's work connects with multiple research communities through her membership in the Photography and the Archive Research Centre (PARC) at LCC, which serves as a hub for interdisciplinary research on photographic practices and histories. Her collaborative projects, including co-curated exhibitions like Veil and Fair Play , demonstrate her engagement with international artistic networks and her commitment to creating platforms for critical dialogue around visual culture.
Ron A. Austin, an Assistant Professor in the Department of English at Saint Louis University's College of Arts and Sciences, is a literary innovator blending postmodern techniques with African diaspora narratives. His work interrogates St. Louis' urban realities through speculative fiction and graphic narrative experimentation. B.A. (2007) and M.F.A. (2011) from Saint Louis University/University of Missouri-St. Louis 2016 Regional Arts Commission Fellow and 2017 Nilsen Prize winner Ron's research bridges Postmodernism with Urban Gothic through hyperlocal narratives about North St. Louis . His publications demonstrate preoccupation with social justice , community dynamics , and mythological reimagining in contemporary fiction. His 2019 Nilsen Prize -winning collection Avery Colt Is a Snake, a Thief, a Liar explores economic decline through hybrid forms and experimental storytelling. Ron's work has been featured in Black Warrior Review , Story Quarterly , and Ninth Letter . Nilsen Prize for a First Novel (2017) Regional Arts Commission Fellowship (2016) Pushcart Prize Special Mention (2015)
Dr. Jumoke Verissimo is an Assistant Professor in the Department of English at Toronto Metropolitan University. She specializes in creative writing (poetry, fiction, non-fiction), African literary criticism, memory studies, and research creation. Her work has been internationally recognized through awards such as the Aidoo-Snyder Book Prize. She holds a PhD in English from the University of Alberta, MA in Performance Studies from the University of Ibadan, and a BA in Literature from Lagos State University. Education: BA: Literature in English, Lagos State University MA: Performance Studies, University of Ibadan PhD: English, University of Alberta Her research interests include exploring creative writing methodologies, African literary traditions, and the intersections of memory and trauma. She has authored poetry collections (e.g., I am memory , The Birth of Illusion ), a novel ( A Small Silence ), and a children’s book ( Aduke and the Moon’s Hidden Secret ). She co-edited Sòròsókè , an anthology addressing police brutality in Nigeria. Dr. Verissimo is currently working on a novel and an essay collection titled Elliptical Imaginings , examining the ellipsis as a narrative framework. Her writing has been translated into multiple languages and is featured in global literary anthologies. Awards: Edinburgh Festival First Book Award (202X - Shortlist) RSL Ondaatje Prize (202X - Shortlist) Aidoo-Snyder Book Prize (202X - Winner) Her creative and scholarly work bridges artistic innovation and critical analysis, emphasizing decolonial perspectives and the power of storytelling to confront historical and sociopolitical trauma.
