Hiromi Tsuchiya Dollase is an Associate Professor of Chinese and Japanese at Vassar College since 2003. Her research focuses on Japanese women’s literature, girls’ magazine culture, and manga, with a particular interest in integrating popular media into language education. She teaches courses such as 'Japanese Popular Culture and Literature' and 'The Gothic and the Supernatural in Japanese Literature.' Dr. Dollase holds a PhD in comparative literature (Japanese and American) from Purdue University (2003), an MA from Illinois State University, and a BA/MA from Baika Women’s College. She authored *Age of Shojo: The Emergence, Evolution and Power of Japanese Girls’ Magazine Fiction* (2019) and has contributed to numerous edited volumes and refereed journals. Her work spans topics like child abuse depictions in manga, sex education in historical fiction, and queer reinterpretations of classic narratives. She co-edited *Women’s Voices in Manga* (2024) and *Manga!: Visual Pop-Culture in ARTS Education* (2020). Her research bridges literary analysis with cultural studies, emphasizing the intersection of gender, media, and education. Dr. Dollase has been featured in media discussions about Japanese literary icons like Nobuko Yoshiya. She actively contributes to interdisciplinary programs in Asian Studies, Media Studies, and Women’s, Feminist, and Queer Studies at Vassar.
Roger Luckhurst is Professor of Modern Literature and currently holds the prestigious Geoffrey Tillotson Chair of Nineteenth Century Studies at Birkbeck College, University of London. A leading scholar in Gothic literature, science fiction, and trauma studies, he has been affiliated with Birkbeck for over 25 years, contributing significantly to interdisciplinary literary and cultural studies. Education and Career Trajectory: 2020-present: Geoffrey Tillotson Chair of Nineteenth Century Studies, Birkbeck College 2008-2020: Professor of Modern and Contemporary Literature, Birkbeck College 2004-2008: Senior Lecturer, Birkbeck College 1994-2004: Lecturer, Birkbeck College 1992-1994: Lecturer, University of Hull Research Interests and Scholarly Contributions: Luckhurst's research spans multiple interconnected fields, establishing him as a preeminent voice in literary and cultural studies. His work on late 19th century English literature examines the intersections of Victorian culture with emerging scientific discourses. His expertise in science fiction studies encompasses both literary analysis and cultural theory, exploring how speculative fiction reflects and shapes contemporary anxieties. In Gothic studies , he investigates the persistence of Gothic aesthetics and themes across different media and historical periods. His groundbreaking work in trauma studies has contributed significantly to understanding how literature and culture process collective trauma. Publications and Scholarly Impact: His extensive publication record demonstrates a remarkable breadth of scholarly inquiry. From his early work on J.G. Ballard to his recent comprehensive study of Gothic culture, Luckhurst has consistently produced influential scholarship. His books have been translated into multiple languages including French, Japanese, Turkish, and German, indicating significant international impact. His forthcoming The Gothic: An Illustrated History (2021) promises to be a definitive work in the field. Honors and Awards: 2009: Visiting Research Fellow, University of Birmingham 2009: Visiting Research Fellow, Flemish Academic Centre for Science and the Arts (VLAC), Brussels January-June 2011: AHRC Fellowship, Birkbeck College Spring 2016: Mellon Distinguished Visiting Professor, Department of English, Columbia University, New York Public Engagement and Media Presence: Beyond academia, Luckhurst has demonstrated exceptional commitment to public scholarship. He has served as a broadcaster for BBC radio, bringing literary criticism to wider audiences. His journalism has appeared in leading British newspapers, bridging the gap between academic research and public discourse. This dual role as academic and public intellectual exemplifies Birkbeck's tradition of making scholarship accessible to broader communities. Interdisciplinary Approach and Institutional Contributions: At Birkbeck College, Luckhurst has been instrumental in fostering the institution's renowned culture of interdisciplinary studies. His work seamlessly integrates literary analysis with cultural theory, film studies, architectural history, and scientific discourse. This approach has influenced generations of students and scholars, establishing Birkbeck as a leading center for innovative literary and cultural research.
Hélène Charlery is a Lecturer in Anglophone Studies at the Université Toulouse - Jean Jaurès, affiliated with the Center for Anglophone Studies (CAS). She has held this academic position since 2008 and is actively engaged in research and scholarly activities. Her primary research interests center on intersectionality in American cinema and series , with a specific focus on Black American female directors and the representation of African American women in film and media. Her work critically examines the intersections of race, gender, and sexuality in visual narratives. Her recent publications, including the 2024 journal issue Mainstreaming Intersectionality in Contemporary Cinema and Television which she co-edited, and articles on films by Dee Rees, Ava DuVernay, and Jordan Peele, demonstrate a consistent and evolving scholarly trajectory. Her research analyzes how contemporary films and television series negotiate complex social identities and political themes, particularly through the lens of Black feminism. Scientific Responsibilities Co-Secretary of the Society for the History of Women in the Americas (SHAW) Thesis Supervision Co-supervised the doctoral thesis of Mikael Toulza on Voodoo in North American audiovisual fiction. She has presented her research at numerous international conferences, contributing to academic discourse on gender, race, and representation in the English-speaking world.
Jack Halberstam is a Professor of Gender Studies and English at Columbia University, specializing in queer theory, feminist studies, and cultural critique. His research explores intersections of gender, sexuality, and societal norms, with notable works like Female Masculinity and The Queer Art of Failure . Halberstam’s Wild Things: The Disorder of Desire (2020) examines queer ecologies and anarchy, while Trans*: A Quick and Quirky Account of Gender Variance (2018) redefines gender fluidity. He received the 2018 Arcus/Places Prize for scholarship linking gender, sexuality, and urban design. His academic journey includes influential critiques of pop culture in Gaga Feminism (2012) and early explorations of gothic horror in Skin Shows (1995). Halberstam’s forthcoming work The Wild Beyond: Music, Architecture and Anarchy continues his exploration of queer theory’s boundaries. Beyond publications, his teaching focuses on interdisciplinary approaches to gender and literature at Columbia University. Research Focus: Queer temporality, gender variance, cultural criticism, and the built environment. Recent Projects: Investigating anarchist frameworks in queer studies and the role of architecture in gender expression.
Lucas Kwong is an Associate Professor at the Department of English within the School of Arts & Sciences at City Tech, CUNY. His academic work bridges Victorian literature, postcolonial theory, and the fantastic, with a focus on intersections between religion and secularization. PhD, Columbia University M.A., Columbia University B.A., Yale University Research interests include: Postcolonial reinterpretations of Victorian texts Religious/secular tensions in 19th-century literature Analysis of the fantastic in Gothic and science fiction Recent publications examine neo-Victorian fiction, radicalizing literary assemblages, and religious discourse in Gothic narratives. He also explores Christian nationalism through podcast series, extending his academic reach beyond traditional formats.
Dr. Jason Ney is an Associate Professor of English and the Director of the Writing Center at Colorado Christian University, where he has been a faculty member since 2013. He is affiliated with the College of Undergraduate Studies and the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, teaching courses in American Literature, Creative Writing, and Literary Criticism and Theory. Ph.D., English - Literary Studies, University of Denver M.A., English and Comparative Literature, University of Cincinnati B.A., English, Cedarville University Dr. Ney's research spans creative nonfiction and film criticism, with a strong focus on ethical issues in narrative truth and memory. He is a noted scholar of film noir and cinematic adaptations of American literature, particularly works like The Great Gatsby and The Scarlet Letter . His academic interests include semiotics, literary theory, and the intersection of faith and storytelling. His recent publications reflect a deep engagement with noir cinema, mid-century Hollywood, and the psychological dimensions of identity in film. He has contributed audio commentaries and critical essays to numerous Blu-ray and DVD releases, and his creative nonfiction has appeared in respected anthologies and journals. His work often explores moral ambiguity, personal transformation, and cultural memory. Dr. Ney is actively involved in academic and public scholarship, presenting at conferences and co-running CCU’s annual film series. He mentors students in creative writing, many of whom have achieved publication. While no formal scientific awards are listed, his sustained contributions to film and literary criticism demonstrate significant scholarly impact. He also contributes to the Augustine Honors Program and has delivered presentations on writing center pedagogy and graduate education. His leadership in the Writing Center reflects a commitment to student development across disciplines.
Cécile Roudeau is a Professor of American Literature at Université Paris Cité's Faculty of Anglophone Studies, where she has been employed since 2015. Previously, she served as Maître de conférences (Associate Professor) at Université Sorbonne nouvelle's English Department from 2007-2015, and as Agrégée-répétitrice at École normale supérieure's LILA Department from 1998-2007. She completed her HDR (Habilitation à diriger des recherches) in 2014 with the thesis "Ce que peut la littérature : vers une singularité sans concept. Parcours de la littérature américaine" at Université Sorbonne nouvelle. Her doctoral thesis in 2007 examined New England regionalism through the works of Sarah Orne Jewett. Roudeau's research focuses on American literature of the long nineteenth century, with particular attention to New England regionalist writings, women writers, gender studies, political history, and environmental humanities. Her early work reconsiders the notion of 'place' in New England regionalist writing, while her current project examines the relationship between literature and state-building in American democracy. Her publications demonstrate a consistent focus on the intersection of literature, politics, and gender in nineteenth-century America, with recent works exploring critical state studies, democratic theory, and environmental humanities. She has published extensively on writers including Mary E. Wilkins Freeman, Charlotte Perkins Gilman, and James Fenimore Cooper. As a leader in her field, Roudeau directs the LARCA research unit (UMR 8225) and co-leads the Environmental Humanities initiative and the nineteenth-century studies seminar A19. She has supervised numerous graduate students in areas including American literature, nineteenth-century regionalist writings, New England women writers, gender studies, literature and political history, and environmental humanities.
Dr. Rebecca Wynne-Walsh is a Lecturer in Film, English & Creative Arts, actively accepting PhD students since 2022. Her research focuses on horror cinema, regional identity, auteur theory, and trauma studies, with notable contributions to Basque, Gothic, and African film analyses. She is affiliated with the Television Studies Research Group, ESAL (Spanish & Latin American Studies), and the Emergent Media & Entertainment Research Group. Her work explores intersections of cultural memory, transgression, and decolonial frameworks, as seen in studies of Steve McQueen’s Hunger and post-Franco Gothic fiction. Recent presentations include an oral talk on interactive horror narratives at a 2024 conference. Despite her prolific output, she has not been explicitly linked to awards or grants in the provided texts.
Dr. Darren Elliott-Smith serves as Senior Lecturer in Film & Gender Studies within the Communications, Media and Culture department at the University of Stirling's Faculty of Arts and Humanities. He currently teaches across all levels in film, television and gender studies, and holds the position of Programme Director for the MLitt/MSc (Applied) in Gender Studies. His research focuses primarily on representations of queerness, gender, sexuality and psychoanalysis in horror film and television. This work extends to curation theory in film and visual art programming, cult and experimental film studies, adaptation studies, and queer theory. His scholarly output includes a monograph, numerous journal articles, and significant contributions to edited collections across multiple academic presses. Elliott-Smith's research output demonstrates a consistent focus on queer perspectives within horror media, with particular attention to marginalized identities and alternative cinematic narratives. His work bridges theoretical analysis with practical applications through videographic film projects and video essays. Tutor of the Year 2018 (University of Hertfordshire) Professionally, he maintains active roles as Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and Founding Member of BAFTSS Horror Studies Special Interest Group. His industry experience includes previous work as Film Curator and Programmer for the BFI, Mainline Pictures, The Odyssey Cinema, and as Film Manager for the Film Education Consortium for Hertfordshire (2007-2010). He is also recognized online as the Queer Horror Doctor through his digital presence. His academic journey includes a BA (Hons) in Communication Studies from the University of Sunderland, an MA in the History of Film and Visual Media from Birkbeck College, University of London, and a PhD in 'New Queer Horror in Film and Television' completed at Royal Holloway, University of London in 2013 under the supervision of Prof. Mandy Merck.
Matt Denny is a Teaching Fellow in Film & Television Studies at the University of Warwick's Faculty of Arts, where he also serves as Widening Participation and Outreach Officer. He convenes core modules including Visual Cultures, Transnational Action Cinema, and Film Analysis and Methods for both undergraduate and postgraduate students, while acting as primary contact for SMLC Joint Honours students. He earned his First Class BA, MA for Research, and PhD (2016) all in Film and Television Studies from Warwick. His doctoral thesis examined film authorship and postmodern cinema, establishing foundations for his ongoing research trajectory. Denny's research centers on Film Theory with emphasis on authorship and representation, Contemporary Hollywood Cinema specializing in action genres, British Horror Cinema including folk horror and gothic traditions, and Film-Philosophy exploring post-structuralism and posthumanism. His work consistently examines intersections between genre conventions, philosophical frameworks, and contemporary socio-technological concerns. His 15 most recent publications reveal strong thematic continuity in folk horror studies, posthuman representations, and genre theory. Denny frequently analyzes how horror and science fiction reflect contemporary anxieties about technology, identity, and temporality, with recurring focus on folk horror's resurgence and AI's philosophical implications in cinema. Denny actively contributes to academic communities through memberships in The Fear Network, British Association of Film, Television and Screen Studies (BAFTSS), and International Gothic Association. His public engagement includes podcast appearances on Gender and AI, Eavesdropping at the Movies, and TRT World discussions about Scorsese and Marvel cinema. Though previously conducting research primarily in personal time without institutional funding, Denny now benefits from 10% research allocation under Warwick's new workload model. He has presented at numerous international conferences while maintaining significant teaching responsibilities across multiple course levels. Denny leads departmental outreach initiatives and collaborates with Warwick's Institute of Advanced Studies through The Fear Network. His interdisciplinary approach connects film studies with philosophy, gender studies, and emerging technologies through projects like the Genetics: Science and Society module with IATL.
Dr. Harry M. Benshoff serves as Media Theory Chair and Professor at the University of North Texas, where he teaches diverse film studies courses including Film and Television Analysis , African American Film , and specialized seminars on horror cinema and queer theory. His academic home resides within UNT's film program, though specific school/departmental affiliations remain unstated in source materials. His educational journey began with a BA in English from Franklin and Marshall College (1985), followed by graduate work at the University of Southern California's School of Cinema-Television where he earned MA and PhD degrees in Critical Studies after leaving Jefferson Medical College. Prior to UNT, he taught at UC Santa Cruz for three years. Benshoff's research critically examines intersections of identity and media through lenses of film genres, history, and theory. He pioneers scholarship on marginalized representations—particularly homosexuality in horror films ( Monsters in the Closet ), race/class/gender dynamics ( America on Film ), and LGBTQ+ cinema history ( Queer Images ). His work consistently bridges academic theory with cultural analysis of fan communities and cinematic trends. Publication trends reveal enduring focus on horror and queer cinema since 1997, evolving toward comprehensive analytical frameworks in recent works like Film and Television Analysis (2015). These texts establish recurring themes: deconstruction of identity tropes, historical contextualization of marginalized voices, and methodological innovations in media criticism. Scientific Awards: No awards documented in source materials. As an educator, Benshoff mentors students through graduate seminars in qualitative media theory and specialized film author courses examining directors like Cronenberg and Fellini. His collaborative scholarship with Sean Griffin—including co-authored books and edited collections—demonstrates sustained academic partnerships, though specific grant funding remains unmentioned. No dedicated research laboratories or formal teams are referenced in the provided text.
Prof. Dr. Gerd Bayer is a faculty member at the Department of English and American Studies, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg. He holds the academic rank of Professor and has been an Akademischer Direktor since 2016, with an außerplanmäßiger Professor title since 2017. His educational background includes an M.A. and 1. Staatsexamen in English and American Studies and Geography from FAU (1998), a Ph.D. (2003), and a Habilitation (2012). Current research focuses on Restoration prose fiction, Holocaust literature/film, postmodernism, and epistolary culture. Grants include the Thyssen-Foundation Grant (2018-2023) and DFG Grant (2009-2012). He has served on editorial boards for journals like The Journal of Popular Culture and Humanities (Switzerland) , and as Associate Editor for The Journal of Postcolonial Writing (2012-22). Peer review activities span 25+ journals and publishers, including Cambridge University Press and Routledge. His supervision includes Christof Beer (2021), Jaroslaw Jasenowski (2024), and others. He is currently on leave from April to September 2025 and will deliver a keynote on metal documentaries in Sevilla (June 2025).
Chuck Jackson is a Professor of English and Coordinator of the B.A. in English program at the University of Houston-Downtown, overseeing concentrations in creative writing, education, and film studies. He earned his Ph.D. in U.S. Literature, Film, and Culture from Rice University. His research focuses on nontheatrical film studies, archival film preservation, independent Black cinema, and the intersection of prison abolition with literary and cultural studies. Jackson has received significant grants including the Mellon Foundation Black Studies Course Development Grant (2025) and a National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) award (2024). He teaches courses like Film Theory, Cultural Criticism, and Literature and Culture, emphasizing critical pedagogy and interdisciplinary approaches. His scholarship bridges cinematic horror analysis with historical contexts, particularly exploring petroleum culture in 1960s-70s horror films and the work of Black cinematographers like James E. Hinton. Recent publications include 'Small Collection, Enormous Power' (2025) examining archival film curation and 'Texas/Chain Saw/Atmospheres' (2024) analyzing regional identity in horror cinema. Jackson has secured multiple Organized Research Grants (2023, 2021) and focuses on educational justice through pedagogical innovations. His work frequently intersects with social justice themes, linking literary analysis to contemporary debates about incarceration and systemic racism.
Donato Totaro is a Part-time Lecturer in Film Studies at Concordia University's Faculty of Fine Arts in Montreal, Canada, where he has taught since 1990. He holds a PhD in Film & Television from the University of Warwick (UK), supervised by Victor F. Perkins, and serves as founding editor of the online film journal Offscreen since 1997. Totaro is also a member of the Association québécoise des critiques de cinéma (AQCC) since 2004. Education: PhD in Film & Television, University of Warwick (UK) Research Interests: Totaro's work spans film criticism , the horror genre , Andrei Tarkovsky , cinema and temporality , and film style . His research explores theoretical and aesthetic dimensions through projects like The Face at the Window (analyzing horror motifs), Women in Horror (documenting post-2010 female contributions), and Monster Kid Generation (tracing cultural impacts of 1950s-1970s horror fandom on filmmakers like Spielberg and Del Toro). He pioneers audio-visual essays as critical tools. Publication Trends: His scholarship reveals evolving focus from Tarkovsky's temporal aesthetics to contemporary horror studies and genre hybridity (e.g., apocalyptic westerns). Recent works demonstrate increasing interdisciplinary reach, connecting film theory with cultural studies, gender analysis, and fan communities while maintaining rigorous formal analysis of cinematic techniques. Scientific Awards: Canada Council for the Arts Grants to Literary Magazines (2002-2019, $200,000+) SSHRC Scholarship (1997-2000) FCAR Quebec Research Grants (1987-1989) York University Research Grant (1988-89) Teaching & Editorial Impact: Totaro has received multiple teaching honors including the Faculty of Fine Arts Distinguished Teaching Award (2017) and Oksana and John Locke Award (2018). He teaches courses ranging from introductory film studies to specialized seminars on horror, Tarkovsky, and film criticism. As Offscreen's editor, he has shaped critical discourse for 25+ years, publishing hundreds of essays while mentoring emerging critics through this influential platform.
Monica Germana is a Reader in Gothic and Contemporary Studies at the University of Westminster since 2020, with a focus on Gothic literature, contemporary fiction, Scottish culture, and fashion studies. She has previously taught at the University of Derby and Roehampton University, and was a tutor at the University of Glasgow during her PhD studies. Executive Secretary, International Gothic Association (2011–present) Member, International Association for the Study of Scottish Literatures Member, Scottish Society for Northern Studies Her research spans interdisciplinary intersections of gender, Gothic traditions, and cultural identity , including Scottish literature, Arctic narratives, and James Bond studies. She has explored hauntings in postcolonial spaces, 21st-century monsters, and the Gothic's role in environmental humanities. Recent publications analyze the James Bond franchise's gendered fashion, Gothic landscapes in Scottish and Italian cinema, and Arctic-Scottish cultural links. Her work has been recognized with the Emily Toth Award honourable mention (2020) and a shortlisting for the Allan Lloyd Smith Prize (2019). Supervision: Currently advising Valeria Ryrak (autofiction/memory) and Kevin MacNeil (Buddhism in writing) Former Students: Aisling McKeown (migrancy in Irish narrative), Kate Turner (queer Scottish fiction)
