Cathy Akers-Jordan serves as a Lecturer IV in the Department of Language and Communication at the College of Arts, Sciences and Education, University of Michigan-Flint, where she teaches ENG 111 (College Rhetoric) and holds an active LEO appointment. Her academic profile bridges pedagogical expertise in composition with specialized research in historical and literary analysis. Her educational background includes: Master of Library Science (M.L.S.) in English (1998) Dr. Akers-Jordan's research demonstrates interdisciplinary rigor across three core domains: Maritime History : Focused on RMS Titanic disaster investigation and historical reappraisal Crime Fiction : Exploring narrative structures and genre conventions Fantasy Literature : Specializing in Tolkien adaptations and cinematic reinterpretations This tripartite focus informs her scholarly contributions to both historical and literary discourse. Her publication trajectory reveals consistent engagement with cultural touchstones—the 2012 Titanic centennial study exemplifies meticulous historical methodology while the 2005 Tolkien film analysis demonstrates sophisticated intertextual criticism. Collectively, these works establish her expertise in translating complex historical events and literary adaptations into accessible scholarly frameworks spanning maritime studies, disaster forensics, and fantasy adaptation theory. No scientific awards, student advisement records, or laboratory affiliations were documented in available materials.
Daniel Chávez is an Associate Professor at the Department of Languages, Literatures and Cultures, University of New Hampshire. He specializes in Latin American and LatinX studies, with expertise in contemporary Mexican and Nicaraguan literature, visual culture, film studies, and new media. Education B.S. in Biochemical Engineering, Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey (ITESM) M.A. in Spanish and Latin American Studies, Ohio University Ph.D. in Romance Languages, University of Michigan (with Film Studies certification) Research Interests focus on the intersection of Latin American literature, visual representation, and political discourse. He explores topics like Mexican film noir, transnational cultural production, graphic novels, and biopolitics in contemporary narratives. His work bridges literary analysis with visual media and critical theory. Publications span Mexican cinema, Nicaraguan political utopias, and intermediality in Latin American comics. His 2016 book on Nicaragua was recognized by Foreign Affairs, and his 2010 poetry award-winning collection reflects his creative scholarship. Teaching includes courses on Hispanic literature, film history, Latin American civilization, and advanced Spanish language studies. He has taught at multiple institutions, including University of Oregon, University of Virginia, and Vassar College. Scientific Awards Efraín Huerta National Poetry Award (2010) Foreign Affairs "Best of Books of 2016" recognition Principal Investigator for UNH-funded Spanish Spring Workshops (2018–2019)
Massimiliano Tortora is an Associate Professor in the Department of Modern Literature and Culture at Sapienza University of Rome. He teaches Contemporary Italian Literature across multiple degree programs including Modern Philology, Modern Letters, and Cultural Studies. His institutional role extends to national educational leadership as he serves as the national coordinator for MOD-Scuola. His research centers on 20th century Italian literature with particular emphasis on modernism, novella studies, and cultural policies. Tortora approaches these fields through both theoretical-comparative frameworks and philological-textual analysis. His work frequently examines the intersection of literary form with historical context, especially regarding the transmission and publication of texts. Tortora's editorial leadership includes directing L'Ellise. Studi storici di Letteratura italiana and Allegoria. Per uno studio materialistico della letteratura , both ranked in Category A. He co-directs the international Centre for European Modernism Studies (CEMS) which connects approximately twenty Italian and international universities. His research output demonstrates consistent engagement with modernist theory, author studies (particularly Svevo, Tozzi, and Montale), and 20th century narrative forms. As an academic leader, he serves on multiple editorial boards including Levia Gravia and OBLIO , and co-directs the "European Modernism" book series. He is also co-scientific director of the National Edition of Federigo Tozzi's Works and manages the Caetani Literary Manuscript Collection at Fondazione Camillo Caetani.
Valerio Camarotto serves as Tenure Track Researcher in Italian Literature at Sapienza University of Rome's Department of European, American and Intercultural Studies within the Faculty of Arts. He teaches Italian Literature I to first-year students in the Languages, Cultures, Literatures, and Translation program with classes held in the Marco Polo Building. His office hours occur Tuesdays from 2:30-4:00 PM in Room 421 of the Faculty of Arts, requiring email appointments. PhD in Italian Studies from Sapienza University of Rome Dr. Camarotto specializes in Giacomo Leopardi studies, having published authoritative monographs on Leopardi's translations of poetry and prose. His research spans 19th- and 20th-century Italian literature with significant contributions on Foscolo, Manzoni, d'Azeglio, Capuana, and Pirandello. His methodological approach combines philological analysis with thematic investigations into lexicon, translation theory, and classical reception in modern Italian literature. Recent work demonstrates sophisticated interdisciplinary engagement with philosophy, history of science, and digital humanities. His publication trajectory reveals deepening engagement with Leopardi's relationship to classical sources, technical-scientific knowledge, and philosophical concepts. The "Leopardi Lexicon" project represents a major focus, applying computational methods to literary analysis. His articles demonstrate increasing interdisciplinary sophistication, bridging literary studies with posthuman theory, ancient reception studies, and technological history while maintaining philological rigor. National Scientific Qualification for University Professor (second level) in Italian Literature and Contemporary Italian Literature (2018) Dr. Camarotto serves on the Doctoral College for Sapienza's PhD program in Italian Studies and contributes to research projects including "For an archive of Leopardi's ancient sources: the prose." His editorial service includes membership on the boards of "Studi (e testi) italiani" and "Leopardiana," and co-editing the "Primo Ottocento" section of "Rassegna della letteratura italiana." He has supervised academic editions including Bruno Cicognani's "Novelle" and contributed to the "Dizionario Biografico degli Italiani." He actively collaborates with Sapienza's Leopardi Laboratory, contributing to the "Leopardi Lexicon 2020" and "2022" projects. His leadership in these initiatives demonstrates commitment to creating digital scholarly resources for Italian literary studies. He participates in international academic networks through editorial boards and conference organization, particularly in the field of Leopardi studies.
Emilia Di Rocco is a Full Professor at the Department of European, American and Intercultural Studies of Sapienza University of Rome . Her academic work bridges disciplines such as comparative literature , history of ideas , and theological hermeneutics , with a focus on the interplay between biblical narratives and classical traditions across medieval, modern, and contemporary contexts. Research Themes Intersections of Bible and literature through historical exegesis Reinterpretation of classical myths in medieval and modern texts Philosophical and literary history of ideas from Late Antiquity onward Transdisciplinary analyses of wonder and astonishment in foundational works Key Trends in Publications Medieval theological commentary engaging classical motifs Modernist and postmodernist reworkings of biblical parables Italian and English literary responses to Dante and Rilke Visual and textual dialogues around the Prodigal Son narrative Neoclassical aesthetics in literature and art Research Projects Imagining inclusive communities in European and American Culture New Intersections between Literature and Religion
Maria Serena Felici serves as Associate Professor in Portuguese and Brazilian Language, Translation and Linguistics at Sapienza University of Rome's Department of European, American and Intercultural Studies. She teaches multiple courses including Portuguese Language and Brazilian Language II and III, and Portuguese and Brazilian Translation across various degree programs including Linguistic, Literary and Translation Sciences (SLLT), Languages, Cultures, Literature Translation (LCLT), and Linguistic and Intercultural Mediation (MLI). Her research focuses on: Portuguese and Brazilian text linguistics across diverse textual types and genres Phraseology and stylistic analysis in Portuguese language Translation studies with emphasis on Portuguese-Italian literary translation Linguistic analysis of metaphors in Lusophone literature Food culture as identity marker in Brazilian context Professor Felici's publication record from 2022-2025 reveals a consistent scholarly trajectory centered on Brazilian and Portuguese literary analysis, particularly examining canonical authors like Eça de Queirós and Machado de Assis. Her work demonstrates interdisciplinary approach combining linguistic analysis with cultural studies, exploring how language constructs national identity through historical cookbooks, newspaper discourse, literary metaphors, and phraseological patterns. She frequently investigates the relationship between language evolution and cultural identity formation in Lusophone contexts. She has served as Visiting Professor at the Federal University of Paraná (UFPR) in Brazil and maintains active membership in ABRALIN (Brazilian Linguistics Association). Professor Felici coordinated the research project "Scrivendo l'identità. Uno studio sulla lingua letteraria portoghese in epoca moderna e contemporanea" (Writing Identity: A Study on Portuguese Literary Language in Modern and Contemporary Era). Her translation work includes significant contributions to Italian reception of Brazilian literature, notably Machado de Assis's "Esaù e Giacobbe" (Esau and Jacob) for which she provided both translation and scholarly commentary. She regularly participates in academic events promoting Portuguese language studies, including the annual World Portuguese Language Day celebration at Sapienza.
Dr. Christian Steltz is a Senior Lecturer in Modern German Literature 2 at the University of Regensburg's Faculty of Languages, Literature and Cultural Studies. He has held this position since 2019 and was previously employed part-time (50% capacity) from 2015-2017. His teaching focuses on text analysis, drama methods, and seminars on 19th-21st century German literature. Organized international conferences like 'Sprachen der Verbundenheit' (2024) and 'Brückenräume' (2023) Collaborates with institutions including Masaryk University, Fritz-Hüser-Institut, and Sulzbach-Rosenberg Archive Research interests span intermediality, autofiction, intercultural German studies, and the intersection of literature with creativity. He has co-edited volumes on globalization narratives and 20th-century identity discourses. Despite extensive publications, no formal awards are documented in the provided texts. Active in academic service, he serves on master program selection committees and has coordinated international workshops on migrant literature, postdramatic theater, and literary market dynamics. Current projects involve transnational cultural exchanges and literary archive studies.
David W. Bird is a Professor of Spanish at Saint Mary’s College of California since 2006, with dual affiliations to the School of Liberal Arts and the Integral Program. He holds a Ph.D. in Hispanic Studies (2007) and M.A. in Spanish Literature (2004) from the University of Kentucky, alongside a B.A. in Spanish and German (2001) from Florida State University. Education: Ph.D. Hispanic Studies, University of Kentucky M.A. Spanish Literature, University of Kentucky B.A. Spanish and German, Florida State University Bird’s research focuses on the intersection of literature and philosophy in 19th- and 20th-century Spain, particularly Catalan literature, Baroque poetry, and the Generación del 98 . His work explores epistemology in Galdós’s novels, political modernism in Gabriel Alomar i Villalonga’s essays, and the theory/practice of translation. Recent publications highlight trends in Spanish modernist thought, critical analysis of Iberian intellectuals like Ganivet, and comparative studies of Catalan and Mexican literature. His academic contributions span edited volumes, peer-reviewed articles, and conference presentations. Scientific Awards: Dissertation Year Fellowship (2005) John E. Keller Award (2004) Daniel R. Reedy Award (2001) Multi-Year Fellowship (2001-2003) Bird serves as Department Chair for World Languages and Cultures and leads a collaborative travel grant project with Spain’s Biblioteca Nacional. He teaches courses on Spanish literature, culture, and the Integral Program’s Junior Seminar, integrating classical and modern philosophical texts like Kant.
Rahel Micklich serves as a research associate and postdoctoral researcher at the Institute for German Philology, specifically within the Chair of German Philology, Senior Department, at the University of Würzburg's Faculty of Philosophy. She is actively engaged in the subproject "Translation Anthropology: 16th-Century German Translations of Antiquity from the Perspective of Intersectionality Studies" as part of the larger DFG-funded SPP 2130 "Translation Cultures of the Early Modern Period." Her academic profile combines expertise in German philology, Latin philology, and Middle Latin studies with a distinctive focus on translation history and cultural anthropology. Dr. Micklich's educational background includes Master's studies in Göttingen, where her engagement with challenging medieval Latin texts like those by Bernardus Silvestris and Alanus ab Insulis sparked her deep interest in medieval intellectual history and hermeneutics. Her academic development reflects a commitment to interdisciplinary medieval studies, recognizing that understanding historical worldviews is essential for meaningful scholarly engagement with textual traditions. Her research interests span the complex intersections of translation theory, cultural anthropology, and historical linguistics, with particular emphasis on how translation functions as a cultural practice that simultaneously preserves and transforms knowledge across historical periods. She approaches translation not merely as linguistic transfer but as a window into cultural mentalities, intellectual frameworks, and social structures of past eras. Her work demonstrates particular expertise in 16th-century translation practices, medieval Latin literature, and the cultural contexts of knowledge transmission. Dr. Micklich's publication record reveals a scholarly trajectory focused on medieval and early modern translation cultures, with significant contributions to understanding how religious, political, and intellectual concerns shaped translation practices. Her work spans comprehensive monographs, specialized scholarly essays, editorial projects, and critical reviews, demonstrating both depth in philological research and breadth across related disciplines. Notable among her recent works are her 2023 monograph on Silvestro Francesco da Montelupo's political-theological dialogue and her forthcoming study on Johannes de Garlandia's pedagogical theories. As an active member of the SPP 2130 research network, Dr. Micklich collaborates with scholars across disciplines to examine how translation shaped cultural and intellectual developments during the early modern period. Her specific focus on 16th-century German translations of Church Fathers provides valuable insights into the intersection of classical reception, religious thought, and cultural transformation during the Reformation era, particularly examining how translators incorporated contemporary cultural concerns into their work. Dr. Micklich maintains an active scholarly presence through multiple channels, including academic publications, blog posts for prestigious institutions like the Bodleian Library at Oxford, and interviews discussing her research methodology and theoretical approach. Her commitment to scholarly communication extends beyond specialized academic audiences, reflecting her belief in the importance of making historical research accessible while maintaining rigorous scholarly standards.
Dr. Benjamin Cartlidge is a Lecturer at the University of Liverpool, specializing in linguistics, classical reception, and ancient Greek and Latin literature. His research bridges historical philology, sociolinguistics, and philosophical reception in literary texts. BA in Classics, Trinity College, Oxford MA in Ancient Greek and Comparative Philology, University of Cologne DPhil in Linguistics, Trinity College, Oxford His research focuses on the linguistic analysis of classical texts, particularly Menander and Athenaeus, and explores sociolinguistic variation, dialect contact, and the reception of Platonic philosophy in Roman literature. Current projects include a monograph on Menander's linguistic contributions and studies of early modern Latin marginalia on Arabic manuscripts. His publications examine topics such as intertextuality in Athenaeus, stylistic analysis of Greek comedy, and the role of Plato in the Second Sophistic. These works span subfields including textual criticism, metrical analysis, and philosophical influence. He has received awards including an AHRC Doctoral Fellowship and a Leverhulme Trust Early Career Fellowship. He contributes to academic discourse as a peer reviewer for journals like Classical Quarterly and Harvard Studies in Classical Philology.
Daniel Morris is a Professor of English at Purdue University , with affiliations in Jewish Studies , Comparative Literature , and Film and Video Production . His research spans American literature , poetry , Jewish American culture , and modern art , focusing on intersections between poetics , political discourse , and academic transformation . His scientific work emphasizes political poetry ethnic and multicultural narratives digital media impact institutional critique avant-garde movements 20th-21st Century literary trends as seen in his extensive publications including Cambridge Companion to American Poetry and Politics (2023) and Not Born Digital (2016). Current projects include collaborations on Jewish visual culture and neoliberal university structures , though no formal grants or awards are listed in the provided texts.
Univ.-Prof. Dr. Lis Schüler has held the chair of Primary-School Pedagogy / German Didactics with a focus on literary education at the Free University of Berlin , Department of Education and Psychology, since November 2022. She leads the Learning and Research Workshop for Literary Education and is co-editor of the journal Die Grundschulzeitschrift (2012–2024). Education & Career Path 1992–1998: Teacher-training studies (Grund- und Mittelstufe), University of Hamburg 1999–2001: Referendariat and 2nd State Examination, Hamburg 2001–2008: Primary-school teacher and German subject leader, Hamburg 2008–2018: Research assistant and doctoral candidate, Universities of Hamburg and Kassel July 2018: PhD (University of Hamburg) – thesis on narrative patterns in 3rd-grade writing 2018–2022: Guest professorships and substitute chairs at TU Dresden and FU Berlin Since 11/2022: Full professorship (W3) at FU Berlin Research Focus Lis Schüler’s work centres on how children acquire literacy in rich literary contexts. She investigates literary learning , text writing , and the development of narrative competences in multilingual classrooms. A second strand examines elementary writing culture , exploring how preschool and primary pupils relate to script, spelling, and multimodal text design. Her empirical studies combine ethnographic classroom observation with didactic intervention, frequently analysing pupils’ texts for narrative patterns, intermedial references, and linguistic diversity. Recent Publications & Trends Across more than 150 publications (monographs, edited volumes, journal articles, handbook chapters), two trends stand out: (1) a continuous refinement of concepts for narrative pattern recognition in early writing, and (2) an increasing integration of multilingual perspectives into literary and writing didactics. The 2023 volume „Szenen aus der Schule“ exemplifies her collaborative, observation-based approach, while forthcoming 2025 contributions expand the dialogue between university learning workshops and school practice. Grants & Collaborations Member of the nationwide research network AG SchriftSPRACHerwerb (since 2018) Co-applicant in the federal Qualitätsoffensive Lehrerbildung project „Mehr Sprache(n) – mehr Kultur(n)“ (PRONET²) Principal organiser of the Long Night of Science literary events at FU Berlin Advising & Teaching Prof. Schüler teaches foundational and advanced courses in German didactics for primary education, coordinates the research colloquium, and supervises BA, MA and doctoral theses. Students arrange individual consultation slots via her assistant team ( sek-schueler@ewi-psy.fu-berlin.de ). Laboratory & Outreach She heads the Lern- und Forschungswerkstatt für Literarische Bildung , a university–school laboratory that invites classes to explore literature through creative writing, drama and multilingual storytelling, thereby generating authentic research data while fostering pupils’ literary engagement.
Thyra Knapp is an Associate Professor and Director of German Studies at the University of North Dakota (UND), where she has taught since 2011. Her work bridges German language, literature, and cultural studies, with a focus on the interplay between visual art and textual narratives in 20th-century German literature. She has published extensively in leading journals such as Seminar, Monatshefte, and German Quarterly. Her research centers on ekphrasis—the description of visual art within literary texts—and its role in shaping identity and aesthetic discourse, particularly in postmodern German novels and poetry. This interdisciplinary approach informs her teaching, which spans introductory language courses to advanced seminars on German drama, urban narratives, and cultural studies. Recent scholarly trends in her publications include: (1) ekphrastic techniques in postmodern German literature, (2) urban identity in feminist German prose, (3) Swiss cultural identity in transnational contexts, (4) ethical dimensions of art-literature intersections, and (5) multimodal pedagogical strategies for German education. Scientific Awards Max Kade Foundation Grants Senate Scholarly Activities Committee Awards Fulbright Commission Seminar Participation University of Wisconsin-Madison Graduate Fellowship Education Ph.D. in German, University of Wisconsin-Madison (2008) M.A. in Germanic Languages and Literatures, University of Kansas (1998) B.A. in Germanic Languages and Literatures, University of Kansas (1994)
Shogo Tanokuchi is an Associate Professor at Waseda University's School of Education, Faculty of Education and Integrated Arts and Sciences, with a concurrent position at Keio University's Faculty of Letters. He holds a Ph.D. in English and American Literature from Keio University (2020), including research at UC Santa Barbara. His academic appointments include positions at multiple Japanese universities since 2017. Research focuses on 19th-century American literature through trans-Pacific perspectives, examining: Reconstruction of American ideals in Herman Melville's works Transnational Gothic imagination in Pacific contexts Critiques of American democracy in literary texts Cross-cultural representations in antebellum literature Publications demonstrate consistent focus on Herman Melville and Edgar Allan Poe, analyzing political ambiguity, exhibition culture, and trans-Pacific exchanges in 19th-century America. Recent work explores Japanese cultural representations and Young America movements. Awards: The ALSJ Young Scholar Award (2016) for analysis of American democracy in Melville's Pierre Research Leadership: Principal investigator for JSPS-funded projects: Destruction/Reconstruction of American Ideals in Melville (2022-2027) Trans-Pacific Imagination in Melville's Gothic Descriptions (2013-2016) Teaches undergraduate and graduate courses including American literature history, literary criticism, English communication, and academic writing methodologies.
Yu Umemiya is an Associate Professor at Waseda University's School of Humanities and Social Sciences, specializing in English literature with a focus on Shakespeare, textual studies, and intercultural adaptation. He holds degrees from Waseda University (BA, MA, PhD) and the University of Birmingham (MA in Shakespeare Studies). Current positions: Associate Professor (2025-present) Past roles: Part-time Lecturer at multiple Japanese universities His research explores Shakespeare's works through textual analysis, adaptation studies, and performance theory. He examines how translations and cross-cultural interpretations reshape dramatic elements, particularly in Macbeth and The Tempest . Key publication trends include: Early Modern drama textual evolution Censorship mechanisms in Elizabethan theater Intercultural translation strategies Performance pedagogy innovations Professional engagements: Executive Committee member of The Japan Society of English Usage and Style Editorial committee roles Member of British Shakespeare Association
