Chad Abushanab is an Assistant Professor of English at Bemidji State University. His debut poetry collection The Last Visit won the 2018 Donald Justice Poetry Prize and was published by Autumn House Press. His research focuses on formal poetry and creative writing, with works featured in prestigious journals including The New York Times Magazine , The Believer , and Best New Poets . Education: BA in English, College of Charleston MFA in Creative Writing, Vanderbilt University PhD in Literature and Creative Writing, Texas Tech University Teaching: He instructs undergraduate and graduate courses including Composition, Argument and Exposition, Introduction to Creative Writing, and Poetry Writing workshops. Awards: Donald Justice Poetry Prize (2018)
Dr. Hazel Price is a Lecturer in English Language at the University of Salford, School of Arts, Media and Creative Technologies. She also holds a position as Visiting Research Fellow at the University of Huddersfield and is affiliated with the English Research Centre at Salford. Her research focuses on language in use, with specializations in health communication, corpus linguistics, critical discourse analysis, pragmatics, and stylistics. Dr. Price has conducted significant research on media representations of mental illness and the evolution of language used to discuss mental health. Her work demonstrates a consistent interest in how language shapes societal perceptions of important social issues. Dr. Price has published extensively across multiple formats, with notable works including her 2022 monograph 'The Language of Mental Illness: Corpus Linguistics and the Construction of Mental Illness in the Press' (Cambridge University Press), 'The Babel Lexicon of Language' (2022), and 'Communicating Linguistics: Language, Community and Public Engagement' (2023). Her publication record shows a progressive development from technical linguistic analysis to more accessible resources for public engagement with language studies. She actively engages with the public through multiple channels, serving as an Editorial Assistant for the language magazine Babel where she writes the 'Language in the News' feature, and as a book reviews editor for Language and Literature (SAGE). Her consultancy work extends her linguistic expertise to public, private, and third-sector organizations. Dr. Price is available for PhD supervision on topics related to corpus linguistics, health communication, critical discourse analysis, pragmatics, stylistics, and applied linguistics, reflecting her interdisciplinary research interests and commitment to advancing linguistic scholarship.
Scott Elliott is an Associate Professor of Creative Writing and English at Whitman College, a small liberal arts institution in Walla Walla, Washington. His academic career spans teaching roles at the University of Houston, Hofstra University, and community engagement programs like The Teachers and Writers Collaborative in New York and Writers in the Schools in Houston. He holds advanced degrees from Vanderbilt University (BA), Columbia University (MFA), and the University of Houston (Ph.D), where his dissertation was a creative work. Vanderbilt University – BA in English UC-Boulder – MA in English Literature Columbia University – MFA in Fiction University of Houston – Ph.D in English Literature with creative dissertation Scott's research and creative work center on American literature across historical periods, writing pedagogy, magical realism, and the interplay between geography and narrative. His publications explore Pacific Northwest ecosystems, environmental conflicts, and the cultural significance of place through novels like Temple Grove and Coiled in the Heart , which intertwine ecological suspense with mythological and societal themes. His literary output has been recognized with the G. Thomas Edwards Award for Excellence in Teaching and Scholarship (2011) and multiple award finalists, including the Flannery O'Connor Award and Washington State Book Award. He founded the Walla Walla Whitman Imaginative Writing Partnership, placing students in public schools, and advises Whitman's blue moon literary magazine. His work has been featured in The New York Times , Antioch Review , and Seattle Times critiques.
Aaron Moore serves as an Associate Professor and Director of the Internship Program in the Department of Communication, Journalism and Media at Rider University's College of Arts and Sciences. His academic focus centers on journalism, with particular expertise in sports media and communication. Dr. Moore's research interests prominently feature media ownership structures, sports journalism practices, and emerging gambling trends within the sports ecosystem. His work examines the complex relationship between sports fandom, media consumption, and betting culture, particularly how these elements intersect in the modern digital landscape. He has developed specialized knowledge in event planning and public relations within sports contexts. His recent publications demonstrate a consistent focus on sports betting's impact on media and fan culture, with particular attention to college athletics, audience demographics, and the ethical considerations surrounding fan-bettor identities. These works reveal his expertise in analyzing how sports media adapts to regulatory changes and market demands. As a practitioner, Dr. Moore serves as a communication consultant and has established himself as a notable voice in sports media through his writings for major publications and his creation of The Columbia Journalism Review's database on media ownership. Dr. Moore maintains an active professional presence, contributing to Basketball Times magazine and YESNetwork.com while also writing for The Philadelphia Inquirer and Los Angeles Times. His applied expertise bridges academic research with real-world sports media practice.
Justin Maxwell is an Associate Professor teaching playwriting in the MFA program at the University of New Orleans. He holds an M.F.A. from Hamline University and specializes in creating innovative theatrical works that blend dark comedy with philosophical inquiry through unconventional narrative structures. His academic position places him at the forefront of contemporary playwriting education in the Gulf South region. Maxwell's creative research interests encompass multiple dimensions of modern theater practice: Experimental narrative structures and non-linear storytelling techniques Dark comedy approaches to serious historical and ethical subjects Eco-theater and environmental commentary through theatrical metaphor Historical reinterpretation using contemporary theatrical devices The intersection of philosophical concepts and live performance Innovative staging mechanisms that engage audience perception His body of work demonstrates a sustained exploration of fragmented identity, moral complexity, and the human condition through imaginative scenarios that deliberately blur reality and fantasy. Maxwell consistently employs distinctive theatrical innovations, such as the chance-based wheel mechanism in 'Exhausted Paint' or the multi-character/single-consciousness approach in 'Four Helen,' pushing beyond conventional playwriting boundaries while maintaining emotional resonance. Among his professional achievements, Maxwell received an ATLAS-BoR grant during the 2020-21 academic year to complete 'Palimpsests of Agrippina Minor.' His works have received productions across North America, with notable premieres at Swandive Theatre in Minneapolis and Gestalt Theatre in Riverside. Critical reception has praised his work as 'hilarious yet deeply moving,' 'a dizzying mindf**k,' and 'a wild farrago of language and philosophical subversion.' ATLAS-BoR grant recipient (2020-21) for playwriting Author of 'The Playwright's Toolbox,' a pedagogical resource featuring contributions from nearly 60 playwrights Plays produced across the United States and Canada since 2013 Prose publications in Theatre/Practice, Eleven Eleven, The Fourth River, and American Theatre Magazine As an educator, Maxwell contributes significantly to playwriting pedagogy through both classroom instruction and published resources. His book 'The Playwright's Toolbox' offers practical guidance for writers at all levels, demonstrating his commitment to developing theatrical artistry. His critical writing further establishes him within scholarly conversations about contemporary theater practice, with publications spanning academic journals and industry magazines.
Dennis Watkins serves as a Lecturer in the Department of Communication and Media at Elmhurst University, teaching courses including news writing and reporting, investigative journalism, magazine writing, feature writing, photojournalism, journalism law and ethics, and the history of journalism. Holding a Master of Science degree, Watkins is an accomplished science and health journalist with bylines in Scientific American, Vice, Men's Health, Details, WebMD, CHEST Physician, Health, SYFY Wire, AARP the Magazine, Weight Watchers Magazine, Wine Enthusiast, Fandom, Field & Stream, the Baltimore Sun, the Providence Journal, and the Watertown Daily Times. His professional work spans health, science, lifestyle, and entertainment media. Watkins' expertise focuses on translating complex scientific concepts for public audiences through rigorous reporting. His teaching emphasizes practical journalism skills while addressing contemporary ethical challenges in digital media. The integration of his field experience enriches classroom discussions on media production, audience engagement, and journalistic integrity across multiple platform formats.
Dr. Brant Burkey serves as an Associate Professor in the Department of Communications at California State University, Dominguez Hills (CSUDH), within the College of Arts & Humanities. He teaches core Journalism courses including digital journalism, feature writing, digital magazine production, and news and information literacy, while actively contributing to curriculum development and university governance through committee service. His academic credentials include: Ph.D. in Media Studies with Certificate in New Media and Culture, University of Oregon, 2014 M.S. in Communication Studies, University of Oregon, 1997 B.A. in Communications, Sonoma State University, 1993 Dr. Burkey's research program investigates media literacy and memory construction within digital culture, examining intersections between journalism, social media, and cultural heritage. His work emphasizes community engagement through digital humanities frameworks and analyzes evolving media production practices in networked societies. Key recognitions include: Top Faculty Paper Award, Participatory Journalism Interest Group, AEJMC Conference (2017) Partnership Awards from Centinela Valley Union High School District As CSUDH Program Coordinator for the South Bay Digital Media Arts Consortium grant and Editor of the COM alumni publication Compendium, Dr. Burkey bridges academic research with practical applications. His mentorship approach integrates extensive professional journalism experience and high school teaching background to prepare students for dynamic media careers through senior capstone projects and hands-on coursework.
Andrew Flachs is an Associate Professor of Anthropology at Purdue University, where he has been a faculty member since 2017. He also serves as Affiliated Faculty in Global Studies and has connections to the School of International Studies. His academic journey began at Oberlin College, where he earned dual Bachelor of Music and Bachelor of Arts degrees in 2010, before completing his Ph.D. at Washington University in St. Louis in 2016. Ph.D., Washington University in St. Louis (2016) B.A. and B.Mus., Oberlin College (2010) 2016-2017 Volkswagen Exchange Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Heidelberg University Dr. Flachs specializes in environmental anthropology, political ecology, and food studies, with regional expertise spanning South Asia, North America, and Eastern Europe. His research examines food and agriculture systems, exploring genetically modified crops, heirloom seeds, and the human microbiome. His work among farmers investigates ecological knowledge and technological change in agricultural systems ranging from Cleveland urban gardens to Indian GM cotton fields. His publications demonstrate a consistent focus on the intersection of agricultural technology, sustainability, and human experience. Recent work explores the connections between ethnobiology and degrowth theory, examining how communities understand and manage socio-ecological relationships through imaginative research approaches that challenge conventional growth paradigms. Society for Economic Anthropology Kate Browne Creativity in Research Award (finalist) International Convention of Asia Scholars' Book Prize (finalist) Dr. Flachs maintains an active presence in both academic and public discourse, with writing featured in Sapiens, Salon, and National Geographic magazine. His teaching portfolio includes Introduction to Anthropology, Food, Culture, and Power, Colonialism, Globalization, and Food Justice, and Ethnographic Research Methods. He is engaged with broader academic issues through organizations like the American Association of University Professors and the Scholars Strategy Network, advocating for educational access and academic freedom.
Kate Feld is a part-time Lecturer in Journalism at the University of Salford's School of Arts, Media and Creative Technologies. Based in Manchester, she maintains an active dual career as both an academic and creative practitioner with roots in American journalism and a significant UK-based literary career. BA (hon) in Great Books from St. John's College, Annapolis MS in Journalism from Columbia University, New York (2003 Lorana Sullivan Fellow) Postgraduate Certificate in Academic Practice (University of Salford, 2019) Member of the Higher Education Association Her research interests span journalism, creative nonfiction, poetry, and feminist literary criticism, reflecting her commitment to blending academic rigor with creative practice. Feld's work consistently bridges the gap between scholarly discourse and public engagement through literary festivals, community book groups, and interdisciplinary publications. Analysis of her recent publications reveals a trend toward interdisciplinary work that combines critical theory with creative expression, particularly through feminist perspectives and experimental forms. Her publications appear in both traditional academic venues and independent presses, demonstrating a commitment to accessibility and innovation in scholarly communication. 2003 Lorana Sullivan Fellow for Investigative Reporting Feld has mentored numerous students through her teaching roles at Salford since 2014, where she leads Feature Writing and Dissertations modules. She has expanded her academic influence through guest lectures at Manchester School of Art, University of Manchester, MMU, Edge Hill University, and Cumbria University, as well as serving as a visiting writer at Lancaster University. Actively engaged in Manchester's literary ecosystem, Feld chairs author events at festivals and conferences while running a monthly feminist book discussion group at House of Books and Friends. Her projects like The Blog North Awards (2006-2015) and The Real Story (2014-2019) demonstrate her commitment to developing creative nonfiction in the UK through Arts Council funding and community building.
Joseph Miller is a Professor in the Department of English at Columbus State University, where he has been teaching since 2011. He specializes in journalism, opinion writing, creative nonfiction, cinema studies, and composition, and serves as faculty advisor for The Uproar , CSU's student newspaper. MFA from University of Kansas BFA from University of Colorado Professor Miller's research spans multiple disciplines with a particular focus on the intersection of journalism, creative writing, and film studies. His work explores how narrative forms can address social issues, with significant contributions to understanding debate education, alcoholism treatment models, and contemporary cinema. His teaching approach integrates practical journalism skills with critical analysis of media in the digital age. His recent scholarly output reveals a clear trajectory toward film studies and digital media, while maintaining connections to his foundational work in journalism and debate education. The publications span traditional academic venues and prominent cultural publications, demonstrating his ability to bridge scholarly and public discourse. William Rockhill Nelson Award and Harry Chapin Award for nonfiction (2007) Chicago Tribune Best Book of the Year designation for Cross-X Multiple awards from press associations including Missouri, Kansas, and Colorado Special mention from the 2012 Pushcart Prize for his essay "Born Again and Again" As faculty advisor for The Uproar , Professor Miller mentors student journalists while maintaining his own active publication record across multiple genres. His journalism has appeared in prestigious outlets including The New Republic , Salon , and Vibe , while his creative nonfiction has been featured in The Missouri Review and New Letters . He has twice been a finalist for the Missouri Lifestyle Journalism Awards and the John Bartlow Martin Award for Public Interest Magazine Journalism. Professor Miller curates the International Auteur Film Series on campus, creating a bridge between his academic work and the broader university community through film programming that showcases international cinema and fosters critical viewing skills.
Dr. Michael W. Drager serves as an Associate Professor in the Communication, Journalism and Media Department at Shippensburg University, specializing in print media with extensive professional experience as a newspaper journalist, magazine writer, and public relations professional. His contact details include office Rowland Hall 131 and email mwdrag@ship.edu. His academic credentials feature: Doctor of Philosophy in Mass Media, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan Master of Science in Communications Studies, Shippensburg University, Shippensburg, Pennsylvania Bachelor of Science in Art Education, Millersville University, Millersville, Pennsylvania Dr. Drager's research centers on the intersection of mass media and public policy, with significant contributions to print journalism, media ethics, and public relations. His work emphasizes the critical role of writing proficiency in communications education, supported by workshops exploring journalism's relationship with public institutions. His scholarly focus extends to quantitative analysis of news content and conflict reporting dynamics. His publication portfolio reveals consistent engagement with media analysis methodologies, particularly in news magazine content evaluation and conflict coverage balance. The textbook "Reporting for the Media" demonstrates his commitment to journalism education, while his technology transition research addresses faculty development challenges in digital pedagogy. His distinguished recognition includes: Frank Luther Mott-Kappa Tau Alpha Research Award (Law Division, AEJMC) - 1993 Faculty Research Award (Newspaper Division, AEJMC) - 1999 Dr. Drager actively mentors students through diverse coursework including News Writing, Public Affairs Reporting, and Photojournalism, while advising The Slate student publication. His professional development initiatives support colleagues navigating technological shifts in academic environments. No dedicated research laboratories or specialized teams are documented in the source material.
