Anthony Kwame Harrison is an Alumni Distinguished Professor and Professor of Sociology at the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University , with a half-time appointment in the Africana Studies Program. Specializes in race , popular music , qualitative methodologies , and social space Leadership roles: President of IASPM-US , Vice President of RIM Network , Past-President of AAA's General Anthropology Division Media engagement: Featured in Smithsonian Magazine and The New York Times Research Focus : Explores intersections of race , hip-hop culture , and methodological innovations , with interdisciplinary applications across anthropology , marketing , and higher education pedagogy . Selected Publications address Black feminist epistemologies , hip-hop historiography , and critical race-marketplace dynamics . Awards & Recognition : Alumni Distinguished Professor Multiple Teaching Awards at Virginia Tech Chair, Academy of Teaching Excellence Educational Background : B.A. in Anthropology from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst , M.A. and Ph.D. in Cultural Anthropology from Syracuse University .
Alec Harvey serves as an Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Journalism Department within the College of Liberal Arts at Auburn University. With nearly four decades of professional journalism experience, he brings substantial industry expertise to his academic role, teaching courses in news writing and feature writing. Harvey holds a BA from Auburn University, where he previously served as editor of The Auburn Plainsman and as an adviser to student media. His professional background includes extensive work at The Birmingham News and AL.com, where he served as features editor and president of the Society for Features Journalism. He currently serves as executive editor of Business Alabama magazine, based in Birmingham. His research and professional interests span journalism, feature writing, news writing, and editing, with a particular focus on theater criticism as evidenced by his extensive body of work covering Alabama's theater scene. His articles demonstrate deep engagement with regional theater productions, actor profiles, and critical analysis of performances across Birmingham and surrounding areas. Harvey's recent publications show a consistent focus on Alabama's theater ecosystem, with particular attention to Birmingham's theater companies including Theatre Downtown, Red Mountain Theatre, Virginia Samford Theatre, and others. His work chronicles the evolution of regional theater, profiles emerging and established talent, and provides critical commentary on productions spanning classic and contemporary works. As an educator, Harvey bridges academic instruction with real-world journalism practice, offering students insights from his extensive career while maintaining active professional engagement through his editorship at Business Alabama magazine.
Cora Schenberg serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of German Studies at the University of Virginia, specializing in German literary and cultural studies with emphasis on autobiographical forms, gender theory, and historical narratives from the German Democratic Republic. Her research spans: Autobiographical and memoir writing traditions GDR-era literary production Lyric poetry analysis Judaic studies intersections Feminist theoretical frameworks Dr. Schenberg's scholarly recognition includes: Writer’s Digest Magazine Writing Competition Prize for feature writing (2006) Middlebury-Mainz Fellowship (1980) Lilian L. Stroebe Prize for Excellence in German from Vassar College (1978)
Timothy David Orme is an Assistant Professor in Cinematic Arts and Technology, known for his experimental films, animations, and installations. His work spans genres including experimental, narrative, music video, and documentary, featured at festivals like European Media Arts Fest, Ann Arbor Film Festival, and the National Gallery of Art. Notable works include fulcrum (2023), which won multiple awards, and a 10-screen installation at the Hans Christian Andersen Museum in Denmark (2021). As a writer, he has published two poetry collections ( Oponearth , Catalogue of Burnt Text ), a chapbook ( Reflummuxology ), and reviews in Colorado Review and ASIFA Magazine . He also produces commercial and PSAs, earning Idaho State Broadcaster's Awards. His research focuses on interdisciplinary approaches to digital media, combining artistic expression with technical innovation. Recent works emphasize experimental animation techniques and cross-media storytelling, reflecting his interest in pushing creative boundaries in film and technology. Awards: Multiple festival awards for animation and experimental film, including Idaho State Broadcaster's recognition. Public Installations: Large-scale projects like the Hans Christian Andersen Museum installation. Commercial Work: Over 300 PSAs/commercials, blending client needs with artistic vision.
Kelly Scott Franklin is an Associate Professor of English at Hillsdale College, specializing in American literature, classical texts, and poetic translation. He holds a Ph.D. in English from the University of Iowa, an M.A. in Spanish from Middlebury College, and an M.A. in English from the Catholic University of America. His research interests span 19th-century American poetry, literary translation (particularly Spanish Golden Age works), and the intersection of faith with literary studies. Franklin has published widely in journals like Walt Whitman Quarterly Review , Nimrod , and The New Criterion , with notable works including translations of Antonio Machado and Gustavo Adolfo Bécquer. His poetry appears in Able Muse , National Review , and Ekstasis Magazine . He regularly contributes literary reviews to prestigious outlets such as The Wall Street Journal and Commonweal . He teaches courses on Great Books, American literature, and creative writing, co-teaching a Civil War history course with Dr. Brad Birzer. Franklin has also been featured in media like Radio Free Hillsdale and the National Review Great Books Podcast , discussing works ranging from Homer's Odyssey to modern American novels. Award highlights include the Alliterative Poetry Contest win (2025) and Best of the Net nominations. His work bridges traditional literary forms with contemporary cultural analysis, emphasizing classical education values. Franklin resides in Michigan with his family, pursuing hobbies like ukulele playing and fountain pen collecting.
Justin Blessinger is a Professor and Undergraduate Coordinator for English at Dakota State University (DSU), where he also advises the Trojan Times Department. He holds a PhD from the University of South Dakota, an MA from Emporia State University, and a BA from Tabor College. His teaching and research span creative writing, modernist literature, media studies, and British Isles literature. As Director of the DSU AdapT Lab for Accessible Technology, he develops assistive tech solutions like the Goto navigation app and advocates for accessibility through initiatives like the Barrier-Free Learning Committee. His creative works include poetry and fiction featured in journals like The Bear Deluxe Magazine and South Dakota Review , earning awards such as the 2008 Doug Fir Fiction Prize. Dr. Blessinger’s scholarly contributions include grants totaling over $100K for projects like accessible tech development and the South Dakota Writers Series. Collaborating with Dr. Chris Olson, he created cloud-based rubric systems for academic assessment, presented at the Higher Learning Commission conference, and pioneered semi-automated grading software. His interdisciplinary work bridges literary studies with STEM through labs like the AdapT Lab and community projects like modified vehicles for disabled children via Go Baby Go. Education: PhD (USD), MA (ESU), BA (Tabor College) Key Roles: AdapT Lab Director, Go Baby Go collaborator, Barrier-Free Learning Committee founder Recent Grants: 2020 i6 Development Grant ($25K), 2020 SD Humanities Council Grant ($6K) His awards include Time Magazine’s 2006 ‘Person of the Year’ and teaching accolades like the Ernest M. Teagarden Award. Beyond academia, he champions accessibility advocacy, regional literary initiatives, and tech-driven pedagogical innovation.
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.
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
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.
Emily Flamm is a Senior Lecturer in the English department at the University of Maryland. She holds an M.F.A. in fiction writing from the University of Maryland (2013) and a B.A. in journalism from Arizona State University (2004). Prior to academia, she worked as a magazine writer and editor in Washington, D.C., and Phoenix. Her work spans fiction, nonfiction, literary reviews, and interviews, appearing in venues like Catapult , Carve Magazine , and Crab Orchard Review . Flamm’s fiction often explores themes of identity, language, and contemporary culture. She has been recognized as a finalist for prestigious awards, including the Jack Dyer Fiction Prize and the Raymond Carver Short Story Prize. Her teaching focuses on creative writing and literature, blending her professional journalism experience with academic rigor. Flamm’s research interests include the intersection of creative writing with cultural critique and the evolution of language in modern contexts. Her articles frequently analyze artistic and literary works, offering incisive commentary on visual arts, poetry, and narrative forms. She has contributed profiles and reviews to luxury and arts-focused publications like Modern Luxury and Holler , furthering her engagement with diverse creative communities. Awards & Recognition: Finalist for the Jack Dyer Fiction Prize Finalist for the Raymond Carver Short Story Prize Teaching & Advising: Flamm teaches creative writing at the University of Maryland, emphasizing narrative craft and literary analysis. While she does not currently list formal advisees, her mentorship is reflected in her pedagogical approach to student writing. Labs & Collaborations: While no formal labs are explicitly mentioned, her work bridges academia and creative industries through collaborations with literary journals and arts publications.
Helena Pavletić is an Associate Professor at the Faculty of Educational Sciences (University of Primorska), affiliated with the Department of Classroom Teaching. She specializes in Croatian language studies, lexicography, bilingualism, and syntax. Her research focuses on terminology analysis, dialectology, and educational linguistics, with notable contributions to phraseology, religious terminology, and maritime language studies. She teaches multiple Croatian language courses at undergraduate and graduate levels, emphasizing communication competence in professional environments. Her academic work spans over 20 years, producing influential studies on Croatian-Italian language contact, vertical bilingualism in Međimurje dialect regions, and historical analysis of 19th century children's poetry. Key areas of interest include lexicographical treatment of polysemic terms, metaphorization in nautical terminology, and syntactic features of Croatian media language. Dr. Pavletić's recent research highlights include investigations into geographical terminology's cultural significance, comparative syntactic analysis of daily newspapers, and exploration of dialect creativity in children's written works. She actively contributes to academic discourse through regular publications in linguistic journals and conference presentations. Professional activities include serving as lecturer-in-charge for numerous courses across undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs. Her work integrates theoretical linguistic analysis with practical educational applications, particularly in multilingual education contexts and regional dialect preservation.
Jennifer Rowe is a Professor and Carol J. Loomis Faculty Fellow at the University of Missouri's Missouri School of Journalism, where she has taught since 1998. She served as chair of the Magazine Journalism Faculty Group for over six years and was editorial director of the award-winning student-produced city magazine Vox for thirteen years. Her educational background includes both bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the Missouri School of Journalism. She has received numerous teaching honors including the O.O. McIntyre Professorship (2016), William T. Kemper Fellowship (2009), and MU Provost’s Outstanding Junior Faculty Teaching Award (2004). Rowe specializes in magazine journalism education with research interests spanning feature writing, copyediting, and city magazine production. Her work emphasizes practical student training through publications like Vox and partnerships with professional organizations. Her major awards include: O.O. McIntyre Professorship in Teaching Excellence (2016) Faculty-Alumni Award (2016) William T. Kemper Fellowship (2009) MU Provost’s Outstanding Junior Faculty Teaching Award (2004) Three-time Mizzou '39 Faculty Honoree As faculty coordinator for the City and Regional Magazine Association awards program and collaborator with the Society of American Travel Writers, Rowe maintains strong industry connections. She has trained students who consistently win national awards in magazine competitions and has provided professional development for organizations including American Express and Nokia. Her professional activities include directing the student-produced Vox magazine and facilitating partnerships with organizations like the Society of American Travel Writers and American Copy Editors Society.
Virginia Lindak is an Assistant Professor at Immaculata University's Department of Arts, Languages and Letters. She serves as Director of the Writing Program, Faculty Advisor for Sigma Tau Delta National Honor English Society, and Faculty Advisor for the university literary magazine Pilgrimages. She also founded the Unity Book Club focused on DEI-themed literature. Ed.D. in Higher Education, Immaculata University (Summa Cum Laude, 4.0 GPA) M.A. in Communication Studies, West Chester University B.A. in Communications (Public Relations & Journalism), Immaculata University Her research interests include: Writing and Journalism Communications, Media and Rhetoric Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging Social Justice Topics Virginia has authored 9 editions of "Destination Lancaster" (2016-2024) and contributed over 800 articles as a journalist in Philadelphia media outlets. Her work appears in Hidden City Philadelphia, The Daily Local News, Delaware County Times, and others. The Library of Congress archives her articles for Hidden City Philadelphia. She has received three Keystone Press Awards and her courses include Journalism, Advanced Feature Writing & Reporting, Media Relations, Digital Rhetoric, Public Relations Campaigns, and Nonprofit Proposal & Grant Writing.
Heather Isherwood is a Professional Practice Professor at the Missouri School of Journalism, University of Missouri, where she has taught since 2013. She serves as the editorial director of Vox Magazine , a student-run monthly city magazine that produces digital and mobile content under her guidance. Her educational background includes a Bachelor of Journalism (1995) and a Master of Journalism (2017), both from the Missouri School of Journalism. Her research and professional interests center on journalism education, magazine editing, digital media, and experiential learning. She emphasizes hands-on training in content creation, editorial leadership, and multimedia storytelling. Under her direction, Vox Magazine has become a nationally recognized student publication. The awards and recognitions earned by Vox Magazine reflect consistent excellence in student journalism, particularly in feature writing, overall magazine quality, and digital innovation. Multiple annual awards for best features from the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) since 2014 Best overall magazine recognitions from SPJ and AEJMC Best website awards from SPJ Region 7 National and regional Mark of Excellence Awards for student work Heather Isherwood has supervised numerous students through Vox Magazine , providing mentorship in editorial roles and real-world media production. While specific grants are not mentioned, her leadership has secured consistent recognition and likely institutional support for the publication. She plays a key role in connecting students with professional standards and industry practices. She leads the Vox Magazine team, a student-staffed publication that functions as a learning lab for journalism, integrating print, web, and mobile platforms. The publication covers local Columbia culture, arts, and lifestyle, serving as a cornerstone of practical journalism training at the Missouri School of Journalism.
Natalia Igl is an Associate Professor of German-Language Literature and Culture at the Department of Language, Literature and Culture, Østfold University College. She serves as program and subject coordinator for the Master's program in Foreign Languages in Schools (MFRISK), HiØ's contact person for DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service), and co-leader of the research group "Literature and Narrative" since July 2024. Her academic background includes: 2022-2023: Studies in practical university and college pedagogy and digital teaching forms at Østfold University College Since August 2022: Associate Professor in German-language literature and culture at Østfold University College 2018-2021: Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellow and postdoctoral researcher in general literary studies at the University of Oslo 2011-2018: Researcher and lecturer (post-doc) in modern German literature at the University of Bayreuth 2006-2011: Researcher and lecturer (pre-doc) in modern German literature at FernUniversität in Hagen and University of Bayreuth, and in German linguistics at Ludwig Maximilians University Munich 2011: PhD in modern German literature from the University of Bayreuth 2006: Master of Arts (M.A.) in modern German literature, German linguistics and psychology from Ludwig Maximilians University Munich Natalia Igl's research focuses on German(-language) literature from Romanticism to Modernism, from 'Neue Sachlichkeit' to 'post-migrant' contemporary literature. She investigates illustrated magazines around 1900, the mediality, materiality and multimodality of literature, narrativity in literature and media, cognitive literary studies and narratology, and reader engagement and literary emotions. Her current work explores 'enactive & embodied reader engagement' in narratives of crisis, trauma and illness, with particular interest in the role of emotions in learning and teaching situations. Her publications demonstrate a consistent focus on narrative structures, multimodal literature, and reader engagement. She has extensively researched German modernist literature, post-migrant narratives, and the intersection of cognitive studies with literary analysis. Recent work shows increasing attention to trauma narratives, embodied cognition in reading processes, and the political dimensions of contemporary German literature, particularly regarding migration and identity. Her scientific recognition includes: 2015: University Prize for Excellent Teaching from University of Bayreuth 2015: Nominated for Science Prize 2015 at University of Bayreuth 2015: Nominated as member of "Junges Kolleg" at "Bavarian Academy of Sciences" Igl has extensive experience in teaching, supervision, examination, and assessment since 2006, having developed and conducted over 65 seminars and lectures at BA and MA level. Her teaching spans from introductions to literary studies and academic research/writing to literature theory and analysis, literary history, literary genres, cognitive poetics, (transmedial) narratology, multimodality and materiality in literature, literature in relation to other media and film, (inter)cultural studies, and intersections between literary studies and linguistics. She has led significant research projects including the EU-funded MSCA project "Readers as Observers" (project number 794549) and is developing new research on embodied reader engagement in narratives of crisis. She is actively involved in research groups and collaborations, notably as co-leader of the "Literature and Narrative" research group at Østfold University College, associate researcher in the interdisciplinary project "Literature, Cognition and Emotion (LCE)" at the University of Oslo, and collaborator on various projects including the ELLA-funded symposium "Reading and studying narratives of trauma, crisis and illness" and the DAAD-funded project "UniStart Deutsch."
