Gordana Yovanovich is a Professor in the School of Languages and Literatures at the University of Guelph, within the College of Arts. She serves as Graduate Coordinator for the Latin American and Caribbean Studies program. Her expertise spans Latin American culture, literature, and identities. Yovanovich holds a Ph.D. in Latin American Literature (University of Toronto, 1987), an M.A. in Spanish Literature (1982), and a B.A. in English/Spanish (Carleton University, 1980). Her research integrates literary analysis with sociopolitical contexts, addressing themes like globalization, community dynamics, and the role of humor as survival. Notable works include Re-Imagining Community and Civil Society in Latin America and the Caribbean (co-edited, 2016) and Julio Cortázar's Character Mosaic (1991). Her scholarship bridges historical and contemporary issues, emphasizing interdisciplinary connections between literature and societal change. Publications highlight explorations of Latin American identities, magical realism, and visual arts. Recent contributions analyze modern reinterpretations of classic texts and the intersection of honor culture with gender dynamics. Yovanovich’s work underscores the transformative potential of literature in articulating marginalized voices and cultural narratives.
Yann Robert is an Associate Professor and Department Head in French and Francophone Studies at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC). His research focuses on the intersection of theater, justice, and politics in Enlightenment and Revolutionary France, supported by institutions like the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, Jacob K. Javits Foundation, and Mrs. Giles Whiting Foundation. He has held prestigious fellowships at Stanford University and the Newberry Library. PhD, Princeton University B.A., University of Arizona Robert’s work explores: French Revolution-era theater as political commentary Enlightenment legal and theatrical debates Historical connections between justice and performance Post-revolutionary theater decline and censorship Colonialism in 19th-century French literature Evolution of the modern legal profession through theatrical lens His recent publications span topics from 18th-century audience participation theories to Napoleon-era theater policies. Notable projects include translating Sylvain Maréchal’s Le Jugement dernier des rois and leading UIC’s collaborative work with the Newberry Library’s French Revolution Pamphlets Digital Initiative, involving over 50 students in manuscript research and translation. Scientific awards include: 2020-2021 UIC Institute for the Humanities Fellow 2018 UIC Rising Star Award 2018 UIC Teaching Recognition Program Award 2013-2014 Andrew W. Mellon Foundation Fellowship Robert supervises graduate and undergraduate students in theater history research, grants, and translation projects. He co-founded the SECFS New Book Online Conversation Series and integrates archival work into courses, fostering hands-on learning with historical manuscripts.
Prof. Violeta Atanasova Detcheva, DSc is a Professor of Theatre Studies at the New Bulgarian University (since 2012) and at the Institute for Art Studies at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (since 2011). She has served as a guest professor in Czech Republic, Germany, Poland, and other countries. Previously, she was a researcher at the Institute for Art Studies BAS (since 1994) and a guest lecturer at NATFIZ, SU "St. Kl. Ohridski," and NBU until 2001. Prof. Detcheva received her education in Bulgarian philology at SU "St. Kliment Ohridski" and in Theatre Studies at NATFIZ "Kr. Sarafov." She defended her PhD dissertation in 1994 on actor concepts between the 19th and 20th century in German-speaking spaces and specialized at Freie Universitaet-Berlin. She earned her DSc (Doctor of Science) from BAS and defended another PhD in 2007 on directing between the two world wars. Prof. Detcheva's research focuses on Theatre Theory and History of the 20th Century, with particular emphasis on the relationship between theatre and communism, national identity formation through theatrical representation, and the reception of German-language drama in Bulgaria. Her work explores how theatre participates in creating national images and interacts with political structures. She has made significant contributions to understanding the evolution of Bulgarian theatre between the two world wars and during the communist era, examining how theatrical practices both reflected and shaped societal transformations. Her scholarly output reveals consistent engagement with political dimensions of theatre, particularly how theatrical practices navigate ideological constraints while maintaining artistic integrity. There's a clear trajectory in her work from historical analysis of specific periods to broader theoretical considerations of theatre's role in society, with recent publications addressing contemporary issues like pandemic impacts on theatrical practice and digital transformations in performance. DAAD Research Grant Advanced Akademia Scholarship RSS Scholarship Landis&Gyr Scholarship (Switzerland) Prof. Detcheva has secured numerous individual research grants including DAAD, Advanced Akademia, and RSS fellowships, conducting research at Freie Universitaet-Berlin, University of Vienna, Central European University-Budapest, and Centre for Advanced Study-Sofia. She has participated in collective research projects across Germany, Austria, Czech Republic, Poland, and Switzerland. As a dedicated educator, she serves on thesis committees and has created NBU's New Play Competition to foster emerging playwrights. Her extensive conference participation and international collaborations demonstrate her commitment to advancing theatre scholarship globally. Prof. Detcheva is actively involved in the international theatre community as a member of the International Federation for Theatre Research (IFTR) and the International Association of Theatre Critics (IATC). She served as theatre critic for "Kultura" newspaper until 2018 and continues to contribute to editorial boards of specialized publications in arts and culture. Her leadership in organizing academic events and competitions, particularly NBU's New Play Competition which she founded and directs, demonstrates her commitment to bridging academic research with contemporary theatrical practice.
Mabel Lee is an Adjunct Professor at the University of Sydney, affiliated with the China Studies Centre. She holds a BA Hons I and PhD from the University of Sydney. Her research focuses on modern Chinese intellectual history and literature, particularly the works of Nobel Laureate Gao Xingjian and poet Yang Lian. Her current project involves translating Gao Xingjian’s Calling for a Renaissance in Art and Literature for publication. Lee has authored numerous books and edited volumes, including Painting History: China's Revolution in a Global Context (2018) and Lu Xun and Australia (2016). Her work examines transmedia aesthetics, comparative literature, and the intersection of philosophy with Chinese literary traditions. Key research interests include Gao Xingjian’s absurdist aesthetics influenced by Chan Buddhism, the global context of Chinese revolutionary art, and Lu Xun’s literary legacy. Lee’s publications span academic monographs, peer-reviewed articles, and translations of major literary works. She has presented at international conferences and contributed to journals such as PORTAL Journal of Multidisciplinary International Studies and Frontiers of Literary Studies in China . Lee’s scholarly contributions bridge Chinese literary history with global intellectual movements, emphasizing cross-cultural aesthetics and transcultural analysis. Her work highlights the significance of modern Chinese writers in international literary discourse.
Gemma Collard-Stokes is a Lecturer in Therapeutic Arts at the University of Derby's College of Arts, Humanities and Education. Her research focuses on arts-based interventions in healthcare contexts, particularly dementia care and maternal well-being. She has contributed to collaborative projects exploring creative approaches to support individuals with young-onset dementia and their families through drama, dance, and movement therapies. Her work bridges artistic practice with clinical applications, emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration. Key areas include neuro-dramatic-play adaptations, dance movement therapy for cancer patients, and the integration of writing into dance practices. Her research has been presented at international conferences and published in journals like Journal of Applied Arts and Health and Research in Dance Education . Collard-Stokes' projects often involve partnerships with healthcare organizations, such as the Alzheimer's Disease Society, and explore innovative methods to enhance patient engagement and caregiver support through the arts.
Anthony Pennino is an Associate Professor at Stevens Institute of Technology's School of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences. His research focuses on Modern & Contemporary British & Irish Drama, Irish Modernism, Post-WWII American Literature, and Shakespearean studies. He holds a PhD from the University of London (Theatre and Drama Studies) and MFA/MA/B.A. degrees from Columbia University in Playwriting and English Literature. His work bridges historical political contexts with dramatic arts, particularly exploring Thatcher-era British theatre and 20th-century European performances. He has received notable awards, including the Fulbright Scholarship (2008) and the Jess H. Davis Memorial Award for Research Excellence (2019). Pennino led a Carnegie Corporation grant (2018) to develop educational plays on nuclear security, emphasizing public engagement with complex societal issues. His professional service includes roles with PEN America and leadership in academic committees at Stevens. His publications critically analyze political theatre, historical narratives in drama, and modern media like Mad Men . His creative works include plays such as Howard Hopped The A Train (2005), reflecting his dual focus on academic research and artistic production.
Mary Crane is the Thomas F. Rattigan Professor of English at Boston College, affiliated with the Morrissey College of Arts and Sciences. Her work focuses on English Renaissance literature (1500-1660), blending intellectual history, history of science, and cognitive literary theory. Key roles include Director of the Institute for the Liberal Arts and editorial contributions to English Literary Renaissance and Alembics: Penn Studies in Literature and Science . Education: A.B. from Harvard College, Ph.D. from Harvard University. Research Interests: Specializes in the intersection of Renaissance literature and the 'new science,' exploring how cognitive frameworks shape early modern thought. Major themes include epistemology, embodiment, and interdisciplinary dialogue between literature and science. Publications: Authored influential books like Shakespeare’s Brain: Reading with Cognitive Theory and Losing Touch with Nature . Over 30 articles span topics from cognitive historicism to the materiality of scholarly texts. Recent work examines spatial imagery in Antony and Cleopatra , privacy in early modern spaces, and scientific metaphors in Marlowe and Donne. Professional Contributions: Editor for leading journals and anthologies, fostering interdisciplinary scholarship. Awards and honors include her endowed professorship and sustained academic leadership in cognitive literary studies.
Russ Leo is an Associate Professor in the English Department at Princeton University, serving as Director of Undergraduate Studies. He holds a PhD in Literature from Duke University (2009) with certificates in Feminist Studies and Medieval/Renaissance Studies. His research bridges early modern literature, philosophy, and political economy, focusing on labor, social reproduction, and Spinozist critiques of institutions. Joined Princeton English Department in 2012 after a postdoctoral fellowship at Princeton's Society of Fellows Current projects include Invisible Colleges (Spinoza’s intellectual networks) and a study of racial capitalism in early modern political economy Edited translations include Spinoza’s Opera Posthuma preface and contributions to a French Éthique edition His research examines how early modern thinkers reimagined communal structures, political institutions, and economic frameworks through Spinozist lenses. His book Tragedy as Philosophy in the Reformation World (2019) analyzes tragedy’s role in shaping philosophical debates about causality and human agency. Current work critiques foundational political economy texts for their racialized assumptions about labor and property. Publications span Oxford and Northwestern University Presses, with contributions to journals like SEL and Journal of Medieval and Early Modern Studies . His teaching focuses on drama, feminist theory, and poetic aesthetics.
Martine Jacques is a Lecturer at the University of Burgundy, affiliated with the Faculty of Letters and Philosophy. She serves as Director of the Multidisciplinary Center for Texts and Cultures (CPTC), where she leads research initiatives in literary studies. Her academic work spans multiple disciplines within humanities, with particular focus on French literature, Enlightenment studies, and cultural history. Dr. Jacques' research primarily explores the intersections of literature, history, and cultural studies. Her scholarly interests encompass utopian literature, particularly examining imaginary geographies and spatial representations in 18th century texts. She has conducted extensive research on Enlightenment-era writings, focusing on the works of figures like Madame de Genlis and L.-A. Caraccioli. Her work on theater studies investigates both historical Jesuit theater practices and contemporary performance, revealing connections between educational theory and dramatic arts. Additionally, she has made significant contributions to children's literature studies, analyzing how childhood and educational concepts are represented in literary works. Analysis of her publication record reveals consistent engagement with literary theory and historical context. Her work demonstrates a trajectory from early studies on Enlightenment literature toward broader explorations of cultural representation across different media and historical periods. The publications show particular attention to how utopian thinking manifests in various literary forms, from travel narratives to children's stories. Her more recent work has increasingly focused on theater as both cultural practice and educational tool, suggesting evolving research interests that bridge historical scholarship with contemporary applications. Martine Jacques maintains active scholarly collaborations, most notably with Hervé Bismuth, with whom she has co-edited several publications and organized research initiatives. As Director of CPTC, she oversees multiple research axes including 'New narratives in literary history' and 'Literature, minor arts, major arts.' Her leadership extends to organizing seminars and study days that bring together researchers from various institutions.
Jinli He is a Professor in the Department of Modern Languages and Literatures at Trinity University. Holding a Ph.D. in Chinese Language and Literature from Peking University (2004) and an M.A. in Literary Theory from Shandong Normal University (2001), their work bridges Chinese aesthetics, comparative literature, and philosophical inquiry. Education: Ph.D. in Chinese Language and Literature (Peking University, 2004); M.A. in Literary Theory (Shandong Normal University, 2001); Dual B.A. in Chinese Literature (Shandong) and English (Qufu) Research focuses on Chinese aesthetic modernity , comparative aesthetics , and contemporary Chinese art . Key projects include "Chinese Aesthetics Now—Thinking through Wang Guowei" and "Qing Ethics." Their work explores the continuity of Chinese aesthetic traditions and their dialogue with Western philosophical frameworks. Recent publications analyze Zhang Huan's performance art, Schiller's aesthetic education theory, and Wang Guowei's contributions to literary criticism. They also serve as a member of the Visiting Committee for Asian Art at the San Antonio Museum of Art.
Rhonda Armstrong is a Professor in the Department of English & World Languages at the University of Georgia’s Pamplin College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences. Her academic roles include chairing the Literature Concentration Committee and serving as faculty advisor to the Sigma Tau Delta International Honor Society. She holds a Ph.D. in American Studies (St. Louis University, 2005), an MA (St. Louis University, 1999), and a BA in English (Western Kentucky University, 1995). Her research focuses on American and Southern literature, with emphasis on regional studies like Appalachia, cultural identity, and authors such as Flannery O’Connor and Barbara Kingsolver. Recent works address open educational resources (OERs) in literary studies and explore intersections of literature with environmental and cultural themes. Earlier publications analyze regional narratives in the Northeast and African American poetry movements. Armstrong has received awards including the Rose Library Fellowship (Emory University, 2017) and NEH-supported institutes on Flannery O’Connor and Appalachian studies. Her scholarship emphasizes critical approaches to regional identity, gender, and environmental ethics. Teaching highlights include courses on Major American Authors (Flannery O’Connor), Southern Literature, and Honors seminars. She has contributed to university-wide initiatives, including faculty development committees and tenure evaluation workgroups. Her community engagement includes roles on the Columbia County Board of Education. Armstrong’s service spans academic governance, editorial peer review, and advocacy for regional literary traditions. She actively bridges scholarly research with pedagogical innovation and public intellectual discourse.
Sergio Lo Gatto is a fixed-term researcher in Performing Arts at Link Campus University, Rome. He teaches at Sapienza University of Rome, the University of Bologna, and the National Academy of Dramatic Arts 'Silvio d'Amico'. His work focuses on online theatre criticism methodologies, digital philosophies, and the application of acting techniques in educational and cultural contexts. He collaborates with institutions including Emilia Romagna Teatro ERT, Fondazione Teatro Nazionale, Romaeuropa Festival, and Rai Radio3. As a curator and dramaturg, he contributes to Union des Théâtres de l'Europe and edits the LINEA series for Luca Sossella editor. His research engages with European theatre mobility projects and spectator training initiatives across Italy and Europe. Publications include works on digital criticism, experimental theatre, and Rome's contemporary stage landscapes. He translates key texts in performance studies and actively participates in editorial roles for journals like 'Conflict Zones Reviews' and 'Teatro e Critica'.
Nels Rogers is a Professor of German Studies and Director of the German Studies program at the University of Kentucky. He also serves as Director of the International Film Studies Certificate and Coordinator of the Max Kade German House and Cultural Center. Born in the desert and raised in the woods, his academic journey began during his schooling in Germany during the Cold War, fostering a passion for literature, ideas, and intellectual discourse. Education: Ph.D., University of Pennsylvania; B.A., University of Oregon. Research focuses on German film post-unification, the horror genre's global dimensions, and the intersection of aesthetics with politics. His work also integrates German as a Foreign Language (DaF) pedagogy, second language acquisition, and curriculum design. Current research explores mass culture in 20th/21st-century Germany, particularly film's role in SLA environments. Publications emphasize innovative teaching methods using film and cultural themes, including pandemic pedagogy and proficiency-oriented approaches. His reviews in Colloquia Germanica and Unterrichtspraxis highlight engagement with contemporary German literature and experimental film. Labs/Teams: Oversee the Max Kade German House, fostering German cultural engagement on campus and beyond.
Professor Krzysztof Penderecki (b. 1933) is a Polish composer and honorary professor at the Krzysztof Penderecki Kraków Academy of Music. A graduate of its predecessor institution (State Higher School of Music in Kraków), he is renowned for his avant-garde compositions across all musical genres. His works blend experimental techniques with deep emotional resonance, earning him global acclaim and prestigious awards including the Grammy, Grawemeyer, and Premio Principe de Asturias. Recipient of honorary doctorates from over 20 universities worldwide Honorary member of leading music academies like London's Royal Academy of Music and Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia (Rome) Conducted major orchestras while championing both his own works and historical symphonic repertoire His research interests focus on expanding compositional boundaries through innovative orchestration, microtonal experiments, and liturgical adaptations. Key themes in his works include human suffering (e.g., Dies Irae ), biblical narratives ( Polish Requiem ), and allegorical storytelling ( Devils of Loudun ). Recent works like the Piano Concerto "Resurrection" (2002) and Concerto Grosso (2001) demonstrate his enduring exploration of modernist techniques while maintaining accessibility. His discography spans over 200 recordings, showcasing his versatility from solo pieces to grand operas. Awards highlight recognition for both composition ( Credo ) and lifetime achievement State decorations from Poland and international honors affirm his cultural impact
Laurie Johnson is a Professor of English and Cultural Studies at the University of Southern Queensland's School of Humanities and Communication. His research focuses on early modern literature, historical contexts of theatre, and cultural theory. He holds fellowships with the Royal Historical Society and the Society of Antiquaries of London, and has served as Past President of the Australian and New Zealand Shakespeare Association. Johnson's work bridges literary analysis with historical inquiry, particularly examining Shakespearean studies, playhouse histories, and the material culture of performance. Education: DipEd (QIT, 1988), BA (UCSQ, 1991), BA(Hons) (CQU, 1992), MA (Qld, 1995), PhD (Qld, 2000). Affiliations include the Centre for Heritage and Culture and the ORCID profile 0000-0002-2408-0602. Research interests emphasize the intersection of history and literature, with special attention to early modern British theatre, textual analysis, and cultural patronage. His recent publications explore topics like Shakespeare's First Folio, early Elizabethan playing companies, and the spatial dynamics of early modern playhouses. He actively supervises doctoral research in areas such as Shakespearean voice studies, climate history in drama, and preternatural phenomena in Renaissance literature. Johnson has authored or edited multiple books, including Leicester's Men and their Plays (2023) and Shakespeare's Lost Playhouse (2018). His articles frequently appear in journals like Medieval and Renaissance Drama in England and Shakespeare Quarterly . Awards include prestigious fellowships recognizing his contributions to historical and literary scholarship.
