Amy D. Propen is an Assistant Professor of Writing at the University of California, Santa Barbara. Her research focuses on posthuman conservation, environmental humanities, and visual-material rhetoric. She explores how technologies and visual artifacts shape human-nonhuman relationships in the Anthropocene era. Her notable work includes the book Visualizing Posthuman Conservation in the Age of the Anthropocene (2018), which examines case studies like ocean plastics’ impact on wildlife and GPS tracking in conservation. She also authored Locating Visual-Material Rhetorics: The Map, the Mill, and the GPS . No specific scientific awards, grants, or advising roles are mentioned in the provided text. Her interdisciplinary approach bridges rhetoric, animal studies, and geography to advocate for ethical coexistence with nonhuman kin.
Andrew Pilsch is an Associate Professor and Associate Department Head at Texas A&M University. His research focuses on digital rhetoric, transhumanism, science fiction, and critical AI studies. He holds a Ph.D. (2012) and M.A. (2007) from Pennsylvania State University, and a B.S. (2005) from Georgia Institute of Technology. Pilsch's work examines the intersections of technology, rhetoric, and utopian futures, particularly through the lens of evolutionary futurism. His 2017 book *Transhumanism: Evolutionary Futurism and the Human Technologies of Utopia* won the Science Fiction and Technoculture Studies Book Prize. His research explores digital labor, media formats, and fan utopias, with notable publications analyzing MP3 formats, WWII-era science fiction, and insect symbolism in capitalist critiques. His articles bridge humanities methodologies with emerging technologies, emphasizing critical analysis of digital cultures. Awards include recognition for his transhumanism scholarship, which redefines how technological optimism shapes societal narratives. As an academic leader, Pilsch contributes to departmental governance while maintaining an active research agenda. His work often intersects with digital humanities initiatives, exploring how rhetorical frameworks can critique and reimagine technological futures.
Eduardo Frajman is a Lecturer at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) and teaches political science, philosophy, and interdisciplinary humanities at multiple institutions including Oakton College and Proyecto Odisea. He holds a PhD in Political Science from the University of Maryland and a degree from the Hebrew University in Jerusalem. His research focuses on Latin American politics, populism, electoral systems, and democracy, with notable work on Costa Rican political parties and Hugo Chávez’s media strategy. Frajman is also a prolific writer of essays and fiction, exploring themes ranging from literary criticism to existential questions in works published in journals like Aethlon and Great Lakes Review . His creative output includes short stories blending magical realism and social commentary, such as Definición al Arco . His academic and literary works reflect a dual focus on political analysis and narrative exploration, often intertwining personal experiences with broader socio-political themes. Teaching philosophy emphasizes global political thought, prioritizing marginalized voices and cross-cultural perspectives.
Jennifer Clary-Lemon is a Professor and Associate Chair of Graduate Studies in the Department of English at the University of Waterloo. She holds a PhD in English (Rhetoric, Composition, and Linguistics) from Arizona State University, an MA in English (Writing, Rhetoric, and Discourse) from DePaul University, and a BA in Political Science from the University of Arizona. Her research bridges rhetoric, environmental studies, and new materialism, focusing on human-nonhuman entanglements, species decline mitigation, and place-based scholarship. Clary-Lemon’s work explores how infrastructures and discourses shape responses to ecological crises, as seen in her monographs *Planting the Anthropocene* (2019) and *Nestwork* (2023). She has held SSHRC grants for projects on species decline and Canadian silviculture discourses, and was a Fulbright Canada awardee in 2011. Her teaching philosophy emphasizes writing’s role in university culture and the impact of geographic/personal location on rhetorical agency. Her advising expertise spans material rhetorics, environmental rhetorics, research methods, and pedagogy. She currently oversees graduate studies at Waterloo, reflecting her commitment to fostering scholarly communities through mentorship and institutional leadership.
Kate Maddalena is an Assistant Professor at the University of Toronto 's Institute of Communication, Culture, Information & Technology (ICCIT) . Her research focuses on knowledge-making media, epistemic rhetorics, and the popular uptake of science, with specializations in Science and Technology Studies (STS) , Media Studies , Rhetoric of Science and Technology , and Critical Theory . Education: BA (English/French), University of North Carolina Greensboro MA (Language and Literature), North Carolina State University PhD (Communication, Rhetoric, and Digital Media), North Carolina State University Maddalena's work examines intersections between digital interfaces, scientific communication, and cultural practices. She explores topics such as human-machine interaction, citizen science platforms, and the role of tactile/digital artifacts in knowledge production. Her projects often incorporate LEGO as a metaphor for modular communication systems and analyze how scientific concepts permeate public discourse. Her recent publications address pandemic-era digital carework, posthuman motherhood, and the pedagogical applications of eco-technology interfaces. Articles frequently engage with interdisciplinary methodologies bridging media archaeology , science studies , and critical theory . Scientific Awards: James Carey Media Research Award (2014) Maddalena teaches courses spanning alternative media , science writing , data communication , and technical communication . She emphasizes integrating critical theory with practical writing skills, particularly through the lens of digital media and emerging technologies.
Louisa Rogers is a lecturer in fashion communication at Northumbria University, affiliated with the Department of Design Arts and Creative Industries. She holds an MRes in Design Studies, an MA in Arts, Business & Creativity from Newcastle University, and a BA (Hons) in Fashion Photography from London College of Fashion, along with a professional certification in Sustainable Fashion from the University of Cambridge. MRes, Design Studies – Northumbria University (2023) MA, Arts, Business & Creativity – Newcastle University (2016) BA (Hons), Fashion Photography – London College of Fashion (2015) Sustainable Fashion Accelerator – University of Cambridge (2020) Her research explores the intersections of fashion, security, and digital culture, focusing on surveillance, militarism, wearable technology, TikTok trends, meme culture, and gender representations in fashion media. She critically analyzes how fashion reflects and shapes political ideologies, emotional responses, and societal anxieties. Her recent and forthcoming publications, including articles in Surveillance and Society , Fashion, Style and Popular Culture , and Res Rhetorica , demonstrate a strong thematic focus on identity, visual rhetoric, and political symbolism in fashion. These works span topics such as the 'fortress body,' fascist aesthetics, and the meme-like power of costume in digital resistance. Louisa Rogers has been recognized with the Postgraduate Award for Highest Overall Grade (2016) and Scale-Up of the Year (2018). Postgraduate Award for Highest Overall Grade (2016) Scale-Up of the Year (2018) She is actively involved in academic and public discourse, delivering invited talks on fascist fashion, Barbie as political meme, and fashion’s role in representing global politics. As a founding committee member of Colour Collective UK , she promotes interdisciplinary education on color, integrating neuroscience, art history, and psychology. She also runs Trendlistr Vintage , a retail e-commerce brand, bridging her academic and creative practices. Her work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in education and sustainable fashion. She is a peer reviewer, participates in international conferences, and engages with media, demonstrating a commitment to public scholarship and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Dr. Łukasz Sarowski is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Language, Rhetoric and Media Law, Institute of Journalism and Management, Faculty of Social Sciences, John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin. His work bridges robotics, artificial intelligence, and communication theory. Academic Focus : Social robotics, AI ethics, internet evolution (Web 1.0–4.0), human-machine interaction Key Contributions : Conceptualizing robotic culture, analyzing anthropocentric communication models, exploring AI's societal impact Conference Participation : Regular presenter at international/national conferences on AI, humanoid robots, and digital culture Activities : Guest lectures, science festival contributions, book reviews in technology and media studies
Dr. Jeanette McVicker is a Professor and Coordinator of the Ethnic & Gender Studies program at the State University of New York at Fredonia. She holds a Ph.D. from SUNY Binghamton’s interdisciplinary program in Philosophy, Literature, and Theory of Criticism (PLC), with a focus on Comparative Literature and Philosophy. Her research interests center on modernist literature (particularly Virginia Woolf studies), media/journalism, and interdisciplinary approaches to gender, race, and power. Notable awards include the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching (2013), the Fulbright Fellowship (1991), and the President’s Award for Excellence in Teaching (2008). Dr. McVicker has presented globally, including as a Fulbright teaching fellow in Romania and a visiting professor at the University of Cyprus. She actively participates in SUNY Fredonia’s Literary London program and advocates for international education and interdisciplinary studies. Her publications span Virginia Woolf’s ethical frameworks, modernist aesthetics, and contemporary cultural critiques. She has also contributed to discussions on post-truth politics, media ethics, and postcolonial theory. Dr. McVicker’s teaching emphasizes intersectionality, covering topics like social justice, posthumanism, and media literacy. She is affiliated with professional organizations such as the Virginia Woolf Society and the Modern Language Association.
Paul Kratwell is a Lecturer in the Humanities, Social Sciences, and Education Department at the University of Minnesota Crookston. He also serves as the director of the Writing Center on campus, specializing in Composition and Writing instruction. Educational Background: B.A. from University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point M.S. in Teaching English from University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point M.A. in English from University of Oregon Ph.D. in English from University of Oregon His research focuses on Rhetorical Theory, Literacy Theory, and Social Class and Diversity in Higher Education, with additional interests in Posthuman Studies and Community Education. His work often explores intersections between pedagogy, rural/urban educational equity, and posthumanist frameworks. Kratwell's recent publications, spanning 2004-2008, emphasize creative nonfiction, literacy theory, and posthuman perspectives. These works appear in journals like Reflections and Waves of Grain , reflecting his engagement with educational narratives and rhetorical innovation. Scientific Awards: Scholarship of Teaching and Learning cohort (University of Minnesota Crookston, 2024-25) Open Education Resources Award (University of Oregon, 2023) Summer Teaching Institute (Modern Language Association, 2019) Sarah Harkness Kirby Award (University of Oregon, 2018) Steingart Fellowship (University of Oregon, 2016) Graduate Council's Award (University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, 2014) As director of the Writing Center, Kratwell supports student literacy development across disciplines. His teaching includes Composition I courses, aligning with his commitment to accessible educational practices.
Erin Adams is an Associate Professor in Elementary Social Studies Education at Kennesaw State University 's Bagwell College of Education. She specializes in K-12 economics education , posthumanist methodologies , and critical social studies pedagogy , working with doctoral students in Teacher Leadership programs. Her research explores intersections of economic education , resource extraction , and social justice through post-qualitative frameworks. Ph.D. in Educational Theory and Practice (Social Studies) from University of Georgia (2016) 2020 Early Career Award from Bagwell College of Education Her recent publications focus on topics like economic literacy , disciplinarity in social studies , and immaterial labor . Collaborative projects with Dr. Stacey Kerr and Dr. Elizabeth Wurzburg appear in journals like Journal of Social Studies Research and Professional Development in Education . Key awards include grants for global learning initiatives in India (2017) and Morocco (2018). She actively contributes to academic service through committee roles at KSU and peer review for journals like Journal of Social Studies Education and conferences including AERA and NCSS.
Dan Richards is Professor of Technical Communication and Rhetoric in the Department of English at Old Dominion University. His research and teaching focus on technical communication, visual risk communication, user experience (UX) design, rhetoric, and the teaching of writing, with a particular emphasis on environmental and climate-related issues such as sea-level rise and flood risk. Immediate Past Chair of ACM SIGDOC (2019-2023) Teaches undergraduate/graduate courses in technical communication and rhetoric Former instructor in Old Dominion’s MBA program (business writing, 2010-2020) His research explores the intersection of UX design with political negotiation, posthuman theory, and environmental action, particularly in coastal communities. He investigates how visualizations, interactive tools, and narrative strategies shape public understanding of risks. Recent publications highlight trends in: Posthumanist approaches to disaster rhetorics Visual and geospatial risk communication for sea-level rise Interactive tools for flood risk assessment and community engagement Critiques of neutrality in pedagogy and UX design Applications of the ASERT framework for stakeholder-driven climate planning Legacy of Deweyan pragmatism in nonhuman agency theories
L. Adam Mekler is an Associate Professor in the Department of English and Language Arts at Morgan State University’s College of Liberal Arts. His scholarship focuses on British Romantic literature, African American literature, and literary theory. Education : PhD, MPhil, MA in English Literature from Drew University; BA in English Education from University of Delaware Research Interests include Mary Shelley’s works, Gothic fiction, feminist and psychoanalytic theory, and the intersection of race and folklore in Hurston’s narratives. Recent publications engage Frankenstein’s cultural legacy, STEAM education, and technology ethics. Key trends in his 2022 articles explore Frankenstein ’s relevance to digital media, ecological ethics, and pedagogy. Earlier works analyze gender dynamics in Austen and Shelley, Godwinian family networks, and African American literary forms. Editorial Contributions include Mary Shelley: Her Circle and Her Contemporaries (2010) and Frankenstein and STEAM (2022).
Taylor Dotson is an Associate Professor at New Mexico Tech in the Department of Science and Technology Studies. He teaches interdisciplinary social science courses examining the culture and politics of science and technology, including topics like risk governance, environmental controversies, and the sociopolitical impacts of technological systems. PhD in Science and Technology Studies from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (2015) MS in Industrial Mathematics from New Mexico Tech (2009) BS in Mathematics from New Mexico Tech (2006) His research focuses on democratic governance of science and technology, vaccine skepticism, biodiversity conservation, and the role of expertise in policymaking. He critiques apocalyptic rhetoric in political discourse and advocates for 'thoughtful partisanship' over technocratic solutions. Detailed analysis of his recent publications shows recurring themes around democratic deliberation, the limitations of fact-checking, and reconciling lay knowledge with scientific authority in environmental governance. His work often bridges Science and Technology Studies with practical policy concerns. As a collaborator with the NMT Climate & Water Consortium and rugby football club coach, he integrates academic rigor with community engagement. His current projects include advancing German language fluency and analyzing post-normal science policy challenges.
Jake Simmons serves as Associate Dean and Professor of Communication in the Department of Communication at Missouri State University's Reynolds College of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities. His administrative leadership includes roles as Assistant Department Head, Director of Graduate Studies, and Provost's Fellow for Graduate Student Success, demonstrating deep institutional engagement alongside scholarly work. His educational credentials are PhD (2008, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale), MA (2004, Texas Tech University), and BA (2002, West Texas A&M University). Teaching covers core courses including COM 307 Gender and Communication, COM 360 Intercultural Communication, COM 702 Theory and Research in Communication, and COM 714 Qualitative Analysis in Communication. Research centers on communication theory in aesthetic/everyday contexts, ontological perspectives in posthumanities and new materialism, and intercultural dynamics within universities. His work critically examines human-nonhuman relationality, material agency, and autoethnographic methods, challenging anthropocentric frameworks through naturecultural performance studies. Recent publications (2020-2025) reveal escalating focus on posthumanist collaborations, environmental communication in the Eremocene era, and autoethnographic innovation. He bridges performance studies with intercultural theory, emphasizing non-human participation in meaning-making while addressing contemporary crises like loneliness and institutional diversity. Notable awards include: Lila A. Heston Award for Outstanding Scholarship in Interpretation and Performance Studies (2022) Distinguished Article Award from National Communication Association (2021) Outstanding Scholar in Performance Studies and Autoethnography (2021) Outstanding Graduate Faculty Member at Missouri State University (2016-2017) Rodgers Distinguished Faculty Research Award Finalist (2013) As Director of Graduate Studies and Editor-in-Chief of Text and Performance Quarterly (2021-2024), Simmons actively shapes graduate education and scholarly discourse. His service as Provost's Fellow for Graduate Student Success highlights commitment to student development. No explicit grant details are provided, but editorial leadership and award recognition suggest sustained research support. While the Reynolds College hosts the Bernice S. Warren Center for Archaeological Research and Digital Humanities Lab, Simmons' primary affiliation is with the Department of Communication. His work operates at the intersection of communication theory and performance studies without documented lab leadership.
Gabriel L Aguilar is an Assistant Professor in the Department of English at The University of Texas at Arlington, where he contributes to the fields of technical and professional communication. His work bridges writing, technology, and social justice, with a focus on borderlands, translingualism, and the impact of artificial intelligence on marginalized communities. Education: PhD in English, Pennsylvania State University, 2024 MA in English, Pennsylvania State University, 2020 BA in Writing and Rhetoric, The University of Texas at San Antonio, 2018 Dr. Aguilar’s research explores how communication technologies shape and are shaped by cultural, linguistic, and socioeconomic contexts—particularly in Latine and border communities. Drawing from posthumanism, Chicano studies, and public health, his interdisciplinary approach investigates AI ethics, digital scams, humanitarian translation apps, and invisible labor in AI systems. His teaching emphasizes career-aligned writing, preparing students for diverse professional fields including healthcare, law, education, and nonprofits. His recent publications and conference presentations reveal a strong trajectory in critical technical communication, with recurring themes in AI and equity, translingual practice, and the rhetorical design of technology. He is especially active in exploring how generative AI affects underserved populations and how technical communicators can respond ethically. Scientific Awards and Recognitions: Advisor Excellence Award Nominee, UTA (2025) Lufkin Best Paper Award, IEEE ProComm (2025) Fellow, Health Policy Research Scholars Program, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Dr. Aguilar advises graduate students, including Pacificah Marita, and is deeply involved in academic service. He serves on multiple departmental committees, including Graduate Studies and Research, and is an Editorial Review Board Member for Technical Communication Quarterly . He also reviews for leading journals such as College English and Computers and Composition . His commitment to mentorship and public scholarship is evident in his presentations on resume writing and research voice at Hispanic Serving Institutions. He is building a research program that connects technical communication with public health, social justice, and emerging technologies, positioning him as a vital voice in contemporary rhetorical and technological studies.
