Graduate Student Profiles

M.A. Students
	Rasna Afroz	B.A. in English Language & Literature (ELL), Bangladesh Army University of Engineering and Technology (BAUET) (Qadirabad Cantonment, Natore, Rajshahi Division, Bangladesh) B.A. Thesis: “Problems and Prospects of Online Teaching and Learning at the Tertiary Level in Bangladesh” M.A. in English Language Teaching, University of Rajshahi (Rajshahi, Rajshahi Division, Bangladesh) Publication: “Problems and Prospects of Online Teaching and Learning at the Tertiary Level in Bangladesh,” American Journal of Education and Technology, vol. 2, no. 1, 2023, pp. 10-20. Research Interests: Eighteenth and Nineteenth century British literature and culture, Modern and contemporary American literature “I am a curious soul and always seeking new adventures. My passion fuels my pursuits, driving me to push boundaries and challenge conventions. Overall, I am an amicable person who like to meet new people and take new challenges.”
	Zainab Aldaoseri	B.A. in English Language and Literature, University of Basrah (Basra, Iraq) Research Interests: “I am deeply passionate about medieval and Renaissance studies, literary theory, and comparative literature. However, my greatest interest is the application of psychological theories as well as moral philosophy to literary criticism. It's a way for me to understand life and the human condition through literature, and it thus contributed to my belief that literature is life itself. Understanding literature helps us gain new perspectives about human nature and reality.” “I've always been fascinated by cultures, languages, and literature, which led me to major in English Language and Literature. Additionally, I'm a music enthusiast and a cat mom. Besides Arabic (my native language) and English, I can speak a little German and even less Persian (which I only started learning recently).”
	Md. Sayed Ali	B.A. in English Literature, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (Sylhet, Bangladesh) M.A. in English Literature, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (Sylhet, Bangladesh) Research Interests: Feminism and cultural studies, Gender, Race and Sexuality , post-colonialism, Existentialism, Cultural Hegemony “I have always been drawn to literature, especially novels, and my quest for knowledge in this area has led me to explore further. I am always open to discussing differing opinions and thoughts in a friendly manner, while avoiding personal attacks.”
	Emma Bacak	B.A. in English, University of North Texas (Denton, TX) Research Interests: Dystopian literature, with an emphasis in Race and Ethnic literature. “I was raised in College Station, Texas and completed my bachelors in English with honors at the University of North Texas in Denton, Texas! I am very excited to continue my study of literature and explore Fayetteville and the Ozarks.”
	Emily Birtwistle	B.A. in English and Comparative Literature, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Research Interests: Southern American literature, Modern American literature, feminist and gender studies, and Shakespeare “I started reading when I was two years old, and I haven't been able to put a book down since! After graduating from UNC, I worked as a sixth grade language arts teacher in Raleigh, NC, to help connect younger students with their own love for literature. I hope to continue that mission at UARK, and eventually become an English professor myself!”
	Amber Black	B.A. in English Literature and History, John Brown University (Siloam Springs, AR) M.A. in History of Warfare, King's College London (London, England, United Kingdom) M.A. in History, University of Arkansas Research Interests: Previous research focused on the Cold War; planning to continue that focus by researching the writings of Kurt Vonnegut in a Cold War context. “I have just finished my second MA in history. I hold a double BA in English literature and history. I am passionate about the humanities and enjoy roller skating and reading in my spare time.”
	Teyaira Bonds	B.A. in English and Psychology, Henderson State University (Arkadelphia, AR) Research Interests: African American Literature, Pop Culture, Feminist Studies, Young Adult Fiction “Originally from Arkansas with a love of reading and education. My hope is to continue learning and teaching, honing my craft through what literature can teach me.”
	Taylor Brown	B.A. in English Education, Southwest Baptist University (Bolivar, MO) Research Interests: feminist studies, gender and sexuality, folklore, regional literature, horror and gothic literature, Modern American literature, religion and spirituality “I was born and raised in Northwest Arkansas and earned my bachelor's degree in English education in Southwest Missouri. After four years, I'm so glad to be back home and to continue furthering my education in the subject I am so passionate about. I love how stories bring us together and I believe that we are made kinder and more understanding through literature's recognition of our similarities and its celebration of our differences.”
	Charlotte Cassidy	B.A. in English and Theatre, University of North Carolina at Pembroke Post-Baccalaureate focus: Psychology, Columbia University (New York, NY) Research Interests: Victorian Literature, Science Fiction, Adaptation Theory, Psychoanalysis, Horror, and Gothic Fiction “My name is Charlotte and I have a pig named Wilbur and a pig named Waddles; my guinea pigs. I am a singer, writer, actress, film buff, and theatre nerd. In melding my creative arts interests with my research interests I intend to focus on what changes need to be made in adapting literature to the stage and to film. I am also interested in researching fear. Science fiction, crime fiction, and horror fiction are three genres that give us insight into what different societies and cultures are afraid of, as do a culture's myths. I suggest that people are most afraid of the unknown. The unknown as a fear seems to me to transcend cultural differences. I would, if possible, include how scientific discoveries make people afraid, even when the developments are meant to improve life. Societal frictions often appear to be struggles between those who believe in science and ideas as positive potentials, and those who fear the new as other and risky.”
	Abel Fenwick	B.A. in English, Royal Holloway University of London (Egham, Surrey, England, United Kingdom) B.A. Thesis: “‘Binding the Wound’: A Trauma Theory Reading of Frankenstein and Wuthering Heights” Certificate in Secondary English Education, University of Sunderland (Sunderland, England, United Kingdom) Research Interests: The interplay of psychology, horror and the gothic in literature, representations of queer identities on film, Victorian and Neo-Victorian texts, and media conflations of region, identity and class. “Attending Royal Holloway University of London as a mature student allowed me to understand the value of education as a ladder to progression, a lifechanging experience which made me determined to help others climb the rungs. My choice to apply for a Master's degree in English is shaped by my desire to further delve into how literature continues to both reflect and shape the world. I am pursuing the Regional and Ethnic Literature specialist track to deepen my understanding of the power literature holds to both perpetuate and undermine wider hegemonic discourses surrounding the ‘other’ within the context of the United States, an interest sparked through my membership of the Italian American Studies association and my own independent study. I look forward to learning more about the rich history of the United States and exchanging ideas with my new cohort - I'm always up for a chat and a tea!”
	Ryan Glover	B.A. in French, University of Arkansas Research Interests: gender and sexuality, speculative fiction, afrofuturism, and film studies. “After some time off since achieving my Bachelor’s in French, I am very excited to return to the University of Arkansas to continue my studies of literature. I am particularly interested in literature and film relating to queer stories and experiences. In my free time I can usually be found patronizing local bookstores and libraries, attending book clubs, and watching as many movies as possible."
	John Hannon	B.A. in History, Criminal Justice, and Sociology, University of Arkansas “I'm in the process of writing my first novel, it's historical fiction set in the early 1100s. I got into reading about that period about 2 years ago and fell in love with it and that's in part what led me to want to go back to school and study it in more depth and detail. My research interest pertains to more or less the period from 1000-1200, the period of history that Dr. Smith is an expert in. That's the main reason I wanted to study here, to benefit from his expertise on the long 12th century.”
	Christopher Jester	B.A. in Rhetoric and Writing, University of Arkansas at Fort Smith Research Interests: Southern American Literature, 20th Century American Literature, The Lost Generation, Ancient History, Philosophy, Religion “I was born and raised in Fort Smith, AR, and currently live in Van Buren, AR. A lot of my free time is spent reading mostly classic literature, watching films, collecting vinyls, or drawing what interests me. I welcome the opportunity to learn more about the literary world and its history to deepen my understanding so that I can hopefully become an English professor.”
	Mary Beth Kemp	B.A. in English and Journalism, University of Arkansas Research Interests: Medieval literature, gender and feminist studies, folklore and mythology “I love exploring new worlds through reading, and I believe that literature is a vital tool for understanding each other and fostering empathy. When I'm not reading, I love going to concerts, wandering museums, and thrifting!”
	Blake Laird	B.A. in English, B.A. in Political Science, University of Arkansas at Little Rock M.A. in Political Science, Arkansas State University (Jonesboro, AR) Research Interests: Political Theology and Modern American Literature “I am a family-oriented person. When I am not hanging out with my family, I like to wander around libraries, visit coffee shops and read in solitude. From a social standpoint, I enjoy going to academic presentations that are related to my research interests as well as starting/joining reading groups. Lastly, I enjoy deep sea fishing and being out on the water in general.”
	Morgan Lee	B.A. in English Literature with a minor in Classical Studies, California State University, Long Beach Research Interests: medieval literature; Renaissance literature; classical literature and philosophy; ethnic literature “I am originally from Los Angeles, CA. I have spent the past seven years living and working in Memphis, TN. I've been an educator for almost 20 years (yes, I am that old). For the past two years, I have been working as a 7^th grade English teacher for a private online Christian school. I am a proud auntie to two cats...oh...and several humans as well.”
	Molly Mingo	B.A. in English, Williams Baptist University (Walnut Ridge, AR) Research Interests: world literature and cultural literature, as well as rhetoric and composition “I graduated from Williams Baptist University with a Bachelor’s degree in English. After graduating, I taught English as a second language in South Korea for 18 months. I’m looking forward to continuing my studies at the UofA and hopefully get into the editing/publishing field after graduation!”
	Abigayle Money	B.A. in English, College of the Ozarks (Point Lookout, MO) Research Interests: English Renaissance literature, American Romanticism, Southern Gothic literature, and Religion “I’m originally from Southern Illinois, but my decision to pursue higher education led me to the Ozarks, which has been my home for the past four years. When I’m not in class, you can find me either training for my next marathon, doodling in one of my many unfinished sketchbooks, or watching overly pretentious films. By continuing my education at UofA, I hope to one day become a humanities professor.”
	Lauren Phillips	B.A. in English and Communication Arts, Washington & Jefferson College (Washington, PA) Research Interests: Psychoanalytic Literary Criticism, Gothic Literature, Poetry and Poetics, Trauma Studies, Theater and Drama, Gender and Sexuality “I grew up in the Gettysburg area, and one of my favorite memories is sitting atop Devil’s Den with my best friend as we debated the logistics of Thestral’s appearances in Harry Potter. I’ve always found great purpose in reading and poetry, and I hope to apply my studies to my goals of becoming an English professor and better understanding, connecting, and empathizing with myself and those around me. When I’m not reading and writing, I often find myself watching and performing in plays and musicals, hiking and biking, and investing a bit too much time into video games and movies.”
	Allie Primm	B.A. in Rhetoric and Writing, University of Arkansas at Fort Smith B.A. Honors Capstone: A pilot episode for an original sitcom called “Apartment H8”; the defense involved a table read. Research Interests: rhetoric and composition, literary theory, folklore, and genre fiction “I lived in the same little ranch-style house in the River Valley my entire life until I moved to Fayetteville about two years ago to work at the University. I recently married and we have what I believe is the cutest dog in the whole world-a Boston Terrier named Danny DeVito (he is a menace). In my free time I enjoy baking, playing RPG video games and D&D, embarrassing myself at karaoke, and rewatching my favorite sitcoms.”
	Lydia Sharpe	B.A. in Secondary English Education, Oklahoma Baptist Universty (Shawnee, OK) Research Interests: Medieval/Renaissance literature or Classical literature “I am originally from Washington State; my family lived off of Hood Canal near Seattle. I prefer quiet coffee shops and being outside to pretty much anything else.”
	Bethany Tilley	B.A. in English, Harding University (Searcy, AR) B.A. Thesis: “As a Jeweler Polishes a Stone, a Poet Turns a Phrase: The Language of Gemstones in Cheryl Savageau’s Mother/Land” Research Interests: film theory, feminist and gender studies, poetics, and Norse mythology “I have loved reading and films since I was young, but the hunger for further study of literature didn’t fully take root until high school and then blossomed in my undergraduate studies. In my free time, I enjoy reading, watching movies, writing, spending time with my wife, weightlifting, and cuddling my cats.”
	Ahsan Tohel	Grew up and educated in Sylhet; lives in Dhaka, Bangladesh B.A. in English, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (Sylhet, Bangladesh) B.A. Assignment: “Magical Realism in Gabriel García Márquez’sStrange Pilgrims” M.A. in English, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (Sylhet, Bangladesh) M.A. Monograph: “Toni Morrison’s The Bluest Eye: A Psychoanalytic Reading” Research Interests: English Language and Pedagogy, Media and Culture, Modern American Fiction and Drama, British Classics, Modern British Drama, South Asian Literature “The best is yet to come. The best piece of work is yet to be done. The best of fictions is yet to be penned. We can always get beyond our limit in excellence. We can always leave behind the supreme legacy as humans.”
	Eden Young	B.A. in English, Berry College (Mount Berry, GA) Research Interests: southern literature, ecocriticism, postmodern fiction, structuralism “Coming from Savannah, GA, I am excited to bring my love of reading and all things outdoors to the Ozarks! When I'm not buried in a book you can find me climbing, sailing, hiking, or biking. I love new people, new experiences, and puzzles (even when my cat tries to eat the pieces).”
Ph.D. Students
	Emmy Aguayo	B.A. in Spanish, University of Arkansas B.A. in French, University of Arkansas M.F.A. in Creative Writing & Translation, University of Arkansas
	Tate Aldrich	originally from Laconia, NH B.A. in English Teaching, University of New Hampshire (Durham, NH) M.Ed., Plymouth State University (Plymouth, NH) Research Interests: 20th Century American Literature and Gender Studies
	Jessica L. Allee	originally from Grand Junction, CO B.A. in English with a concentration in Creative Writing, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT M.A. in English with an emphasis in Rhetoric, Composition, and Literacy, University of Arkansas Research Interests: rhetoric and composition pedagogy and Medical Humanities
	Anson Andrews	B.S. in Secondary Education, University of Louisiana (Monroe, LA) M.A. in English, University of Louisiana (Monroe, LA)
	Dana Turner Blair	B.A. in English (with an emphasis in Creative Writing), University of Arkansas M.A. in English, University of Arkansas Research Interests: multiliteracies, composition pedagogy, Writing Program Administration, and teacher education
	Elizabeth Bonkoski	originally from DeKalb, IL, but grew up in Springfield, MO B.A. in Theatre Studies, Missouri State University (Springfield, MO) M.A. in English Literature, Missouri State University M.A. Thesis: “Breaking the Wheel of History: Gender and Hegemony in Mad Max: Fury Road ” Research Interests: pop culture, literary theory, literature for the young, and early-mid-20th-century American literature
	Heathermarie Mason	B.A. in English, Northeastern State University (Tahlequah, OK) M.A. in English, Northeastern State University (Tahlequah, OK) M.A. Thesis: “Stop Reading Over My Shoulder: Finding Meaning in Romance Novels” “I am vested in adding more diversity to the English Canon; the more diverse and inclusive the reading, the more likely we are to hear each other. My research focuses on romance novels as a means to invite more conversations, especially topics often deemed too controversial, or uncomfortable, for public discussions. I like to ask ‘why not’ and I encourage other students to ask the awkward questions.”
	Janette Byrd	B.A. in English and B.A. in Anthropolgy/Sociology, University of Arkansas M.A. in Applied Anthropology, Oregan State University (Corvallis, OR) M.A. Thesis: “Serving Amid Institutional Camouflage: The Invisibility of School Food Service Workers” Research Interests: Narratives of missing and murdered Indigenous women, children, and men in Oklahoma, and gun violence in Arkansas. “My research interests are rooted in developing narrative literacy and how it is used for social and cultural change. What narratives do we use to solve social and cultural contradictions or controversies that serve the status quo, how do those narratives intersect with power, and how do we construct new narratives that disrupt what is and usher in what can be? What tales do we tell ourselves and others to make sense of unjust acts or systems, and how do we learn how to ‘read’, interpret, internalize, and leverage them into actions?”
	Olivia Cash	originally from Pindall, AR B.A. in English and Writing, Drury University (Springfield, MO) M.A. in English (Specialization in Ethnic and Regional Studies), University of Arkansas Research Interests: American South, Global South, Ecocriticism, and Medical Humanities
	Bethany Cole	B.A. in Philosophy, Oklahoma Baptist University (Shawnee, OK) M.A. in English, University of Arkansas Research Interests: fantasy, the soul, religion and literature, mythology, translation, sacramental literature, Tolkien studies, liturgy “I previously earned a M.A. in English from the University of Arkansas and am thrilled to now be working towards a Ph.D. in Medieval Studies. I am passionate about the ways art shapes our souls as human beings, especially literary art. When I am not studying, I love to paint, take photographs, and go on long hikes with my beautiful Australian Shepherd named Baer.”
	Tiffany Elder	originally from Tarkio, MO B.A. in English, Northeastern State University (Tahlequah, OK) M.A. in English (focus in literature), Northeastern State University M.A. Thesis: “Through Teutonic Eyes: Returning the Germanic to The Wanderer ” Research Interests: religious studies, Norse Mythology, Anglo-Saxon literature, commonalities across world mythologies, rhetoric of space and place, and multi-modal composition
	David Farris	I was born and raised in Fayetteville, and I have always loved this place that I call home. My hobbies are playing video games, watching a ton of TV shows, and collecting manga. My favorite shows are usually game shows or some reality television. I want to understand the world more and hope to contribute to how others understand the world around them. B.A. in English and Music, Lyon College (Batesville, AR) M.A. in English, Southeast Missouri State University (Cape Girardeau, MO) M.A. Thesis: “Jesus, Mary, and ...Joe?: An Archetypal Criticism of William Faulkner's Light in August” Research Interests: Faulkner, Southern studies, modernism, psychoanalysis
	Sharon Fox	originally from Dundee, Scotland B.A. in English and B.A. in History (with minors in Gender Studies and Medieval/Renaissance Studies), University of Arkansas M.A. in English, University of Arkansas M.A. Thesis: “Dandy as Disease: Gender Hygiene and British Nineteenth-century Literature” Research Interests: Victorian Masculinities, Gender Studies, 19th-Century Dystopian Literature
	Jesse Greenhill	B.A. in English, University of Arkansas M.F.A. in Creative Writing & Translation, University of Arkansas
	Scott Hendry	B.A. in Religion and Philosophy, Oklahoma Baptist University (Shawnee, OK) M.A. in English, University of Oklahoma (Norman, OK) Research Interests: Literature of the Great Plains and the North American West, rhetorics of place and space, geocriticism, phenomenology, spatial theory, and environmental poetics.
	Tyler Houston	B.A. in English, University of Arkansas M.A. in English, University of Arkansas “My interests, both personal and professional, are centered around the intersection of current technologies and literary form. The ways in which technology both redefines how we tell and interpret stories, as well as what impact those interpretations have on individuals and society, is at the center of my research. I hope to keep my focus at the forefront of the technologies that are continually developing the way we tell stories.”
	Michel LaCrue	B.A. in Rhetoric and Writing, University of Arkansas--Fort Smith M.A. in English, University of Arkansas M.A. Thesis: “Establishing Influence and Authority in Ancient Civilizations and Modern Politics: The Rhetoric of Oracles and Oracular Maneuvers of Political Action Committees” Research Interests: curriculum development and pedagogy in the First Year Writing classroom, Writing Program Administration, and student literacy
	Kaitlin Leathers	B.A. in English, with a minor in linguistics, California State University (Bakersfield, CA) M.A. in English, California State University (Bakersfield, CA) M.A. Thesis: “Metamorphosis and Metaphysics: An Exploration of Man and Beast, Good and Evil, Christian and Pagan through Dichotomous Werewolves of the Middle Ages” Research Interests: Medieval languages and literature (Old English, Old Norse, Old Irish), outlawry, monster theory and folklore, animal studies, gender and sexuality
	John McManus	B.A. in English, Henderson State University (Arkadelphia, AR) M.A. in English, Henderson State University (Arkadelphia, AR)
	Samantha Meeks	originally from Sheridan, AR B.A. in English, Arkansas Tech University (Russellville, AR) M.A. in English, Arkansas Tech University (Russellville, AR) Research Interests: 18th- and 19th-Century British Literature and Utopian/Dystopian Studies
	Michael Menase	B.A. in German Studies, University of Virginia (Charlottesville, VA) M.A. in History, University of Alabama M.A. in German, University of Alabama M.A. in Philosophy, Oklahoma State University M.A. in English, University of Arkansas M.A. Thesis: “Ghosts and Ethics in the Early Works of James Joyce” Research Interests: Modernism and Shakespeare
	John Plavcan	originally from Arkansas B.A. in English, University of Arkansas M.A. in English, University of Arkansas Research Interests: examination of medievalism in modern media
	Nicole Rikard	originally from Dallas, TX B.A. in English, Texas Woman's University (Denton, TX) M.A. in English - Literature, Missouri State University (Springfield, MO) M.A. Thesis: “The Third Generation and the Multiplicity of ‘Indianness’” Research Interests: Contemporary Native American poetry, fiction, and memoir; Native Studies; Ethnic Studies; Postcolonial Theory and Literature
	Andrea Rogers	originally from Tulsa, OK B.A. in English, University of Tulsa M.F.A. in Creative Writing, The Institute of American Indian Arts (Santa Fe, NM) M.F.A. Thesis/Creative Work: “How Not to Write About Native Americans” / Man Made Monsters, A Short Story Collection Research Interests: American Indian literature and history, Indigenous lit
	Abby Ross	B.A. in English (Political Science and Education minors), Austin College (Sherman, TX) M.A. in English (Ethnic and Regional Specialization), University of Arkansas Research Interests: American Regional Studies, Southern Literature, and the Southern Gothic
	Jordan Savage	B.A. in English, University of Arkansas--Fort Smith M.A. in Enlgish, University of Mississippi (Oxford, MS)
	Mitchell Simpson	B.A. in German, University of Arkansas M.A. in English, University of Arkansas
	Zoë Townsend	Originally from Napa, CA Dual US/UK citizen Mother of three loud children B.A. in English and Theology, Durham University (Durham, England) B.A. Thesis: “The Chronicler's Use of Festal Language” Master of Studies, University of Cambridge (Cambridge, England) M.A. Thesis: “The Effect of the History and Culture of the ‘converso’ on Modern Jewish-Christian Relations in Spain” Research Interests: The interfaith encounter in literature, Religion and literature, Austen and language, the British Metaphysical poets of the 17th Century
	Russell Webb	B.A. in English, Northeastern State University (Tahlequah, OK) M.A. in English, Northeastern State University (Tahlequah, OK) M.A. Thesis: “Emerson: The Perennial Bard” Research Interests: American Literature, Transcendentalism, The Beat Generation, Post-Counter Culture Literature, High Weirdness, Indigenous Studies, Esoteric Literature, Taoism. “I am an Army veteran and former Green Beret with over eight years of service. I find my soul and my serenity in nature. It is this same connection with nature that exists in most indigenous paradigms of the world and is also found in Western spiritual movements, such as Transcendentalism. I view my connection to the earth in this same spirit.”
	Emma Williams	B.A. in English Literature, Arkansas State University (Jonesboro, AR) M.A. in English Literature, Arkansas State University (Jonesboro, AR) M.A. Thesis: “Mother Machines: Deified Domesticity and American Misogyny in Ira Levin’s ‘The Stepford Wives’” Research Interests: Women and Gender Studies, Postcolonial Studies, Contemporary American Literature, Monster Theory “I am originally from Jasper, Arkansas. I spend my precious free time crocheting, crafting, and watching The Real Housewives. My life’s third greatest passion, behind teaching and academic research, is Bravo television programming.”
	Lia Wu	B.A. in English, Asian Studies, and Classical Studies, Rice University (Houston, TX) Graduate Certificate in Homeland Security and Defense, Missouri State University (Springfield, MO) M.A. in Creative Writing, Western Colorado University (Gunnison, CO) M.A. Thesis Project: The republication of Bram Stoker's Lair of the White Worm with WordFire Press and the anthology Gilded Glass: Twisted Myths and Shattered Fairy Tales. Research Interests: “I'm interested in cultural folklore and mythologies, particularly classical and Asian. I'd like to pursue a survey of works and stories that make up the identity of diverse cultures, most specifically as it relates to materialism and symbolism contained therein.” “I've been teaching English at the middle and upper school level for the past three years and, when I announced I was returning to get my doctorate, I told my students that I missed writing essays... They dubiously bid me good luck. I own a publishing company, Ozark Hollow Press. I love reading fanfiction, spending time with my partner, dogs, and cats, watching anime, and enjoying all things Batman.”

Graduate Student Profiles

M.A. Students

Ph.D. Students