M.A. Students
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Taylor Abernathy
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- B.A. in English, Arkansas State University (Jonesboro, AR)
- Research Interests: Surrealist Fiction, World Literature, Cultural Studies, Feminist
and Gender Studies, as well as Non-Western Rhetorics
- “I was born in Fayetteville but I have lived in northeastern Arkansas for the majority
of my life. In my free time, you'll find me watching an absurd amount of Chinese dramas
and snacking on anything sweet!”
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Eshrat Anjum
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- B.A. in English Language and Literature, Northern University Bangladesh (Dhaka, Bangladesh)
- M.A. in English Literature, Northern University Bangladesh (Dhaka, Bangladesh)
- Research Interests: “My research interests span Modern literature, cultural and gender studies, American
literature, Indigenous literature, deconstructionism, and postcolonial theory. I’m
also particularly drawn to rhetoric and composition—especially in the context of multilingual
classrooms, identity and voice in student writing, and inclusive teaching practices
that empower marginalized perspectives.”
- “I’m Eshrat Anjum, currently working as a Lecturer in English at Northern University Bangladesh.
Over the past few years, I’ve been engaged in researching and teaching a variety of
undergraduate courses in literature, academic writing, and communication skills. Outside
the classroom, I’m passionate about cross-cultural education, inclusive pedagogy,
and creating meaningful connections between academic knowledge and real-world experience.
I also enjoy attending theatre performances, visiting museums, and exploring diverse
cultures and traditional cuisines.”
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 Sidney Casey
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- B.A. in English Literature with a Minor in Medieval and Renaissance Studies and Italian,
University of Arkansas
- Research Interests: Renaissance Drama and Literature, Medieval Italian Poetry, Adaptation Studies, as
well as Rhetoric and Composition
- “I grew up in Southern Oklahoma but have spent time living overseas in Eastern Africa.
I am a recent graduate of the University of Arkansas. I love spending time outside,
traveling, trying new things, and being with my friends and family.”
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Arley-Beth Cravey
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- B.A. in English, University of Arkansas at Monticello
- Research Interests: Fin-de-siecle western literature, American Poetry, Victorian Literature,
Icelandic Sagas
- “I’m originally from Silsbee, Texas, and I graduated with my BA from UA Monticello,
where I cheered on the Boll Weevils for two years. I love being outdoors and near
any lake, beach, or river. I’ve been a Barista for two years now and have gained lots
of patience as well as a caffeine dependency.”
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Franklin Davidson
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- B.A. in English, University of Arkansas
- Research Interests: Game Theory, Cherokee history, literature and language, and folklore
and mythology
- “I am a first-generation college graduate, and an alumni of both John Brown University
and the University of Arkansas. I was born and raised in eastern Oklahoma, and I have
a deep love of the Ozarks, learning, and self-improvement. I enjoy literature, games,
and a good cup of coffee.”
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Noel Davis
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- B.A. in English and Writing, Drury University (Springfield, MO)
- Research Interests: Indigenous Literature, Feminist and Gender Studies, American Poetry,
Film Studies, and Rhetoric and Composition
- “I grew up in Galena, Missouri, on a small farm, and am excited to be continuing my
education at the University of Arkansas! In my free time, I love being outside, going
hiking, and exploring different parts of the Ozarks. Additionally, I love watching
TV sitcoms, listening to music, and spending time with family and friends.”
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Owen Durham
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- B.A. in German, University of Arkansas
- M.A. in German Language and Literature, University of Arkansas
- Research Interests: Medieval Literature, Comparative Literature, Cultural Studies,
Pre-Christian Religion/Philosophy, Gender Studies, as well as Historical Martial Arts
and Historical Linguistics/Philology
- “Born and raised in and around Little Rock, Arkansas, I have lived in Northwest Arkansas
since starting my BA in 2017. In my spare time I enjoy expressing myself creatively
through art and writing and am an assistant instructor of a Historical Fencing club
here in Fayetteville. I am a massive enthusiast of languages both historical and modern,
having studied German, Russian, Swedish, and Latin (among others), and would describe
myself as a lover of all things medieval and ancient.”
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Destiny Forrest
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- B.A. in English, University of Arkansas at Monticello
- Research Interests: Realistic American novels, Romantic novels, Southern Literature,
Renaissance literature, social and psychological dynamics in literature, animals in
literature
- “I am from Monticello, Arkansas, and I am excited to continue studying literature
in Fayetteville. I enjoy literature and stories that challenge my expectations and
remind me why I read and write. I love music, spending time with family and friends,
being outdoors, and drinking coffee.”
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Savvy Garringer
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- B.A. in English, Williams Baptist University (Walnut Ridge, AR)
- Research Interests: monsters and feminist literature
- “I'm from Beebe, AR, and look forward to discovering what Fayetteville has to offer!
I love music, theatre, animals, and coffee! I cannot wait to continue my education
here at UARK because I firmly believe that one should never stop striving to learn!”
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Ryan Glover
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- 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."
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Maria Hare
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- B.A. in English Rhetorical Studies with a minor in Spanish: second language learner, University
of Arkansas
- Research Interests: Dystopian Literature, Medieval Literature and Culture, Rhetorical Studies of Women
Reentering Society after Incarceration, Spanish Literature and Culture
- “I was born and raised in Rockford, Illinois, and earned my bachelor’s degree from
the University of Arkansas in English rhetorical studies. I am thrilled to continue
my education at the University of Arkansas for the M.A. program in English. I thoroughly
enjoy learning about medieval culture, as I learned to transcribe and translate Old
English to Modern English, as well as enjoy reading medieval literature. I love public
speaking and am excited to be teaching composition 1, as I love rhetorical studies
in various topics. I am also a very family and friend-oriented person and enjoy quality
time spent with people close to me.”
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Emma Johnson
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- B.A. in English - Creative Writing, University of Arkansas
- Research Interests: Early Medieval Languages and Linguistics, Old English Poetry, Classical Literature,
Medieval Literature
- “I’m originally from Decatur, AR, and have lived in Northwest Arkansas my whole life.
I moved to Fayetteville for my bachelor’s and absolutely love living here! I love
to study old languages and in my free time I enjoy reading, movies, volunteering,
and collecting rare books!”
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Avery Jones
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- B.A. in English, Arkansas State University (Jonesboro, AR)
- B.A. Thesis: “Fear/Desire: Why the Female Gothic Still Appeals to Women Readers Today”
- Research Interests: horror/Gothic literature, Victorian literature, feminist/gender studies, and women's
writing
- “I’m originally from central Arkansas. Some fun facts: I played flute in concert and
marching band for nearly 10 years, minored in French during undergrad, and used to
write news articles part-time. In my free time, I enjoy reading (of course), listening
to music, biking, and sometimes baking.”
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 Sarah Keen
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- B.A. in English - Literature, Tennessee Technological University (Cookeville, TN)
- Research Interests: Ecocriticism, 21st-Century American Literature, Ecotrauma, Postcolonialism, and Queer
Ecologies
- “I’m originally from coastal Georgia, though I’m coming to Fayetteville from Tennessee.
I’ve always had a heart for wildlife conservation, and I see a major element of aiding
conservation to be positively shaping people's perspectives and knowledge of the environment,
which I aim to do by combining the sciences and the humanities in sustainable wildlife
education practices. Outside of school, I’m still an avid reader and writer, and I
spend most of my time outside with my dog, enjoying recreation such as hiking, birdwatching, kayaking, and camping.”
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Finn Kennefick
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- B.A. in English - Creative Writing, University of Arkansas
- Research Interests: Religious Studies, Gender Studies, Irish Mythology, and Shakespearean
Literature
- “I have lived in Fayetteville around the University for almost all of my life, both
of my parents work here and I’m used to getting to know the graduate students that
they teach. The question for me was not where I would study, but what I would study.
This is not to say I have never left the U.S., I am a dual Irish citizen and lived
there for a time. The oral tradition my father instilled in me is what drives me to
study English, and fuels my research. I have always thrived in an academic setting
and am keen to teach.”
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Blake Laird
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- 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.”
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Robert Lee
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- B.A. in English and English Education, Lyon College (Batesville, AR)
- Research Interests: Literary Modernism and Romanticism
- “I am a first-generation college graduate and an alum of Lyon College. I've always
been interested in exploring the literary worlds written by authors to learn from
their experiences and perspectives. While an undergrad, I served as Lyon College's
Executive Editor for The Wheelbarrow, a student-run publication, to help fellow students share their experiences and perspectives
with the world.”
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Patricia Logan
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- B.A. in English: Creative Writing, B.A. in Philosophy, Hendrix College (Conway, AR)
- Research Interests: Historical Feminist Literature, 17th Century Women Philosophers,
Early Modern Philosophy, Medieval literature, Epistemology, Etymology, Philosophy
of Language
- “I am from Hot Springs, Arkansas, and I am delighted to continue my education at the
University of Arkansas! I love creative writing, philosophy, and music. In my free
time you can find me reading, writing, or singing somewhere, whether that be in a
choir, with some friends, or at a karaoke event!”
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 Lauren Louton
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- B.A. in English, University of Arkansas
- Research Interests: Greek Mythology, Classical Literature, Medieval Literature, Feminist and Gender Studies,
and, most recently, Horror. Enjoy studying how literature reflects ever-changing cultural
values and continues to shape the way we understand ourselves and the world around
us.
- “I was born in Springdale, Arkansas, but spent most of my childhood elsewhere before
returning to Fayetteville to earn my BA. I'm excited to be back at the University
of Arkansas to pursue my MA and continue exploring my love of literature. Outside
of school, I enjoy reading, playing video games, traveling, thrifting, and spending
time with my friends and my cats.”
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Tyler McCleland
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- B.A. in English - Creative Writing, B.A. in Teaching - English Education, University
of Arkansas
- Research Interests: Gender and Sexuality Topics, Y.A. Literature, Horror Literature,
Japanese Literature (20-21st century), Classical American and British Literature, Creative Writing
- “Grew up in Bentonville, Arkansas. Initially attended the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville,
just majoring in creative writing. Added on English education to double major. I
hope to continue growing my knowledge and expertise in the master’s program to become
a better educator.”
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 Cole McVay
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- B.A. in Theatre Arts, Hendrix College (Conway, AR)
- Research Interests: African American Literature, Southern Literature, Indigenous Literature, Family Sagas,
Drama, Literary Theory, Film, American Literature, and British Literature
- “I am from Little Rock, Arkansas, and currently reside in Fayetteville. I have spent
most of my professional career as a carpenter, painter, and draftsman for live theatre
and film. I am excited to further my education at the University of Arkansas! I enjoy
reading, going to the movies, sketching, painting, crafts, weightlifting, cycling,
and swimming!”
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Carly Nicolai
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- B.A. in English and Communications, Le Moyne College (Syracuse, NY)
- Research Interests: adaptation studies, absurdist literature, drama, film, and gender/sexuality studies
- “I’m from Morristown, NJ, and looking forward to continuing my studies at University
of Arkansas! In my free time I enjoy performing/singing, playing video games, crocheting,
and, of course, reading a good book or two.”
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Simon Osler
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- B.A. in English, DePaul University (Chicago, IL)
- Research Interests: Arthurian Literature, Adaptations, Epic Poetry, Classical Literature
- “I am originally from outside of St. Louis, Missouri, but I have spent the last 6
years in Chicago where I received my B.A in English from DePaul University. I am fascinated
by how medieval literature has wriggled its way into modern storytelling and how modern
culture has twisted medieval imagery and ethics into creating a skewed vision of the
past.”
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Isaac Overman
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- B.A. English, Topical Studies, University of Arkansas
- Research Interests: Southern-American literature, specifically in comparing boyhood and adolescence throughout
the history of American literature
- “Literature has the power to change people's lives, perspectives, and beliefs—I know
it has changed mine. I want to become a teacher who can facilitate that to others,
but most importantly, to my community. My hobbies include cooking, reading, and walking
aimlessly.”
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Avery Powell
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- B.A. in English - Creative Writing and a Minor in Professional Writing, University
of Arkansas at Fort Smith
- Research Interests: Dystopian Societies and Psychoanalytic Criticism
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“I was born and raised in the small town of Mena, Arkansas. I enjoy writing creative
stories as well as mixing the psychology behind characters with both my fictional
and academic writing. I already have two publications, one being a novel and the other
a short story. In my freetime you will find me writing, reading, or watching horror
movies.”
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Allie Primm
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- 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.”
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 Kailee Rowe
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- B.A. in History and Classical Studies, University of Arkansas
- Research Interests: Early Medieval British History and Literature, Manuscript Studies,
Multilingual Literary Culture and Intertextuality, Historical Writing and Origines Gentium
- “I was born in Tulsa, but I lived in Arkansas for my whole life, and I am proud to
call Northwest Arkansas my home! I love learning languages, especially ones of the
historical variety. In my spare time I enjoy practising piano, crocheting and knitting,
and playing with my cat (her name is Iris!).”
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Aimee Scott
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- B.A. in English Literature; B.A. in Psychology; B.A. in Corporate and Organizational
Communication, Western Kentucky University (Bowling Green, KY)
- Research Interests: “My primary research interests revolve around Medieval literature, Renaissance literature,
and mythology. More specifically, I enjoy leaning into the presence of philosophical
and psychological ideals that allow me to study the complexity of morality, identity,
and human interiority through literature.”
- “I was born and raised in Glasgow, Kentucky, and graduated from Western Kentucky University,
so I’m really excited that moving to Arkansas is an entirely new adventure! Although
I grew up on a farm horseback riding, and still have nine horses waiting for me back
in Kentucky, I enjoy spending the majority of my time reading, cuddling with my cats,
loitering in coffee shops, and dabbling in the arts (so I openly claim to be a novice
in terms of sketching, painting, embroidery, photography, etc). Throughout my undergraduate
career, taking psychology courses alongside literature courses led to a fascination
with how literature facilitates a more compassionate understanding of humanity than
psychology as a science provides, so I enjoy exploring the complexity of morality,
identity, and human interiority through literature. Medieval and Renaissance literature
may not be the first place people typically seek portrayals of human interiority,
but I deeply enjoy lingering in the complexity of the language and find that the foreignness/historical
distance of Medieval literature can act as a looking glass stripping away previously
held conceptions and biases as we explore fundamental truths of what it means to be
human through these texts. Somehow, these varied interests have culminated in a slight
obsession with Dante’s Divine Comedy so, despite earning three concurrent degrees, the crowning achievement of my undergraduate
career is the fact I read Inferno four times.”
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Lydia Sharpe
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- 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.”
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 Annika VanDerlip
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- B.S. in Statistics, double majoring in Creative Writing, Florida State University
(Tallahassee, FL)
- Research Interests: Medieval Literature, Arthurian Literature, Folklore, Humanity vs. Monstrosity, Gothic
Fiction
- “I’m from the West Palm Beach area of south Florida and earned my Bachelor’s in Statistics
from Florida State University in 2025 alongside a double major in Creative Writing.
I’ve decided to continue my education at the University of Arkansas after discovering
that my love for literature and stories far outweighs my interest in a statistics
career. In my free time, I enjoy reading (mostly fantasy and horror), painting, hiking,
playing D&D and video games like Baldur’s Gate III, and spending time with my partner
and friends.”
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 Heather Vernier
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- B.A. in English with a Concentration in Creative Writing, University of Arkansas
- Research Interests: Medieval Literature, Feminist Literature, and Gothic Literature
- “After being raised in Northern California, I relocated with my family to Northwest
Arkansas in 2021. A year later, I started my bachelor's degree and now I am about
to start my master's degree, which I am so excited for! In my free time, I enjoy being
with my chickens, playing board games, watching movies, reading, and listening to
music.”
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Ph.D. Students
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Emma Bacak
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Emily Birtwistle
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B.A. in English and Comparative Literature, University of North Carolina at Chapel
Hill
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M.A in English (Specialization in Ethnic and Regional Literatures), University of
Arkansas
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Research Interests: Women and Gender Studies, Motherhood Studies, Feminist Theory
and Pop Culture
-
“After graduating from UNC, I worked as a 6th Grade ELA teacher in Apex, NC, which
heavily influenced my love for English Education. I then returned to graduate school
at the University of Arkansas, where I developed my research interests in motherhood
studies and feminist theory. Additionally, I teach various composition courses during
the school year, and I work as the Assistant to the Director at the North Carolina
Governor's School West in the summer (where I first fell in love with English). If
you see me around, please ask about my rotten beagle puppy, Maisy!”
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Elizabeth Bonkoski
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- 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
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Olivia Cash
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- 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
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Bethany Cole
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- 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.”
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Brian Eckert
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- B.A. in English (with a minor in Creative Writing), Case Western Reserve University
(Cleveland, OH)
- M.A. in Liberal Arts, Johns Hopkins University (Baltimore, MD)
- Research Interests: Poetry, Poetics, Marxism, Queer Theory, Aesthetics, Existentialism and Phenomenology,
Class Studies, Eco-Poetics, Disability Studies
- “I was born and raised in rural, northwestern Indiana before attending Case Western
Reserve University in Cleveland, OH, where I intended to study engineering and business.
Instead, I graduated with a BA in English and a minor in Creative Writing (with Departmental
Honors), and entered directly into a Master's of Liberal Arts program at Johns Hopkins
University. Since graduating from JHU in May 2022, I started and dropped out of the
MFA program at Naropa University in Boulder, CO, I served as a long term substitute
teacher for a middle school in the mountains, and spent many hours working in various
restaurant kitchens, all of which have further shaped my approach to education as
both a student and teacher. In my free time I enjoy hiking, biking, reading, and watching
football.”
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Tiffany Elder
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- 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
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 Ashley Foley
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- B.A. in English (with a minor in Dance), Belhaven University (Jackson, MS)
- M.A. in English, Mississippi State University (Starkville, MS)
- Research Interests: Middle English, Typology, Allegory, Symbolism, Imagery, Early Church Fathers, Religion
and Culture in Medieval Literature, Medieval Literature’s Use of Classical Mythology,
Monasticism, Liturgy, Sacred Music, and British Victorian Literature
- “Studying literature has been, for me, the pursuit of wisdom, beauty, and goodness.
Such attentiveness is incomplete without the corresponding cultivation of these gifts
through active reflection, explanation, and discussion. Literature has been my school
for both contemplating the transcendental and also the interior life. Stories have
helped me grow in compassion for people suffering amidst varying circumstances, flaws,
and struggles. Additionally, attentive reading has been helping me obtain self-knowledge
and to foster gratitude for my own life.”
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Lizzie Fox
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- B.A. in Comparative Literature, Williams College (Williamstown, MA)
- M.F.A. in Creative Writing and Literary Translation, University of Arkansas
- Research Interests: Medieval Languages, Early Medieval Theater and Performance, Convents, Medieval Women’s
Bodies and Autonomy
- Lizzie Fox (she/her) is a Massachusetts native and Arkansas convert currently working
on a translation of Hrotsvitha of Gandersheim’s (c. 935-1000 C.E.) complete plays.
Her translations, fiction, and poetry have appeared in the L.A. Review, Denver Quarterly, Cable Street, and elsewhere. She lives in Springdale with her partner and their two cats, Tillich
and Schleiermacher.
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Sharon Fox
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- 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
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 Kayla Green
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- B.A in English (Minor in Psychology), Williams Baptist University (Walnut Ridge, AR)
- M.A in English (Modern American Specialization), University of Arkansas
- Research Interests: Southern Literature, Southern Gothic, American Regional Studies, African American
Literature, Global South
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Tyler Houston
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- 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.”
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Michel LaCrue
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- 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
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Kaitlin Leathers
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- 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
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John McManus
|
- B.A. in English, Henderson State University (Arkadelphia, AR)
- M.A. in English, Henderson State University (Arkadelphia, AR)
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Ren Phillips
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- B.A. in English and Communication Arts, Washington & Jefferson College (Washington, PA)
- M.A. in English, University of Arkansas
- Research Interests: Literature of the American South, Gothic Literature, Psychoanalytic Criticism, Intersectionality,
Disability Studies
- “I was born and raised in Gettysburg, PA, and have had the privilege of working as
an educator in various capacities since college; I've come to view my academic interests
as a way to incite social change, advocate for literacy, and empathize with others.
I'm eager to continue my studies at UArk and can otherwise be found watching horror
movies and exploring NWA with my dog, Laika!”
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Mitchell Simpson
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- B.A. in German, University of Arkansas
- M.A. in English, University of Arkansas
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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
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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.”
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Emma Williams
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- B.A. in English Literature, Arkansas State University (Jonesboro, AR)
- M.A. in English Literature, Arkansas State University (Jonesboro, AR)
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M.A. Thesis: “Mother Machines: Deified Domesticity and American Misogyny in Ira Levin’s
‘The Stepford Wives’”
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Research Interests: Women and Gender Studies, Postcolonial Studies, Contemporary American
Literature, Monster Theory
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“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.”
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Lia Wu
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