Graduate Student Profiles

M.A. Students

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Taylor Abernathy

  • 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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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.”
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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).
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Eshrat Anjum

  • 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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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.”
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Arley-Beth Cravey

  • 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

  • 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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Owen Durham

  • 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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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!”
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Destiny Forrest

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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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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.”
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Avery Jones

  • 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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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!”
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Finn Kennefick

  • 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

  • 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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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 7th grade English teacher for a private online Christian school. I am a proud auntie to two cats...oh...and several humans as well.”
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Patricia Logan

  • 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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Carly Nicolai

  • 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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Isaac Overman

  • 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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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.
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Aimee Scott

  • 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

  • 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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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.” 
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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

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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
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Emma Bacak

  • B.A. in English (with a Minor in Sociology), University of North Texas (Denton, TX)
  • M.A. in English, University of Arkansas
  • Research Interests: dystopian fiction, speculative fiction, race and ethnic studies, young adult fiction, queer studies, modern literature, contemporary literature
  • “I was born and raised in Texas but NWA has captured my heart! I look forward to continuing to develop my skills as a researcher and teacher over the years I have left here at University of Arkansas. I'm passionate about animals, the outdoors, and literature.”
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Emily Birtwistle

  • B.A. in English and Comparative Literature, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
  • M.A in English (Specialization in Ethnic and Regional Literatures), University of Arkansas
  • 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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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
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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
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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?”
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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
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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.”
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Brian Eckert

  • 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

  • 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

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
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Kayla Green

  • 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
 

Jesse Greenhill

  • B.A. in English, University of Arkansas
  • M.F.A. in Creative Writing & Translation, University of Arkansas
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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.”
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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
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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)
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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
 

Mitchell Simpson

  • 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

  • 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.”
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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.”