Academic Information

Degrees

BA: English, East Carolina University
MA: English-Literature, East Carolina University

Research Interests

1. Gender/identity in virtual spaces

2. Chick lit discourse-credibility of the genre, questioning whether this genre is the creation of a 'new' space or a redefining of an 'old/traditional' space. 

3. Portrayal of women in non-western literary genres; can men write women in this manner and/or can other women speak for women in countries where women are to be 'silent'-how chick lit is becoming a new voice.

4. The religious/faith 'voices' in literary work

5. Technology in the classroom and the impact it has on literacy.

Advisor/Committee

Dana Harrington

Classes Taught

1. ADV 100: Advisement/English Fundamentals

2. ENG 111: English Composition 1

3. ENG 112: Writing about Literature

4. ENG 234: Major World Authors/World Literature

5. ENG 241: Public Speaking

I've also taught Development ENG 095 at Pitt Community College and prior to teaching at Mount Olive College, Washing, I have taught Adult literacy [Basic Skills, GED and Adult High School] at Lenoir Community College, Wake Technical Community College and Fayetteville Technical Community College.

Conference Presentations & Publications

1. TALGS: East Caroline University, NC: February 2009-"Playing Nice Online: Gender and Privacy in Virtual Spaces"

2. EAPSU Conference, Shippensburg University, PA: October 2009-"Chick Lit: Revisiting What It Means to Write for Women"

3. ANTSHE: UNC Charlotte, NC: March 2010-"E-Textbooks: A Review of Current Technology and Trends"

4. WRTC: James Madison University, April 2010 (Upcoming)-"Gendered Discourses in Online Environments"

5. Upcoming publication in Transnational Feminisms Collection by Sage publication (2010)-"Chick Lit: Crossing Boundaries Understanding the Appeal for Contemporary Women" (working title)

Career Goal Statement 

Any and everything! That's one of the things that makes me interesting; there isn't much that I do not like teaching, aside from Algebra 2. However, when it comes to humanities, I like it all. I like teaching ancient/classical works as much as I do contemporary. I like teaching anything "English" related from first year composition to advanced literary studies (everything from colonial studies to post-colonial studies and everything in between--if it's a novel, poem or any other genre--I have a home) and public speaking or oral communication skills. I'd love to continue to teach along those lines as well as be able to teach technical/professional communication classes either at the introductory level or beyond. I love teaching or working with "Writing Across the Curriculum" programs asd I like creating training and professional development activities for fellow educators. My ideal job will be a position that combines many of these components.

Personal Information

Personal Hobbies/Interests

1. Spending time with my family; traveling as time allows--Boone, Hatteras and Ocracoke

2. Cooking--I love Pampered Chef Parties

3. Reading--Member of a book club that meets once a month

4. Online role playing--www.ucip.org

5. Church

Reasons Why I Chose PhD Program at ECU

I chose the program at East Carolina University because it offered the flexibility for an adult student like me (with a family, job and mortgage) to continue with my education in a schedule and format that fit best with my long term interest and current job opportunities. The TPC program was flexible enough to allow someone like me with a broad and diverse background in English [as well as science and math] to find a niche that works with my interests--both in terms of the technical side of my personality and the more literary side. It affords a balance not available in some other programs. The program is growing as a student, I'm exposed to diverse view points and diverse faculty which supports and encourages students in the pursuit of learning and still allows me to be 'me'.