Assistant Professor
Writing, Lang and Lit, School of
Hemphill Hall 4117
PO Box 6935
Greetings, fellow Highlanders! At Radford, I teach poetry workshops, in addition to classes on film, comics, literature and composition. A Pushcart Prize recipient and former creative writing fellow at Emory University, my work has appeared in journals like The Believer, DIAGRAM, The New Republic and elsewhere, as well as anthologies like Best of the Net, New Poetry from the Midwest and The Southern Poetry Anthology (Tennessee). I often advise students on matters involving class registration, graduate school applications and graduate thesis projects. My teaching philosophy is informed by concepts of social empathy, skills acquisition and creative risk-taking. I look forward to working with you!
Principles of College Composition (ENGL 111): In this course, we practice reading, writing and speaking skills, as well as developing productive student strategies and habits-of-mind that can greatly help you during your academic and professional career.
Poetry Writing (ENGL 310): In this workshop-style course, we read emblematic poetry, explore foundational poetic tools and techniques, write original poetry and develop skills for providing meaningful feedback to our fellow creative writers.
Advanced Poetry (ENGL 410): In this workshop-style course, we build upon the tools and skills learned in ENGL 310 to further our reading, writing and commenting abilities--often organized around a specific semester-long theme.
Creative Writing - 20th & 21st Century African-American Poetry (ENGL 611): In this graduate-level workshop, we read influential texts by post-1900s African-American poets and learn about some of the historical and socio-cultural considerations, writing our own original poetry inspired by aspects of these poets' works.
Studies in British Literature II - British Comics (ENGL 632): In this graduate-level course, we learn about comics subjects, genres, techniques and theories through an analysis of the works of British comics creators like Alan Moore and Grant Morrison.
Topics in Contemporary Theory - Horror Theory & Film (ENGL 681): In this graduate-level course, we explore seminal horror theory through the lens of horror filmmaking, starting with the silent film era to present day, to consider the extent to which concepts like fear and monstrosity have evolved.
Career Champion (VTOP): As a trained career champion through the Virginia Talent + Opportunity Partnership, I often mentor students on matters related to career preparation, professional skills and productive habits to help students succeed in the classroom and in the workplace.
Creative Writing Concentration Advisor: If you're an ENGL major with a CW concentration, there's a good chance that we'll meet at some point to discuss your program-of-study and your options for enrolling in creative writing courses--I'm happy to answer your advising-related questions!
Graduate Faculty Committee Secretary (SWLL): As secretary for the Graduate Faculty Committee within the School of Writing, Language and Literature, my primary responsibilities include keeping meeting minutes and updating the committee D2L page regarding any discussions on graduate programming (e.g. thesis projects, comprehensive exams, coursework, etc.).
Graduate Thesis / Comprehensive Exam Reader: Each year, I serve as an advisor and/or reader of English graduate student thesis projects and comprehensive exams. If you're a grad student at Radford University working on a project within my research / teaching / creative interests, come by my office and chat!
Website Content Editor: Under the guidance of the university's Office of Marketing and Communication, I work with faculty and staff in the School of Writing, Language and Literature (SWLL) to update and maintain website content for both the Department of English and the Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures.
I have lots of non-academic interests, but some of my favorite things are: (horror) films, video games (mostly retro), comics (DC > Marvel), sports (pretty much all of them) and animals!