My primary research interests are in contemporary African-American literary and cultural studies, postmodern narrative, and American comics and graphic novels.
Biographical Profile
College
College of Arts and Sciences
Department
English
Tenure Status
Tenured
Interest Background
Do you include students in your research?
Undergraduates and Graduates
Interest Keywords
African-American Literature, American Literature, Graphic Novels, Comic Books, Postmodernism
Institutional Focus Areas
Arts and Humanities
Personal Focus Areas
20th and 21st Century African American Literature and Culture, American Comics and Graphic Novels, Postmodern American Literature
Professional Preparation(Education & Training)
Dates
Institution
Location
Degree
Field of Study
2003
Yale University
New Haven, Connecticut
PhD
1999
Yale University
New Haven, Connecticut
MA
1996
Hampton University
Hampton, Virginia
BA
Memberships & Professional Activities
Dates
Type
Description
Institution/Entity
04/2019
Professional Activity
Chaired, The International Comic Arts Forum April 4-6 in Davenport, Iowa. The annual academic conference is dedicated to promoting the scholarly study and appreciation of comic art.
The International Comic Arts Forum
Positions & Appointments
Dates
Description
Institution/Entity
2001
Instructor, African-American Studies
Yale University
2003 - 2009
Assistant Professor of English Language & Literature
University of South Carolina
2009
Associate Professor of English and African-American Studies
University of South Carolina
Recognition Awards, Honors, & Fellowships
Dates
Type
Description
Foundation/Entity
2004
Award
NAACP Andrew Billingsley Faculty Award
University of South Carolina
2012
Award
Excellence in Teaching Award
USC Department of English
2020
Award
Eisner Award for Best Academic Work for her book EC Comics: Race, Shock, and Social Protest
Comic-Con International
2022
Award
Russell Research Award for Humanities and Social Sciences
University of South Carolina
2010
Fellowship
IAAR Research Award
USC Institute for African American Research
2012
Fellowship
Humanities Research Grant
USC Office of the Provost
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