Hi, I'm

Jesse.

Graduate English Instructor,
Ball State University

AT A GLANCE

In a former life, I wrote about the Internet, technology, and other geeky things. While I’m still fairly geeky, I’m pretty immersed in the world of higher education these days.

I hold a bachelor of arts in English and a master of arts in Liberal Studies with a concentration in Literature and additional studies in post-secondary education. I teach English courses at Ball State University, where I’m also pursuing a PhD in English Literature.

My research is typically focused on the intersections of narrative forms, popular culture, and gender and queer identities.

I reside in Muncie, Indiana, and live for weekends when I can actually read for pleasure or binge-watch all the TV shows I haven’t been watching.

LET'S CHAT

BRIEF VITAE

As an emerging teacher and scholar, I’m always working on a lot of projects. Use the tabs above to find out about my educational background, current research projects, conference presentations and publications, and more.
Click here to download a complete, always up-to-date version of my CV.

Doctor of Philosophy, English Literature

2018 (expected), Ball State University Areas of study: Queer theory and literature, Modernism, post-secondary English education

Master of Arts, Liberal Studies

2014, Indiana University Kokomo Areas of study: 20th century American literature, post-secondary English education, interdisciplinary research Thesis: ``A Queer Golden Age: Negotiating Influences of Advocacy, Community, and Heteronormativity in Queer Television Narratives`` Committee: Joe Keener (Chair), Paul Cook, Chris Darr

Bachelor of Arts, English

2012, Indiana University Kokomo Areas of study: literature, literary theory, practical criticism Thesis: ``Feminism in Modern Myth: An Exploration of 'Girl Power' in Joss Whedon's Buffy the Vampire Slayer`` Committee: Ann Cameron, Eva White

2015-Present

Instructor of Record, Ball State University I design and teach two English courses each semester

Fall 2014

Graduate Teaching Assistant, Dr. Leo Huisman, Ball State University Assisted in classroom management, lesson planning, and grading

Fall 2013

Graduate Teaching Assistant, Prof. Kristen Snoddy, Indiana University Kokomo Assisted in classroom management, instruction, and grading in ENG-W132. Primarily responsible for teaching the literature portion of the course.

Summer 2016

Research Assistant, Dr. Molly Ferguson, Ball State University Assisted in research on activist European clowns and their portrayals on the contemporary Irish stage

Fall 2014

Writing Center Tutor, Ball State University Provided assistance for students and faculty looking to improve their writing skills

2007-2012

Freelance writer Worked as a technology reporter and commentator. I worked with a number of companies over the years, including USA Today, Salon.com, The International Business Times, LAPTOP Magazine, and others.

Conference Presentations

The Louisville Conference on Literature and Culture Since 1900

February 2016 | Louisville, KY Title: ``'The Manly Love of Comrades’ : A Whitmanian Tradition, Edward Prime-Stevenson’s Imre, and the Effects of the Closet on Homosocial Behaviors, Relationships, and Desires”