Dr. Jennifer Irish-Mendez, PhD
Assistant Professor
English and World Languages
Dr. Jennifer Irish-Mendez teaches all levels of Spanish language, Hispanic American literatures and cultures within the Department of English and World Languages. Her research focuses on contemporary Hispanic Caribbean women writers, performance, and diaspora.
She earned her Doctorate of Philosophy in Spanish from Florida State University with a dissertation that explored the (re)construction of national identity and belonging in literature produced by Cuban, Dominican, and Puerto Rican women writers in the United States in the 1990s-early 2000s. Additionally, Jennifer assists with the execution and development of Semester Abroad Programs, AIADs, and other immersion opportunities in the Spanish Program.
In her spare time, Jennifer enjoys reading, running, gardening and watching classic films.
Ph.D., Spanish - Florida State University
M.A., Spanish - West Virginia University
B.A., Spanish - Georgia College & State University
Research Interests
Hispanic Caribbean Literature, US Latina/o Literature, Diaspora, National Identity, Environmental Literary Studies, Gender and Race in Latin America
Current Research
Graphic Novels and the Hispanic Caribbean Cultural Imaginary, Ecofeminist Discourse in Narrative of the Latin American Postboom (1980s)
Selected Publications
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeirishmendez/details/publications/