As we wrap up another year of our Schoenecke Institute program, we celebrate our outgoing class of Fellows in a special Spotlight!
Meet Liz, a PhD student at Indiana University Bloomington studying rhetoric and composition!
📍 When/how did you first participate in SWPACA?
During my master’s program, I had done some work with Cormac McCarthy and found SWPACA because they have a few robust McCarthy panels every year. It was my first academic conference, and as a graduate student I found the environment to be extremely encouraging and enlightening. I also loved seeing that scholarship could take so many different forms and avenues. I knew instantly that it was a conference I wanted to be a part of as I continued my academic journey.
📍 How did you initially become interested in popular/American culture studies?
Since I study rhetoric, the connections between my studies and popular culture were almost immediately evident to me. Rhetoric connects to language and language quite literally constructs our everyday realities, including pop culture. As I learned new theories in my courses, I would always think about them in conjunction with current events and happenings in pop culture. Finding SWPACA revealed to me that other people were finding these connections as well!
📍 What is your current research and how has participating at SWPACA helped shape or enhance your work?
I consider popular culture my “fun” research. My main research interests are evangelical rhetorics and American culture, which feels rather heavy after dealing with the subject matter day in and day out. So, on the side, I dabble in the rhetorics of fandoms, especially surrounding Taylor Swift. I’ve presented work at the conference exploring discourse on X and identity formation, and have also done research in composition pedagogy using Swift as an exemplar for the compositional habits of mind. SWPACA participation has been pivotal for me to make connections in this field and has even led to a publication for me! SWPACA has been truly invaluable to me as a developing scholar.
📍 How has being a Fellow contributed to your professional growth or sense of direction as a scholar?
Being a fellow has only solidified my passion for academia, teaching, and connecting with other scholars. I always leave my interactions with the other fellows and conference organizers feeling uplifted and purposeful. I’ve really enjoyed seeing the behind-the-scenes of conference planning and organization, as it has given me a glimpse of the other kind of work that academics do outside of teaching and research.
📍 What is your current pop culture recommendation?
Taylor Swift will always be my recommendation! Otherwise, I’m eagerly awaiting the return of Stranger Things and Severance, as well as the second Wicked movie.
📢 Be a part of our next cohort of Schoenecke Fellows! Applications are due December 1, 2025.
