UIW Students Present at Southwest Conference on Christianity and Literature

This November, Dr. LuElla D’Amico, associate professor of English, led a group of students to the Southwest Conference on Christianity and Literature at the University of Dallas, where they delivered research presentations. This conference considers the ways in which sacred literature is related to secular literature, and how the understanding of the one can inform approaches to the other (udallas.edu).

Prior to the conference, D’Amico taught a course called, “Sinners, Saints and Mystics: Catholic Women Writers”, in which students explored Catholic women writers from the 19th century to the present. Many of D’Amico’s students conducted research stemming from the course’s material, which inspired her to submit their work for consideration by conference organizers.

“I thought it would be a perfect opportunity for some of my best students to show off some of their writing and research skills from that class,” said D’Amico. “Throughout the class, students discussed literature and theology as informing in each other in a variety of texts, so there couldn't have been a more ideal fit! I was thrilled when we got accepted.”

D’Amico noted that the conference’s considerations of the intersectionality between sacred literature and secular literature is not only an interesting topic, but a beneficial one to explore. The topic encourages consideration on how human beings view the difference between good and evil, the formation of moral compasses and how to identify repeated religious themes and concepts in historical and present-day forms of media.

Students Gabriella Ramirez, Destiny Kniseley, Isaiah Schmidt, Audrey Carranza and Shayleigh Pape, presented a variety of topics related to the conference’s core focus, including Schmidt’s research titled “A Christ Centered, Stoic Approach to the Good Life” and Kniseley’s research on “Exploring Folklore and Identity in a Toni Morrison Masterpiece.” Each demonstrated a high level of professionalism and scholarship as both researchers and presenters.

In addition to Pape presenting her research articled titled “A Beacon of God’s Grace in a ‘Temple of the Holy Ghost,’” she also received special recognition as her article was accepted by the Butler Journal of Undergraduate Research.

“It has been extremely validating to have my work recognized by a national research journal, and I am so grateful for Dr. D’Amico’s amazing support during this process,” expressed Pape. “Having my work published, along with the opportunity to present it at the Southwest Conference on Christianity and Literature, has inspired me tremendously in my academic journey and motivated me to continue honing my writing and research skills.”

“I was thrilled to see my students shine at this conference!” shared D’Amico. “They did so alongside professors from West Point, Baylor, Boston College and Notre Dame, among many other prestigious universities. They asked questions and received smart questions in return on their papers, setting the bar high for literary and theological scholarship here at UIW. Merging these two fields isn't easy, and our students did it with poise and aplomb. I cannot overstate how proud I was to see them present and hold their own at this conference, nor how many compliments I heard about their excellent speaking and presentation skills from those outside our institution.”

Congratulations to the participating students who excellently represented UIW!