Overview
Dana Brenklin is a writer, poet, and educator, currently pursuing a PhD in the Department of Literatures in English at Cornell University. Her interdisciplinary research investigates the complex intersections of capitalism, imperialism, race, and gender, with a particular focus on the historical construction and evolution of the selfhood of Afro-diasporic women and girls. Dana’s research explores the interior lives of these women and girls through an emphasis upon the written word and the arts of writing, weaving narratives that illuminate the agency of Black women and girls amidst systemic oppression. Her research journey traverses critical periods, from the inhuman legacies of slavery to the violent and traumatic eras of post-slavery, Reconstruction, and the Civil Rights Movement.
Dana’s scholarship has been published in the 29th Volume, Fall 2022 Berkeley McNair Journal. She graduated with a BA in English in 2022 from the University of California, Berkeley where she was a Ronald E. McNair Scholar.
Drawing upon interdisciplinary methods, Dana engages with historical archives, literary texts, and cultural artifacts to excavate the silenced voices and overlooked experiences within the Afrodiasporic community. Her scholarship explores the vital tapestry of the Harlem Renaissance, the radicalism of the 70s, the political struggles of the 80s, and the nuances of contemporary society. Through her meticulous analysis, she uncovers the multifaceted dimensions of ontological formations, resistance, and empowerment within the communities of Afro-diasporic women and girls.
Within and beyond her academic pursuits, Dana is deeply committed to amplifying the interior lives of women and girls of African descent. Her advocacy and activism manifest in various forms, from community engagement initiatives to mentorship programs that nurture the next generation of scholars and leaders. She envisions her research as a catalyst for social change, challenging prevailing narratives and generating conversations that foster greater inclusivity and equity.
Dana holds a profound dedication to advancing knowledge and critically examining structures of oppression. Her journey as a Cornell University PhD student embodies an unwavering commitment to academic excellence, social justice, and the empowerment of marginalized voices.
Research Focus
- African Diaspora Literature
- Black women’s writing
- Critical Race Theory
- Pedagogy
- Global Anglophone
- Postcolonial and Anglophone