Department: English

Country of Origin: Born in Russia and lived in Israel

Language(s) Spoken Other Than English: Russian, Hebrew, and some French

Areas of Research Interest: Victorian Literature, Turn of Century Literature- mainly British, Literary Critical Theory, Gender and Sexuality Studies, and Diaspora Studies

How Long Have You Been in the U.S.? Since 1995

How Long Have You Been at SIUE? Since August, 2007

What Do You Like Most About SIUE? The great atmosphere, and the students and colleagues

What Do You Find To Be the Biggest Difference Between the U.S. and Your Home Country? It is much more customary to smile in the U.S. which I like.

Teaching is more student-centered in the U.S. There is also greater emphasis on discussion in the U.S. classroom.

Interesting Facts: I studied at Northeastern and Tufts University in Boston and Pace University in New York City. I also taught at all of those places.