Name:

Dr. Sarah R Hernandez

Title:

Assistant Professor of Native American Literature

Department:

English

Describe your research in about 200 words.

My research focuses on contemporary Native American literature, with an emphasis on Oceti Ŝakowiŋ literatures. As a scholar, my goal is to bridge the gap between research and practice by ensuring that my scholarship is relevant and meaningful to contemporary Dakota, Lakota, and Nakota people. With this goal in mind, I have started to turn my dissertation, Toward a Dakota Literary Tradition: Examining Dakota Literature through the Lens of Critical Nationalism, into a book of literary criticism for scholars and an anthology of Oceti Ŝakowiŋ literature for instructors and students. This dual approach will help make certain that my work is accessible and engaging to many different audiences.

What’s the most interesting thing you have learned from a student?

They share what they learn with their family and friends. It always makes me happy when students tell me about conversations they had outside of class about American Indian stereotypes. It means they are learning how to challenge those stereotypes, and engage in thoughtful discussion.