Michele Navakas

Introduction

I specialize in American literature to 1900, the environmental humanities, and race and material culture. My books include Coral Lives: Literature, Labor, and the Making of America (Princeton University Press, 2023); and Liquid Landscape: Geography and Settlement at the Edge of Early America (University of Pennsylvania Press, 2018), winner of two book awards from the Florida Historical Society. Presently I am at work on a new book project, tentatively titled Rachel Carson Reading.

Research Interests

• American literature to 1900
• Environmental humanities
• Race and material culture

Courses Taught

• American Literature (ENG 275, ENG 349, ENG 352)
• Literature & Environment (ENG / IES 264)
• Advanced Composition (ENG 225)

Education

• Ph.D. English, University of California, Irvine (2009)
• M.A. English, University of California, Irvine (2004)
• B.A. English, summa cum laude, Boston University (2001)

Publications

• Coral Lives: Literature, Labor, and the Making of America (Princeton University Press, 2023)
  
• Liquid Landscape: Geography and Settlement at the Edge of Early America (University of Pennsylvania Press, 2018)

Work in Progress

Rachel Carson Reading (book-in-progress)