Eric Fretz is professor of Peace and Justice Studies at Regis University in Denver, Colorado where he teaches classes on literature and social movements, community organizing and the history of nonviolent social change (to name a few).

He has published numerous essays about the American community organizing tradition, climate change and the humanities, American literature, and civic engagement. He edited and contributed chapters to a book of essays, Climate Change Across the Curriculum (Lexington Books, 2015), and his novel, Groundswell, a surf/murder mystery set in New Zealand, was published by Belanger Press in 2023.

He received his PhD in English and American Studies from Michigan State University. He lives in Denver with his family and two cats, Chutney and Mango Pickle. When he’s not teaching or writing, he’s swimming or playing jazz guitar.

"Hello! 

My name is Esther. I am a recent graduate from St. Edward’s University in Austin, Texas. 

I received my bachelor’s degree in communication with an emphasis in relational communication and a minor in writing. I completed my undergraduate thesis in the field of disability studies and higher education. 

I have a passion for social sciences research specifically regarding identity formation in high-control environments. 

Outside of academics, I love to read, cook, and listen to music. I have two dogs named Socrates and Loki."

"Hi! My name is Shrika Madivanan, and I am a double major in International Affairs and Communications at the University of Georgia in Athens, GA, United States. 

I am excited to be pursuing my Fulbright year in Romania as an English Teaching Assistant (ETA) at West University. Particularly, I am thrilled about the opportunity to engage with West University's American Studies program, where I hope to delve deeper into the complexities of American culture and its global impact. I seek to build a sense of community in the classroom, encouraging collaborative learning where my students and I form an intricate web of mutual support and knowledge. 

This experience will not only enhance my academic pursuits but also enable me to contribute meaningfully to cross-cultural communication and create spaces where dialogue and intercultural communication are not only prioritized but celebrated."