Bryana Fern

Bryana Fern, PhD, MA

Biography

Dr. Bryana Fern is a native of Tampa, Florida. After completing her undergraduate work in English and creative writing at the University of South Florida, she began graduate work in creative writing with the Center for Writers at The University of Southern Mississippi, where she received her M.A. and Ph.D. in fiction.

Education and Credentials

• Ph.D. in English, Creative Writing, The University of Southern Mississippi
• M.A. in English, Creative Writing, The University of Southern Mississippi
• B.A. in English, University of South Florida

Scholarly Works

• “Enterprise’s T’Pol: Identity as a Multi-Faceted Battle of Gender Expectations.” South Atlantic Review 86.1, Spring 2021
• Conference Presentation: “Metafiction and the Case for Closure: A Narrative Reading of J.R.R. Tolkien’s ‘The Tale of Aragorn and Arwen.’” Spring 2020, New Orleans, LA Narrative Conference for the International Society for the Study of Narrative Panel – Narrative Temporality: Gaps, Closure, and Contradiction
• Panel Creator and Chair – South Atlantic Modern Language Association 90 . Fall 2018, Birmingham, AL Panel – “Tolkien as Commentator: Philology, Mythology, and Fantasy” Presentation- “Roverandom: Reinvestigating Tolkien through Child Readership and Narrative Voice”

Creative Works

• “For the Love of God.” Sou’wester 49, Spring 2021
• “Storm Chasers.” Sequestrum, Fall 2019 (fiction entry winner for 2018 New Writer Award)
• “Hector’s Photograph.” Harpur Palate 18.1, Fall 2018

Expert Topics

Dr. Fern works in areas of creative writing, narrative theory, Tolkien studies, and popular culture.

Interests

• Studying DC comics, painting, all things Star Trek, hiking, snorkeling, horseback riding, coffee, historical fiction movies, music by Queen, cuddling with her two cats

Why Cedarville?

Ever since knowing I wanted to be a writer and work in English, I wanted to find a place where my faith would be a part of that — not separate. Serving students at Cedarville means I can mentor them in Christ more directly than I was able to do at secular institutions. I get to share insights with them about the Christian life both during and after academia that I wish I would have been given as an undergraduate. And I get to work alongside a group of faculty who are graciously invested in me as a person and fellow believer — not just a colleague.