Olufemi Adebayo | Literature and Culture | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Olufemi Adebayo | Literature and Culture | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Olufemi Adebayo | Literature and Culture – Senior Lecturer at Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria

Dr. Abidemi Olufemi Adebayo is a distinguished academic and researcher in the field of English and Humanities, currently serving as a Senior Lecturer at Redeemer’s University in Nigeria. With a profound commitment to exploring cultural and literary dynamics, Dr. Adebayo’s work is characterized by a deep engagement with contemporary issues surrounding Nigerian society and the broader African context. His multifaceted research spans themes of feminism, cultural identity, and social change, contributing significantly to the discourse in African literature and social media studies. Dr. Adebayo’s extensive involvement in university governance and extracurricular activities, particularly in debate and public speaking, exemplifies his dedication to nurturing critical thinking and intellectual discourse among students and peers alike.

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Education

Dr. Adebayo obtained his Ph.D. in English from the University of Ibadan in 2014, complementing his academic journey with a Master of Arts in English, with a focus on literature, in 2007. His foundational education includes a Bachelor of Arts in English, which he completed in 2005 at the same institution. Throughout his academic career, Dr. Adebayo has demonstrated a consistent pursuit of knowledge and excellence, earning commendations for his leadership in debate and his contributions to academic conferences. His educational background provides a solid framework for his research interests and pedagogical approaches, enabling him to bridge theory and practice effectively.

Experience

Dr. Adebayo has garnered a wealth of experience in various educational institutions. Before his tenure at Redeemer’s University, he held several teaching positions, including at the University of Ibadan and Lifeforte International High School, where he honed his teaching skills and cultivated a passion for mentoring students. Since joining Redeemer’s University in 2015, he has taken on significant roles, including Acting Head of the Department of English and Sub-Dean of the Faculty of Humanities. His administrative expertise is complemented by his role as a coordinator for postgraduate programs, reflecting his commitment to advancing academic standards and facilitating student success. Furthermore, Dr. Adebayo’s involvement in various committees underscores his dedication to enhancing the university’s academic environment.

Research Interests

Dr. Adebayo’s research interests are diverse and reflect his engagement with contemporary cultural issues. His work delves into the intersection of culture and technology, exploring topics such as the Nigerian situation in social media, the impact of COVID-19 on cultural practices, and the role of music in feminist agitation. His scholarly inquiries also extend to traditional African narratives and their relevance in modern contexts, such as postmodernism and globalization. Dr. Adebayo’s investigations into Yoruba culture, social decadence, and literary creativity contribute significantly to the understanding of African identities and their evolution in response to global influences. His commitment to examining these critical areas positions him as a leading voice in the discourse on cultural representation and social dynamics in Africa.

Awards

Dr. Adebayo’s exemplary contributions to academia and extracurricular activities have earned him several commendations. Notably, he received a Vice-Chancellor’s commendation for leading the university’s debate delegation to the Covenant University Debate Invitational in 2020, where Redeemer’s University achieved remarkable success in public speaking. Additionally, he has been recognized by the Dean for his role in training the university’s contingents at various debate competitions, showcasing his ability to inspire and cultivate talent in young scholars. These accolades not only reflect Dr. Adebayo’s dedication to academic excellence but also his commitment to fostering critical dialogue and public speaking skills among students.

Publications

Loves and Homes (2021) – Redeemer’s University Press.
The Pressured Conditions of the Modern African Child in the Context of Societal Complexities and Cultural Stereotypes (2024) – In M. Oladejo et al. Childhood Identities and Wellbeing in Nigeria.
A Reconceptualization of Yoruba African Culture in the Age of Globalization and COVID-19 (2023) – In The Palgrave Handbook of Global Social Change.
Postmodernist Re-conceptualization of Nigerian Society and Gender Culture (2022) – In Postmodernism and Biblical Hermeneutics.
African Literary Creativity, Digitalization, and Entrepreneurial Prospects in the Age of Globalization (2021) – In a Festschrift for Prof. Nelson Fashina.
Culture Shift and Simisola Ogunleye’s Conception of the Millennial African Woman (2018) – In Literary and Linguistic Perspectives on Orality, Literacy and Gender Studies.

Conclusion

Dr. Abidemi Olufemi Adebayo stands out as a formidable candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to his extensive academic credentials, diverse research interests, and impactful contributions to the field of English and Humanities. His commitment to fostering intellectual growth among students, combined with his innovative research on pressing cultural issues, exemplifies the qualities of a leading scholar in contemporary academia. Dr. Adebayo’s accolades and contributions underscore his potential to continue making significant advancements in research and education, further solidifying his place as a notable figure in the academic community. His dedication to enriching the discourse on African literature and culture, coupled with his practical engagement in nurturing debate and critical thinking, makes him a deserving recipient of this prestigious award.

Athira Unni | English Literature | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Athira Unni | English Literature | Best Researcher Award 

PhD researcher at Leeds Beckett University, United Kingdom

Athira Unni is a dedicated researcher and educator specializing in contemporary literature, with a focus on utopian studies, speculative fiction, and women’s writing. Currently pursuing her Ph.D. in English at Leeds Beckett University, her dissertation explores the theme of utopianism in contemporary South Asian and Caribbean literature. With a strong academic foundation and extensive teaching experience, Athira has established herself as a prominent figure in her field, contributing to the discourse on literature and society through her research and publications.

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Education:

Athira completed her Bachelor’s degrees in English and Sociology, along with a Certificate in Creative Writing from the University at Buffalo, State University of New York, graduating summa cum laude with a GPA of 3.9/4.0. She furthered her studies with a Master’s degree in English Language and Literature from the University of Hyderabad, achieving a remarkable GPA of 8.94/10.0. Currently, she is in the final stages of her Ph.D. at Leeds Beckett University, under the supervision of renowned scholars Prof. Susan Watkins and Prof. Emily Zobel Marshall. Athira’s academic background reflects her commitment to excellence in the humanities, paving the way for her contributions to literary research.

Experience:

Athira possesses a wealth of teaching experience, having served as a Part-Time Lecturer at Leeds Beckett University, where she facilitated poetry writing tutorials and creative writing workshops. As a Graduate Teaching Assistant at the University of York, she effectively engaged first-year undergraduate students in discussions on literary genres and essay writing. Her earlier roles as an English Lecturer at Keighley College and Assistant Professor at St. Joseph’s College in India demonstrate her versatility and ability to teach diverse student groups. Additionally, her experience as a Fellow at the National Children’s Academy and ESL Teaching Intern showcases her dedication to education and student support across various settings.

Research Interests:

Athira’s research interests are broad and interdisciplinary, encompassing contemporary literature, speculative fiction, and critical posthumanism. She has a particular focus on women’s writing and postcolonial narratives, exploring how these themes intersect with global literature. Her investigations into South Asian and Caribbean literature reveal the complexities of identity, power dynamics, and social justice. Athira is also interested in blue humanities and the role of environmental factors in literature, seeking to bridge the gap between literary studies and contemporary societal issues.

Awards:

Throughout her academic career, Athira has received several accolades that underscore her excellence in research and literature. Notably, she was awarded the Women’s Day Poetry Prize in 2021 by The Woman Inc. for her impactful contributions to poetry. Additionally, she received the Senior Thesis Prize from the Department of English at SUNY Buffalo in 2015 and was recognized on the Dean’s List for all semesters at the same institution. Athira was also nominated for the SUNY Chancellor’s Award in 2014, highlighting her academic achievements and commitment to her field.

Publications:

Athira Unni has made significant contributions to academic literature, with several publications that reflect her research interests. Some of her notable works include:

Unni, Athira. “Dystopian Hyperbole and Social Reproductive Labour in Margaret Atwood and Mahasweta Devi”, Utopian Studies Journal, January 2025 (forthcoming).

Unni, Athira. “Social Reproductive Labor and Uto/Dystopia: An Analysis of Leila, Midnight Robber and Woman World”, Critique, October 2024 (forthcoming).

Unni, Athira. “Colonial Anthropocene and the Postcolonial Landscape in Manjula Padmanabhan’s Escape”, Postcolonial Studies Association Newsletter, October 2023, p. 7-10.

Unni, Athira. “Wild Uncharted Waters: Racial Subtext in ‘The Little Mermaid’ (2023)”, Diotima’s, Volume 13, July 2023, p. 16-25.

Unni, Athira. “The Sea Is Alive: Navigating Waterscapes in South Asian Speculative Fiction”, Helice, Vol. 34, June 2023, p. 54-68.

Unni, Athira. “Rape and Hope: Consolidating Identities and Hierarchies in Contemporary Feminist Dystopias”, SFRA Review, Vol. 52 Issue 3, August 2022, p. 136-144.

Conclusion:

Athira Unni’s dedication to research and education, combined with her innovative approach to contemporary literature, positions her as a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her academic achievements, diverse teaching experiences, and influential publications contribute to a rich tapestry of scholarship that not only advances literary studies but also inspires future generations of scholars and writers. As she continues her journey in academia, Athira’s work promises to shape discussions in contemporary literature and the humanities, making her an exemplary choice for this prestigious recognition.