Gian-Maria Annovi is an Associate Professor of Italian Comparative Literature at the University of Southern California Dornsife. He originally hails from Italy and received his PhD in Italian Studies from Columbia University in 2011. He also completed his M.Phil. in Italian Studies at Columbia University in 2008 and holds a B.A. in Philosophy from the University of Bologna. His academic focus encompasses Contemporary Italian Literature, with notable research and scholarly contributions on figures like Giacomo Leopardi and Andrea Zanzotto. Annovi has published numerous works, including edited volumes and chapters on Italian authors and themes. He has also co-edited works and contributed articles examining the intersection of literature and philosophy, celebrity authorship, and post-colonial studies. His partnership with various universities across Europe and North America has enriched his research and provided a broad perspective on the field of Italian Studies. Annovi is passionate about mentoring students and is the director of the Honors Program in Italian at USC Dornsife. He has been recognized with several awards, including the Howard R. Marraro Prize from the Modern Language Association for his contributions to the field.