Dr. Emily Mcgiffin

Biography

Emily McGiffin is an Assistant Professor specializing in World Postcolonial Literatures at the University of Warwick. With a PhD in Environmental Studies from York University in Toronto, she conducts interdisciplinary research situated at the intersection of environmental humanities, postcolonial studies, African studies, and environmental history. Her current book project examines the socio-political implications of extractivism in West Africa, emphatically critiquing the harms caused by dispossession and environmental damage linked to mining. Emily's academic journey includes fellowships and positions at the University of Johannesburg, University College London, and the University of British Columbia. Her impactful research extends into the realm of oral literature in South Africa, positioning it as a critical site for understanding resistance against the backdrop of extractive capitalism. She emphasizes the need for critical engagement with contemporary environmental issues in her teaching, guiding students to nurture their theoretical knowledge and develop essential skills in writing, argumentation, and public speaking. Her scholarly contributions include notable publications on South African ecocriticism and the role of literature in social and environmental justice.

Research Interests

Experience