Graduates: Shona N. Jackson, Ph.D.

Dr. Shona N. Jackson on SisterMentors:

Through word of mouth, I found out about SisterMentors but could not join for a year. While on the waiting list, I achieved little work on the dissertation. Shortly after joining SisterMentors, however, I began to meet goals set for myself. One of the most valuable aspects of the group is the goal setting, which helped me to see and approach my work in more manageable ways….I also had the amazing opportunity to mentor young girls of color and encourage them to continue seeking success through education...

In SisterMentors, I was encouraged by a group of caring women and had the opportunity to encourage others as well. The lessons about perseverance that I learned from SisterMentors women stayed with me and carried me through. These lessons are what I take away from the group and hope to continue to share with other women. . . more

Bio

Dr. Shona Jackson received her doctorate in June 2005 from the Program in Modern Thought and Literature at Stanford University. She has a Bachelor's degree in English (Honors with Distinction) and Journalism from Rutgers University.

Her dissertation is entitled, "Between Myth and Nation: Rethinking Caribbean History, Politics, Literature, and Aesthetics." Her project analyzes the production of historical, political, and literary narratives in post-independence Guyana. Through criticism of the work of Caribbean leaders and cultural thinkers such as Forbes Burnham, Walter Rodney, Wilson Harris, Edouard Glissant, and other key figures in the development of Caribbean cultural discourse, her dissertation contributes to broader discussions of Caribbean (West Indian) nationalism, history and the modes of representation available for various ethnic groups, especially attempts to establish a regional, New World identity and literary aesthetic that are postmodern and postcolonial.

Dr. Jackson's research and teaching interests include twentieth century (Anglophone) Caribbean, African and African-American Literature; postcolonial literature and theory; Caribbean history and culture; critical theories of race and ethnicity; gender and sexuality; nationalism, diaspora, and globalization.

Dr. Jackson began a tenure-track assistant professor position in Fall 2005. She has taught at Stanford University, Howard University and George Mason University and is a member of the Association of Caribbean Women Writers and Scholars, and the Caribbean Studies Association. She co-edits the Caribbean Studies Book Series at Lexington Books and is a member of the editorial board of the journal Wadabagei. She is also the author of several scholarly articles.

Dr. Jackson was born in Georgetown, Guyana and has lived there and in the U.S. Virgin Islands.