Vera Geranpayeh
Ph.D. Student in German Studies, admitted Autumn 2024
Honors & Awards
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Stipend, Studienstiftung des Deutschen Volkes
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Stipend, Dr. Leonhard Baak Memorial Scholarship
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Stipend, Max Kade Foundation
Education & Certifications
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M.A., University of Colorado, Boulder, German Studies
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B.A., Georg-August-Universität Göttingen, North American Studies and English: Language, Literatures, and Cultures
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DAF/DAZ Certificate, Georg-August-Universität Göttingen, Interkulturelle Germanistik
Research Interests
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Diversity and Identity
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Equity in Education
Current Research and Scholarly Interests
My research intersects poetics, identity, and critical theory. I have worked on May Ayim's poetic activism, examining themes of race and belonging in tension to German concepts of "Heimat" and "Heimsuchung" - home and haunting. I am continously drawn to female authors, such as Annette von Droste-Hülshoff, Emmy Hennings, or Irmgard Keun.
In my doctoral research, I am interested in how 19th-century poetics shape contemporary identities, employing queer and feminist theoretical frameworks. I am particularly interested in Heinrich Heine’s socio-political critiques from the late Romantic period and their modern reflections in the German rap scene. My work draws connections between historical and modern cultural productions, highlighting the cyclical nature of socio-political climates and the ongoing dialogue between past and present.
My academic journey in Germany and the US is marked by a strong commitment to teaching and community engagement. I integrate diverse perspectives into my courses, fostering a comprehensive understanding of Germany's cultural and historical landscape, reflecting my interdisciplinary approach to marginalized voices and identity formation. Through my research and teaching, I aim to contribute to a more inclusive and nuanced understanding of German Studies.