Dana Spiotta

Dr. Dana Spiotta is at the leading edge of contemporary American literature, serving as a distinguished professor in the English department at Syracuse University's College of Arts & Sciences. With a prolific career as a novelist, she has penned five critically acclaimed novels, including "Wayward" (2021) and "Innocents and Others" (2016). Her novel "Innocents and Others" garnered the prestigious St. Francis College Literary Prize and was a finalist for the Los Angeles Times Book Prize, underscoring her significant impact on the literary landscape. Dr. Spiotta's work is celebrated for its incisive exploration of identity, technology, and the complexities of modern life. Her narratives often delve into the intricacies of human relationships and the societal forces that shape them, earning her a dedicated readership and critical acclaim. Her contributions to literature have been recognized with a Guggenheim Fellowship, a New York Foundation for the Arts Fellowship, and the esteemed Rome Prize in Literature, affirming her status as a leading voice in contemporary fiction. In addition to her novels, Dr. Spiotta has expanded her creative repertoire with innovative projects such as "Newtown Odyssey," a floating opera that earned her a Creative Capital Award. This project exemplifies her commitment to pushing the boundaries of storytelling and exploring new forms of artistic expression. At Syracuse University, Dr. Spiotta is known for her engaging teaching style and her dedication to mentoring the next generation of writers. Her students benefit from her extensive experience and her passion for the craft of writing, making her a cherished member of the academic community. Through her teaching and her writing, Dr. Spiotta continues to inspire and influence both her students and her readers, leaving an indelible mark on the world of literature.