Paula D. Straile-Costa

Professor Paula D. Straile-Costa is a distinguished scholar with expertise in Inter-American Literatures, Literary Theory and Criticism, and Communicative Language Teaching. She holds a PhD from Pennsylvania State University and is currently a professor at Modern Languages and Literatures at Rutgers University-New Brunswick. Her academic pursuits are deeply rooted in the exploration of Spanish American and Brazilian literatures, alongside a keen focus on Afro-Hispanic literatures. Professor Straile-Costa's research is characterized by a profound engagement with the cultural and literary exchanges across the Americas. Her work often delves into the intricate narratives and historical contexts that shape these literatures, offering fresh perspectives and critical insights. Her contributions to the field are recognized through her affiliation with the Center for Latin American Studies at Rutgers University, where she collaborates with fellow scholars to advance understanding of Latin American cultures and literatures. In addition to her research, Professor Straile-Costa is dedicated to the advancement of communicative language teaching methodologies. She is committed to fostering an interactive and immersive learning environment that encourages students to engage deeply with the languages and cultures they study. Her pedagogical approach emphasizes the importance of communication and cultural competence in language acquisition. Throughout her career, Professor Straile-Costa has been an advocate for interdisciplinary collaboration, often bridging the gap between literary studies and language pedagogy. Her work continues to inspire students and colleagues alike, contributing significantly to the academic community's understanding of the rich and diverse literary traditions of the Americas.