Katie Vater

Bridging the gap between disciplines to tackle the rich tapestry of Spanish Peninsular Literature, Katie Vater serves as an Associate Professor at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. With a PhD in Spanish Literature from Pennsylvania State University, she brings a wealth of knowledge and a nuanced perspective to her academic pursuits. Her research interests are diverse and interdisciplinary, focusing on the intersection of visual arts and literature, the intricacies of historical novels in Spain, women's writing, and the Künstlerroman genre. In her teaching, Professor Vater delves into the vibrant literary landscapes of the 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries, exploring themes of historical memory and the Spanish Civil War. Her courses, such as the Survey of Spanish Literature and Civilization and the Seminar in Modern Spanish Literature and Civilization, are designed to engage students with the cultural and historical contexts that shape literary works. Professor Vater's scholarly contributions are noteworthy, with publications that examine visual culture within literature and the representation of female aristocratic subjects in ekphrastic portrait poems. Her work not only enriches the academic community but also invites a broader audience to appreciate the complex interplay between visual and literary arts. Her dedication to research and teaching is matched by her commitment to fostering an inclusive and dynamic learning environment. By encouraging critical thinking and interdisciplinary exploration, she inspires her students to engage deeply with the material and to develop their own scholarly voices. Through her innovative approach to Spanish Peninsular Literature, Katie Vater continues to make significant contributions to her field, bridging historical and contemporary narratives and highlighting the enduring relevance of literature in understanding cultural identities. Her work exemplifies the transformative power of education and the arts in shaping our understanding of the world.