The University of Iowa Libraries’ Digital Scholarship and Publishing Studio has appointed Deborah Elizabeth Whaley its senior scholar. Serving as the studio’s faculty liaison to campus, Whaley will aid the UI Libraries’ efforts to foster collaboration with UI faculty, students, and staff who produce or engage with digital scholarship, research, and new media pedagogy.

Whaley, professor of American studies and African American studies at the UI, focuses her teaching and research on the histories, theories, and methods of studying American cultures in a transnational framework of comparative ethnic studies, black cultural studies, popular culture, visual arts, and critical theory. An artist, curator, and writer, Whaley has published original art and poetry, as well as articles on social movements, popular culture, fine art, documentary photography, and film.

Whaley follows Judith Pascoe, former UI professor of English, who served for two years as the studio’s first senior scholar. Pascoe helped launch the studio, playing an integral role in studio projects and collaborations with UI faculty, students, and staff. Pascoe is now professor of English at Florida State University.

Find out more about Whaley's appointment.