Research Excellence Award

Faten Hafez
Kean University, United States

Faten Hafez is an environmental humanities scholar, literary critic, educator, translator, and creative writer whose interdisciplinary work examines the relationship between literature, ecology, culture, and environmental consciousness. Her research focuses on representations of nature and environmental degradation in Anglo-American literature, particularly nineteenth-century women’s writing. Through scholarship, teaching, and translation, she has contributed to contemporary discussions in ecocriticism, environmental ethics, literary studies, and the humanities.[1]

Abstract

This article presents an academic overview of Faten M. Hafez, whose scholarly contributions span environmental humanities, ecocriticism, literary studies, medical humanities, translation studies, and creative writing. Her work explores ecological consciousness in literature and investigates how cultural narratives shape perceptions of environmental responsibility. Through research, teaching, and publication, Hafez has contributed to interdisciplinary scholarship connecting literary analysis with contemporary environmental concerns.[2]

Keywords

Environmental Humanities; Ecocriticism; Anglo-American Literature; Jane Austen Studies; Environmental Activism; Literary Ecology; Ecological Aesthetics; Women’s Writing; Medical Humanities; Translation Studies; Cultural Ecology; Environmental Ethics.

Introduction

Environmental humanities have emerged as a significant interdisciplinary field addressing the cultural dimensions of environmental change. Within this scholarly landscape, Faten M. Hafez has developed a research portfolio examining ecological representation in literature and the role of narrative in fostering environmental awareness. Her scholarship bridges literary criticism and environmental thought, highlighting the significance of historical literary texts in contemporary ecological discourse.[3]

Research Profile

Dr. Hafez earned a Ph.D. in Environmental Humanities with specialization in representations of nature and environmental degradation in early nineteenth-century Anglo-American women’s writing. She also completed a Master’s degree from Monmouth University and obtained a certificate in Medical Humanities from Drew University. Her academic appointments include service as Adjunct Assistant Professor at Kean University and Brookdale Community College, where she teaches literature, writing, and research-focused courses.[1]

Her research interests encompass environmental humanities, ecocriticism, literary ecology, environmental activism, nineteenth-century literature, Shakespeare studies, translation, and cultural studies. These areas collectively reflect an interdisciplinary approach to understanding the interactions between literature, society, and the natural environment.[2]

Research Contributions

• Advanced environmental humanities scholarship through critical analysis of ecological representation in literature.
• Contributed to ecocritical interpretations of Jane Austen and nineteenth-century literary traditions.
• Explored environmental activism and ecological solidarity as cultural and literary phenomena.
• Published interdisciplinary work connecting aesthetics, environmental ethics, and literary criticism.
• Expanded access to Arabic literary voices through translation and cross-cultural scholarship.
• Integrated environmental awareness into teaching and curriculum development.

Publications

• Environmental Activism and the Power of Ecological Solidarity, Resistance: A Journal of Environmental Humanities (2024).
• Ecological Aesthetics and the Austere Spaces of the Environment, Cogent Arts & Humanities (2026).
• Jane Austen: From Androcentrism to Anthropocentrism, The Watchung Review (2021).
• The Act of Ghostedness in the Ghost Stories of the Lesser-Known Victorian Authors, The CFP Journal (2022).
• Citizen: An American Lyric (Book Review), The Watchung Review (2022).
• My COVID Diary, SJU Humanities Review (2021).
• Translations published in ArabLit Quarterly (2021, 2023).
• Book manuscript in progress: Invisible Ecology in Jane Austen’s Novels: Culture, Society and the Representation of Nature.

Research Impact

The significance of Hafez’s work lies in its ability to connect literary scholarship with contemporary environmental concerns. Her analyses encourage readers and scholars to reconsider canonical literary texts through ecological perspectives while emphasizing the cultural dimensions of environmental stewardship. Her research also contributes to the growing body of environmental humanities scholarship that integrates historical, ethical, and literary approaches to ecological issues.[3]

In addition to research, her impact extends to higher education through innovative teaching practices recognized by the Faculty Innovation in Teaching Award and the McDonnell-Millard Teaching Excellence Award. These honors reflect her contributions to student engagement and interdisciplinary learning.[4]

Award Suitability

Faten M. Hafez demonstrates strong alignment with academic recognition in environmental humanities, literary studies, and interdisciplinary scholarship. Her publication record, innovative teaching achievements, contributions to environmental criticism, and commitment to cross-cultural literary engagement collectively support her suitability for international academic awards recognizing excellence in humanities research and educational leadership.[1][4]

Conclusion

Through a combination of scholarly research, translation, creative writing, and pedagogical excellence, Faten M. Hafez has established a notable presence within environmental humanities and literary studies. Her interdisciplinary approach highlights the continuing relevance of literature in addressing environmental challenges and contributes meaningfully to contemporary academic discourse.[2]

External Links

• ORCID Profile

References

1. Hafez, F. M. Academic biography, professional appointments, educational background, and research specialization.
   https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1084-2629
2. Hafez, F. M. Publications in environmental humanities, literary studies, translation studies, and creative writing.
   https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1084-2629
3. Hafez, F. M. Environmental humanities research focusing on ecological representation and literary ecology.
4. Kean University. Faculty Innovation in Teaching Award and McDonnell-Millard Teaching Excellence Award recognition.
   https://www.kean.edu