Research Spotlight: Dr. Jacqueline B. Koonce
Q & A with Dr. Jacqueline B. Koonce, Assistant Professor in the Department of Bilingual and Literacy Studies
What are your research interests and research achievements?
My research focuses on three strands: Black females’ literacies and education, culturally relevant care, and traditional and digital literacies. Black females’ literacies and education are important because it reflects my identity, and I hope that my research positively impacts the Black community and informs those outside of that community. I have published on the language and literacy practices of Black adolescent females and currently finishing a book manuscript on a Black supercentenarian. The second strand of my research is culturally relevant care as it relates to HSI students and the experiences of women faculty of color at HSIs. Both topics respond to the question of what it means to be a Hispanic-Serving Institution. The topics are both significant because of the voices of students and faculty. The last strand of my research agenda is traditional and digital literacies. Many college of education literacy courses focus heavily on reading but not on writing when this skill reinforces and strengthens students’ reading. It is also important to teach P-16 students how to use technological tools in order to be digitally literate. I have published several peer-reviewed articles and book chapters and currently have an approved book proposal with SUNY Press.
How does your work align with UTRGV’s and CEP’s strategic plans?
UTRGV and the CEP both celebrate diversity in all of its manifestations. Most of my research honors the lives of people of color, and the theoretical frameworks I use to undergird that research are often by and about that population.
What are your current projects?
I am currently working on a book manuscript about my great aunt, Mrs. Alelia Murphy, a Black supercentenarian who lived to be 114. In July 2019, she was recognized as the oldest living person in the United States. The book stands to impact the fields of education, racial and gender justice, gerontology, and public health. Drs. Elena Venegas, Lorenza Lancaster, Julissa Bazan, and Adriana Garza are submitting a readers’ theatre on the experiences of women faculty of color in fall 2020. Lastly, because of the frequent and prominent racial injustice toward Black people in this country, I recently was invited by the Journal of Language and Literacy Education to submit commentary for a reprint of my article, “Oh, Those Loud Black Girls!: A Phenomenological Study of Black Girls Talking with an Attitude.” In that article, my participants reappropriated the African American Women’s Speech Practice, talking with an attitude, to defend themselves from hostile teachers.