Dr. Sara Gallagher is a scholar, author, and educator whose work explores Black history, literature, migration, and cultural memory in North America. She is the author of Black Wests (University of Oklahoma Press, 2025), which examines African American experiences and representations of the American West and co-editor of the forthcoming essay collection: Unsettling the Heartland: Black America and the Making of the Midwest (University of Illinois Press, 2028) She teaches at Durham College in Ontario, Canada, where her courses focus on critical thinking, writing, communication, and interdisciplinary humanities. Her research and teaching interests include the history and literature of the American and Canadian Wests, popular culture, and the relationship between history, storytelling, and collective memory.
Personal Statement
I believe that the humanities offer us opportunities to explore the world through history, literature, culture, and the experiences of others. My approach to teaching is rooted in curiosity, thoughtful discussion, and the idea that learning should be both intellectually engaging and enjoyable. As an educator and researcher, I am particularly interested in the relationship between history and storytelling: how people understand the past, how historical experiences are represented in literature and popular culture, and how these representations shape our understanding of the world. Much of my research focuses on Black experiences in North America, especially the American West, where questions of migration, settlement, community, and belonging have produced fascinating histories and literary traditions. In my courses, I enjoy bringing together historical documents, literature, photographs, films, and other cultural materials to encourage participants to explore a subject from different perspectives. I aim to create a welcoming and conversational learning environment where questions are encouraged, ideas can be explored openly, and participants feel comfortable contributing their own observations and interpretations. What inspires me most about teaching is the opportunity to share subjects I find fascinating with people who are equally curious about the world. I believe meaningful learning can happen at any stage of life, and I hope my courses encourage participants to discover new interests, ask thoughtful questions, and continue exploring long after our discussions have ended.
- PhD in English Literature — University of Waterloo
- MA in English Literature — Trent University
- BA in English Literature — Trent University
- PhD in English LiteratureUniversity of Waterloo
- MA in English LiteratureTrent University
- BA in English LiteratureTrent University
- Professor of Humanities —
- Lecturer of English Literature — University of Waterloo
- Graduate Student Instructor of English Literature — Trent University
- Professor of Humanities
- Lecturer of English LiteratureUniversity of Waterloo
- Graduate Student Instructor of English LiteratureTrent University
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