Cherie Ann Turpin, a Professor of English at the University of the District of Columbia, combines her expertise in Black feminist theory, Afrofuturism, and digital culture to explore cultural resistance and intellectual revolution, while leading initiatives in curriculum development, DEI, and faculty governance to advance inclusivity and scholarly excellence within the university community.
Experience
Education
Doctor of Philosophy in English: Women’s Studies, University of Connecticut Master of Arts in English: Women’s Studies, University of Vermont Bachelor of Arts in English, University of Vermont
Black Feminism Autobiographical Writing Black American Queer Literature Afrofuturism African American Literature Literary Theory History of Cinema: African American Film Writing for the Web: Social Media and Podcasting World Literature and Postcolonial Theory Blackpolation Cinema American Authors Writing Proficiency for Graduate Students
Expertise
Research Focus / Works in Progress
Afrofuturism in Black literature and culture; Black feminist theory and cultural practices; digital culture and expression as resistance to oppression
Leadership
Chair, Department Executive Personnel Committee, UDC, 2024-25 Chair, Academic Standards, Programs, and Policies Committee, Faculty Senate, UDC, 2017-20 Chair, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee, 2017-21
Impact
Selected Publications
Turpin, C. (2023). Ancestor-scholars for social justice and intellectual revolution. In A. Adams (Ed.), Faculty senate research conference proceedings. The University of the District of Columbia.
Turpin, C. (2021). English at the intersection. In A. King-Berry (Ed.), Faculty senate research conference proceedings. The University of the District of Columbia.
Turpin, C. (2020). Diversity in digital humanities. In D. Nix-Stevenson (Ed.), Handbook on digital humanities. Sage Publications.
Selected Presentations
Turpin, C. (2024). Environmental marginalization and disenfranchisement in Nalo Hopkinson’s Afrofuturist novels. UDC Faculty Senate Research Conference, Washington, D.C.
Turpin, C. (2023). Ancestor scholars for social justice and intellectual revolution. UDC Faculty Senate Research Conference, Washington, D.C.
Turpin, C. (2022). African deities at Canadian and American borders in Nalo Hopkinson’s novels: Afrofuturist visions of cultural infusion. UDC, Washington, D.C.
Turpin, C., De, & Krauthamer. (2022). Inquiring into a culture of intersectional coalition-building. AAC&U Annual Meeting.
Turpin, C. (2021). Title IX and student diversity. Student Success Workship Series, Washington, D.C.
Selected Grants
University of the District of Columbia. (2010). Afrofuturism and science fiction hub to encourage careers in science and technology for African American women
Recognitions
Quality Matters-certified online instructor
Invited Participations
Howze, T., Turpin, C., Turpin, J., & Thomas, C. (2023). A.I. and creative energy implications.Writing About Social Justice and Afrofuturism in 2023. Turpin, C. (2021). LGBTQ history at HBCUs. Social Justice in the Black Church. Turpin, C. (2021). Dr. Anthea Butler Discusses Her Latest Book White Evangelical Racism. Turpin, C. (2021). Dr. Nelda Ormand: The Spiritual. Turpin, C. (2021). Context for responsible revolution. Arts and Sciences Education Now.
