Kyhl Lyndgaard
I am from rural central Minnesota near Saint John's University, where I earned a Bachelor of Arts in English. I then attended UC-Davis, and was fortunate to study with writers such as David Robertson and Gary Snyder on my way to an MA with a focus on creative writing and American poetry. After a year in Taiwan, I returned to Saint John's in 2003 to teach composition and to work as an environmental educator and writer--and maple syruper/historian--for the 2800-acre natural arboretum that encompasses the campus. This time helped me to realize my passion for teaching, and for scholarship.
Now in my third year at UNR, my research interests have slowly circled around early captivity and exploration narratives. The ways that captivity and exploration change people, and the landscape, have a connection that has influenced American nature and culture deeply. This year, I also won a teaching award in the Core Humanities department. When not on campus, I always enjoy getting outside to experience the Great Basin on foot, canoe, and bicycle (usually not all at the same time).