Dr. Samantha Gillen received her Ph.D. in Italian Studies from the University of Pennsylvania in 2022. Her research explores industrialized spaces of 1960s in literature and cinema. She has taught Italian language from beginning to advanced and is a 2025 recipient of a Sandy Beaver Excellence in Teaching award. Her pedagogical interests include differentiated instruction, active learning, and digital media to enhance student engagement. Samantha is a co-collaborator of the open educational resource PRIMA, a media-based and DEI-forward site for Italian language learners. She is also a managing editor for the online journal gender/sexuality/italy.
Education
PhD, Romance Languages, University of Pennsylvania
MA, Italian Studies, Florida State University
BA, Italian and Music, Florida State University