Q & A with Professor Kristin Fujie

The following Q & A is part of a series created by the college dean’s office to introduce new faculty. Get to know Assistant Professor of English Kristin Fujie, who will join the faculty this fall, in the interview below.

Education:

PhD 2010, BA 1997, summa cum laude, University of California, Berkeley

Research and teaching interests:

19th century and 20th century American literature, modernism

What most excites you about joining the LC community?

I’m excited about all kinds of things, but most excited about working with LC students. I was so impressed by their intelligence and kindness during my campus visit and I’m looking forward to getting to know them personally. I’ll be teaching E&D this fall so it’ll be great to get to know some of the incoming freshmen!

What kind of hobbies or special activities do you enjoy outside of work?

The past few years have been pretty much all about work, but when I’m taking a break I really enjoy being outdoors, watching movies with my husband, and cooking—or at least trying to. I’ve also studied hula—traditional Hawaiian dance—and practice that when I have time.

What were your childhood goals/aspirations?

I think I wanted to be a veterinarian! Later, I wanted to be a high school teacher. It was in college that I got the idea of becoming a professor.

What are you listening to in your car right now?

We’re listening to Dave Eggers’ novel A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius. Lady Gaga might be the most recent thing queued up on our iPod.

What was your favorite childhood story?

“The Hungry Caterpillar.”