Liana is a literary scholar with a specialization in 20th-century Latin American Literature. She holds a PhD in Spanish from Purdue University. Her scholarly work centers around literature and cinema from decolonial perspectives. When not engaged in research and teaching, Liana finds joy in photography, music, writing, traveling, and learning new languages.
Areas of Expertise
4 Ways that Magical Realism Rewrites History
Magical realist authors from Latin America skillfully weave supernatural elements into their fiction, empowering marginalized and colonized voices.
How Did Our Lady of Guadalupe Become Mexico’s Patroness?
How did Our Lady of Guadalupe become Mexico’s Patron Saint and a symbol of cultural identity, hope, and faith?
La Llorona: Latin America’s Vengeful Ghost in Film & Literature
What is the story of Latin America’s most vengeful ghost and how are contemporary artists and writers redefining it?
The Baroque in Latin America: From Colonial Times to the Present
How did the Baroque, a 17th-century European art form, come to shape the artistic, cultural, religious, and social landscape of Latin America?
6 of the Greatest Latin American Writers of All Time
Latin America has given the world remarkable writers whose unique literary voices and captivating storytelling have impacted and inspired millions of readers globally.
Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz: From Nun to Feminist & Literary Icon
What did it take for a woman to pursue intellectual activities in 17th-century Mexico? Meet Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz—celebrated nun, poet, and early feminist.