Susan B
- Research Program Mentor
MA at Millersville University of Pennsylvania
Expertise
Narrative and Media Studies (Film/Sci-Fi), Professional Editorial and Publishing Management, Fairy Tales, Folklore, Myth, and Archetypal Studies, AI Ethics and Rhetorical Analysis, and Creative Writing
Bio
I am a Professor Emerita and retired Associate Professor of English working in the private sector as a professional freelance editor who proofreads manuscripts for one of the “Big 5” publishers, Macmillan (Tor Books), and who has edited over 900 peer-reviewed STEM articles for an international publisher of open-access journals. I am also a small business owner who is a mentor, writing coach, tutor, and teacher, and I specialize in providing personalized assistance for those seeking to write with passion and precision. While my heart lies in the humanities, my work with STEM journals has taught me that the foundation of a great project, whether a scientific paper or a literary analysis, is the same: rigorous research and carefully edited, persuasive writing. I have published three books of literary criticism focusing on fairy-tale studies, mythology, and popular culture and am the series editor of an international collection of prose and poetry. Since I know the publishing world from the “inside”, I use that experience to help students prepare research papers or creative writing projects to showcase in presentations or publications. Several of my students have gone on to professionally publish their work. I tend to gravitate toward niche areas where there is room to be the creator of new, original ideas, and I enjoy helping students find their true potential as thinkers and creators. I believe in breaking a project into manageable, systematic steps while taking the time to consult more sources, do more reading, and become truly immersed. I would love to meet you, learn about your project idea, and help guide you to create a project you’ll feel proud of that helps you advance with your own professional goals. In my personal life, I am an avid knitter who learned how to make garments 10 years ago; I have been cross stitching since I was in high school. Both hobbies give me so much joy and the start and finish of every project is so rewarding. I also love to read and participate in a book club and have far more books than I'll ever have time to read.Project ideas
Exploring the Intersection of Science and Storytelling Through Film
This project is designed for the student whose interests intersect with science and storytelling. Science fiction films often stretch the boundaries of the known universe, but how well do the narrative events in films hold up under the lens of modern scientific theory? Using films such as Christopher Nolan’s Interstellar, Denis Villeneuve’s Arrival, or Ridley Scott’s The Martian, we will investigate the delicate balance between scientific accuracy and dramatic license. You will begin your project by doing a "scientific audit" of your chosen film, taking a look at what scientific theories or claims are made in the narrative. Then, you will undertake a deep dive into the research: was a scientific consultant involved in the film? What parts of the scientific facts and jargon are true vs. dramatic license and speculative fiction in service of the plot? In this project, we will explore: • The Overlap: Identifying where current scientific research (astrophysics, botany, AI, etc.) directly informs the narrative. • The Departure: Highlighting improbabilities created for dramatic effect and analyzing why those choices were made. • The "Interference" Factor: Discussing when strict adherence to science enhances the story and when it might actually interfere with the emotional or narrative arc the creator wants to achieve. This is a perfect opportunity for a STEM-focused student to apply their technical interests to a creative medium. You will produce a professional-grade research paper or a critical analysis that "decodes" the film’s accuracy, helping you develop the high-level writing skills necessary to communicate complex theories to a broader audience.
Analyzing AI through Ethics, Myth, and Archetype
With the omnipresence of AI, we may find ourselves grappling with provocative questions: What does it mean to be conscious? How will we know if and when AI can “feel” or have a sense of “self”? What happens when a "creation" outgrows its creator? This project is designed for students interested in Computer Science, Ethics, or Psychology who want to explore questions like this and others that shape our cultural narrative and understanding of the place of AI in our lives. This project focuses on the psychological and ethical implications of how humans perceive and interact with AI. We will investigate the "Uncanny Valley" and the human tendency to anthropomorphize code, treating algorithms as if they possess a "soul" or "will." In this project, we will examine: • Archetypes and Sentient “Others”: How ancient myths of "created life" act as the psychological blueprint for how we view modern AI. • Algorithmic Ethics: The moral responsibility of creators when users form emotional bonds with non-sentient systems. • The Psychology of Perception: Analyzing why the human brain is hard-wired to project "consciousness" onto AI, and the risks this poses for data privacy and psychological manipulation. The student will produce a high-level research paper focused on the Ethics of AI Design or the Psychology of Human–AI Interaction. This project is ideal for students who want to demonstrate a nuanced understanding of the "human side" of technology, a critical skill for future leaders in Computer Science and Social Policy.
Creating Your Own Literary Chapbook or Zine
Have you ever wanted to see your original poetry or short stories transformed into a polished, professional publication? Do you want to learn how to be both a lead author and a managing editor? In this project, you will learn how to curate a cohesive "Chapbook" or "Zine"—a focused collection that showcases your unique voice and artistic vision. You will be guided through the transition from "writer" to "publisher." We will apply the same editorial rigor used in professional publishing to your own work, ensuring that every piece in your collection is polished and serves a greater thematic purpose. In this project, we will focus on: • Developing a central "hook" or theme that ties your collection together, whether it’s a series of stories or a cycle of poems. • Learning how to arrange your work so that the order of the pieces tells its own story. • Working through professional-grade developmental editing and copyediting to ensure your prose or verse meets professional standards. • Navigating the technical side of self-publishing, from layout and cover concept to the final digital or physical production of your work. The student will produce a finished, publication-ready Chapbook or Zine. This project is perfect for students interested in English, Graphic Design, or Communications, resulting in a professional portfolio piece that demonstrates high-level creative discipline and project management.
Mastering the Art and Mechanics of Storytelling: Developing your Creative Writing for Publication
Do you have a complex storyline that you can’t stop thinking about? Do you yearn to see your creative vision transformed into a professional novella or the foundation of an epic novel? This project is designed for the serious creative writer who wants to move beyond "storytelling" and into the mastery of narrative craft. Whether your goal is self-publication or creating a portfolio piece for college admissions, we will work together to build a manuscript that is structurally sound and artistically compelling. Drawing on my background as a published author, literary critic, and fiction editor for Macmillan (Tor Books), I will guide you through the systematic process of "world-building" and structural design. We will treat your creative work with the same rigor as an academic manuscript, ensuring that your plot, character psychology, and prose style meet professional industry standards. In this project, we will work on: • Developing a robust project outline, focusing on pacing, world-building, and structural integrity. • Moving beyond overused tropes to create nuanced, three-dimensional characters. • Applying professional techniques in point of view, atmospheric setting, and considering archetypes and symbols. • Discussing the mechanics of the publishing world, from self-publishing platforms to the preparation of a submission-ready manuscript. The student will complete a polished novella or the first several chapters for a planned novel. This project is ideal for students who want to demonstrate high-level creative discipline, project management, and a professional command of the English language.
The Art of Linguistic Persuasion: Analyzing Rhetoric, Media Bias, and Public Discourse
In an era dominated by social media and news breaking by the minute, how a story is told often has a great deal of impact on public perception. This project is designed for students interested in Political Science, Journalism, Law, or Communications who want to investigate the power of language in the public sphere. Since the same set of facts can be framed in vastly different ways, we live in an era of “divergent realities” in media and government discourse. Drawing on my 33 years of experience in rhetorical analysis and my work as a professional editor, I will guide you through a systematic "deconstruction" of modern rhetoric in an area of your choice. We will look at how specific words, figurative language, narrative structures, and repetition of talking points can be used to persuade an audience to adopt or reject a point of view. In this project, we will examine: • The Rhetoric of Policy: Analyzing how different political factions use language to frame the same issue. • Narrative and Dehumanization: Exploring the historical and contemporary link between media descriptions and the real-world treatment of marginalized groups. • The Mechanics of Disinformation: Identifying the linguistic bias and misinformation. How do "loaded" words and logical fallacies shape our understanding of government and society? The student will produce a rigorous research paper or a comparative discourse analysis. This project is ideal for students who want to develop the analytical tools necessary for careers in law, public policy, or international relations, proving they can navigate complex societal data with objectivity and insight.
The Art of Linguistic Persuasion: Analyzing Rhetoric, Media Bias, and Public Discourse
In an era dominated by social media and news breaking by the minute, how a story is told often has a great deal of impact on public perception. This project is designed for students interested in Political Science, Journalism, Law, or Communications who want to investigate the power of language in the public sphere. Since the same set of facts can be framed in vastly different ways, we live in an era of “divergent realities” in media and government discourse. Drawing on my 33 years of experience in rhetorical analysis and my work as a professional editor, I will guide you through a systematic "deconstruction" of modern rhetoric in an area of your choice. We will look at how specific words, figurative language, narrative structures, and repetition of talking points can be used to persuade an audience to adopt or reject a point of view. In this project, we will examine: • The Rhetoric of Policy: Analyzing how different political factions use language to frame the same issue. • Narrative and Dehumanization: Exploring the historical and contemporary link between media descriptions and the real-world treatment of marginalized groups. • The Mechanics of Disinformation: Identifying the linguistic bias and misinformation. How do "loaded" words and logical fallacies shape our understanding of government and society? The Outcome: The student will produce a rigorous research paper or a comparative discourse analysis. This project is ideal for students who want to develop the analytical tools necessary for careers in law, public policy, or international relations, proving they can navigate complex societal data with objectivity and insight.