She received her PhD in English Literature from the University of Wisconsin/Madison. Her research interests include African trans-Atlantic studies; 19th century African American literary and religious studies; archival studies; American women’s literature; and cultural studies. At Penn State Brandywine, Dr. Blockett enjoys teaching literary theory, African American literature, American studies, and civic and community engagement courses. Her archival research has been funded by fellowships from the Smithsonian Institution, the Ford Foundation, and the National Endowment for the Humanities.