Gema Ludisaca

Gema Ludisaca is pursuing an M.A. in English at California State University, Northridge (CSUN). She earned a B.A. in English Literature from CSUN and was a finalist for the Outstanding Graduating Senior award upon graduation. She was also selected as a Sally Casanova Pre-Doctoral Scholar and is currently working as a writing consultant and supplemental instruction leader for CSUN’s Camino and Stretch Composition programs. Gema’s research interests include young adult literature and the Gothic genre. Her current research on the Harry Potter series uses a psychoanalytic framework to look at the way in which Gothic elements in the series represent larger social anxieties around race and the way these reflect a socio-political unconscious and trauma history. Gema will further analyze the intersection of Gothic elements and themes of race and cultural identity in 18th and 20th century literature. She will also research the role of Gothic fandoms in young adult literature and the way these have evolved from traditional Gothic traditions.