We’re familiar with books and poetry being stories. What about TV shows, movies, viral memes and videos, graphic novels, music, pictures, and architecture? These are all forms of stories, and the best ones reach into our soul and foster connections between the reader and the creator. These connections help us find a sense of belonging. Each shared reading experience–including watching, decoding, listening, etc.--creates a community. 

My interests in teaching and research are exploring all types of stories, the connections they foster, and the communities that are built around them.

Dr. Matthew Panozzo (he/him) is an Assistant Professor of Literacy in the Department of Instruction and Curriculum Leadership at the University of Memphis. His teaching and research area includes exploring identity, empathy and humanity through literacy, arts-based education research, and LGBTQ children’s and young adult books.