S.N. Nyeck

Dr. Nyeck is a multidisciplinary Associate Professor in Africana/Gender Studies in the Department of Ethnic Studies. Trained in political economy of development at the University of California Los Angeles with specialization in International Relations and Comparative Politics, Dr. Nyeck has pursued two research streams to date. The first stream is centered on the political economy of development, governance, and global public procurement reform with an interest in social justice, race and gender-responsive schemes in government contracts. The other stream reflects on gender and identity politics. She has written extensively on interdisciplinary topics such as queerness and politics, public policy, gender equity, ethics and religion, public procurement reform, economic inclusion, and human rights. Dr. Nyeck has been at the forefront of queer studies in Africa and her recent book African(a) Queer Presence: Ethics and Politics of Negotiation (Palgrave 2021), is, according to one reviewer, “field changing and field forging [as] Nyeck invites the reader to engage with a new queer ethics. Her extended questioning of Africana queer existence is thus a multilayered, intellectually inclusive and critical examination of what an African-centered queer studies can become.” Dr. Nyeck is currently pursuing a DMin in Practical Theology at Virginia Theological Seminary to expand her research on identity and politics to the analysis of intercultural and ecumenical inclusive epistemologies and practices. She serves as the book review editor for the Journal of Africana Religions.