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Eli Kean

Assistant Professor of Instruction in Gender & Sexuality Studies | Adviser, Weinberg College of Arts & Sciences

PhD in Curriculum & Instruction from Michigan State University
Eli Kean (they/them) is a Weinberg College Advisor and Assistant Professor of Instruction in Gender and Sexuality Studies. Dr. Kean earned a BA in Anthropology and an MA in Higher Education Administration from the University of Missouri. Their Ph.D. is in Curriculum & Instruction from Michigan State University. Eli is the recipient of the 2018 Dissertation of the Year award from AERA Queer Studies SIG for their work on gender-expansive teaching methods. Dr. Kean's interdisciplinary interests include anti-oppressive education, gender studies, curriculum theory, LGBTQ activism and social change. Dr. Kean’s research is intended to help shape gendered educational practices in expansive and affirming directions. In every aspect of professional life, Dr. Kean finds great fulfillment in providing high-quality student support that centers holistic development, critical inquiry, and self-discovery. Eli’s favorite leisure time activities include nature and landscape photography, singing, and exploring the best local restaurants and coffee shops. 

In Spring 2022, they will be teaching GNDR_ST 390 "Critical Trans Studies."

Publications: 

  • Kean, E. (Forthcoming). Genderism. In K.K. Strunk & S.A. Shelton (Eds.), Encyclopedia of Queer
    Studies in Education. Brill Publishers
  • Kean, E., & Skrivan, P. (Forthcoming). Safe spaces and safe zone trainings. In K.K. Strunk & S.A.
    Shelton (Eds.), Encyclopedia of Queer Studies in Education. Brill Publishers.
  • Kean, E. (2020). Advancing a critical trans framework for education. Curriculum Inquiry, 51(2), 261-286. DOI: 10.1080/03626784.2020.1819147
  • Kean, E. (2020). Locating transgender within the language of queer in teacher education.
    Multicultural Perspectives, 22(2), 57-67. DOI: 10.1080/15210960.2020.1741371 
  • Kean, E. (2018). Review of Queering classrooms: Personal narratives and educational practices
    to support LGBTQ youth in schools by Erin A. Mikulec and Paul Chamness Miller.
    Journal of LGBT Youth. DOI: 10.1080/19361653.2018.1540958