Caitlin Maling

Professional Summary: Professor Caitlin Maling

Professor Caitlin Maling is a distinguished poet, academic, and researcher affiliated with Curtin University in Western Australia. Recognized for her contributions to contemporary poetry and environmental humanities, she has established herself as a significant voice in Australian literature and academia.

Academic Background and Degrees

Professor Maling holds advanced degrees in creative writing and literature. She earned her PhD in Creative Writing from the University of Sydney, where her research focused on the intersections of poetry, place, and environmental concerns. Her academic training has equipped her with a robust foundation in both creative and critical approaches to literature.

Research Specializations and Academic Interests

Her research primarily explores themes of ecology, landscape, and human interaction with the natural world through poetry. Professor Maling’s academic interests include environmental humanities, contemporary Australian poetry, and creative writing pedagogy. Her work often bridges creative practice with critical inquiry, contributing to interdisciplinary discussions on sustainability and cultural identity.

Career History and Appointments

• Lecturer in Creative Writing at Curtin University, where she teaches and mentors students in poetry and literary studies.
• Previous academic roles and residencies in Australia and internationally, contributing to her global perspective on creative writing.

Major Awards, Fellowships, and Honors

• Winner of the Western Australian Premier’s Book Award for Poetry for her collection Fish Work (2021).
• Recipient of the Anne Elder Award for her debut poetry collection Conversations I’ve Never Had (2015).
• Shortlisted for numerous prestigious literary awards, reflecting her impact in the field of poetry.
• Awarded fellowships and residencies, including opportunities to develop her craft at institutions such as the University of Iowa’s International Writing Program.

Key Publications

• Fish Work (2021) – A poetry collection exploring marine environments and human impact.
• Border Crossing (2017) – A critically acclaimed collection addressing themes of migration and identity.
• Conversations I’ve Never Had (2015) – Her award-winning debut poetry collection.
• Numerous poems and essays published in leading literary journals and anthologies, including Meanjin, Overland, and The Best Australian Poems series.

Influence and Impact on Academic Field

Professor Maling’s work has significantly influenced contemporary Australian poetry by foregrounding environmental themes and innovative poetic forms. Her contributions to the environmental humanities have fostered dialogue on how literature can address pressing ecological issues. As an educator at Curtin University, she shapes the next generation of writers, emphasizing the importance of place and sustainability in creative practice.

Public Lectures, Committees, and Editorial Contributions

• Regular speaker at literary festivals and academic conferences, including the Perth Festival and international poetry events.
• Contributor to editorial projects and literary reviews, supporting the development of emerging writers and poets.
• Active participant in creative writing communities, often serving as a mentor and judge for poetry competitions.