KARIN BAUMGARTNER

Professor Baumgartner is a professor of German and Comparative Literature at the University of Utah. As a first-generation college graduate, Professor Baumgartner experienced the transformative power of education first-hand and believes that every student deserves passionate mentoring. An explorer-at-heart, Professor Baumgartner has far-reaching research interests in literature, cultural and area studies, women and gender studies and the digital humanities, and enjoys creating new, up-to-date, and sometimes quirky courses for her students. She believes that our lives are enriched when we stretch beyond our comfort zones and encourages her students to pursue projects and careers seemingly out of reach. Professor Baumgartner is highly organized and believes firmly that efficient organization makes creativity and exploration possible. She is committed to straight talk so that students and colleagues always know where they stand. As a professor, an immigrant, and a reader, Professor Baumgartner knows one thing for sure: literature from all parts of the world provides us with imaginative road maps to a more just, compassionate, and equitable future.