Before coming to Essen to pursue a doctoral degree, Ana Elisa Gomez Laris studied Comparative Literature and American Studies at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, spending time abroad in Denmark and Switzerland. She identifies as an activist researcher, engaging where possible in endeavors uniting her academic and social interests. As such, knowledge transfer and the symbiotic relationship between academia and society play a pivotal role in her research approach. Prior to joining the faculty of the Department of Anglophone Studies, she worked as an assistant editor of the quarterly Amerikastudien / American Studiesand as a research advisor at the University Medical Center Mainz.