LCAL Faculty Engage As Editors

Academic journals play a pivotal role in shaping the future of scholarship, offering a platform where emerging ideas, diverse perspectives and innovative research intersect. In the Department of Languages, Cultures & Applied Linguistics, three faculty members—Stephen Brockmann, Tatyana Gershkovich and Felipe Gómez—are at the forefront of this work as editors of esteemed journals in German studies, Tolstoy studies and Colombian cultural studies, respectively. 

Despite their different disciplinary focuses, as editors they share a commitment to advancing knowledge, mentoring emerging scholars and shaping the discourse in their respective fields.

Stephen Brockmann, Professor of German, German Life and Letters

In 2013, after Stephen Brockmann had worked and lectured in the UK following the publication of his third book a few years earlier,, editor Ron Speirs, University of Birmingham, invited him to join the editorial board of German Life and Letters. 

Since 1936, German Life and Letters, the primary British journal of German studies, has explored the field across literature, film, intellectual and political history, and cultural studies. Brockmann’s editorial vision reflects his belief that German studies should move beyond literary analysis to explore “what is this country that we’re studying,” including other facets of life. Emphasizing a holistic view of Germany’s past and present, works submitted to the journal focus on post-war Germany, East Germany and the Enlightenment, with growing attention to feminist, gender and queer studies.

As an editor, Brockmann is especially passionate about mentoring younger scholars. “At least half of the contributors are emerging academics,” he notes. “It’s rewarding to help make their articles better and to see where the field is headed.” His work as an editor also offers him a unique perspective on how German studies are approached internationally, giving him insights into research trends across the UK, Ireland and Germany.

Tatyana Gershkovich, William S. Dietrich II Associate Professor of Russian Studies, Tolstoy Studies Journal

Tatyana Gershkovich’s path to editing the Tolstoy Studies Journal began with her deep engagement with Tolstoy’s work, including her first book, Art in Doubt: Tolstoy, Nabokov and the Problem of Other Minds, and in numerous published articles on the Russian literary giant. Former editor Donna Orwin, University of Toronto, invited Gershkovich to collaborate with Michael Denner, Stetson University, before she assumed editorial responsibilities in 2021, moving the journal’s administrative home to Carnegie Mellon. Now, with her third issue published, she is leading the journal into an exciting new chapter. 

As the 200th anniversary of Tolstoy’s birth approaches in 2028, Gershkovich envisions a stronger digital presence for the Tolstoy Studies Journal, extending its reach beyond academia  to create a more inclusive, global community of readers and scholars. She is eager to foster this sense of community through regular conferences and ongoing dialogue. The journal’s new essay context, open to undergraduate and graduate students, supports this mission by encouraging emerging scholars to engage with Tolstoy’s ideas in fresh and innovative ways.

The Tolstoy Studies Journal continues to advance understanding of Tolstoy’s work and legacy, addressing timeless questions that remain relevant today. “Questions regarding national (or transnational) identity, the nature of intelligence, or still broader questions about  what it means to be human,” Gershkovich explains. “As a society, we are revisiting these very issues in the context of AI and evolving geopolitical landscapes. Tolstoy can help us think through them in profound ways.”

Felipe Gómez, Teaching Professor of Hispanic Studies, Revista de Estudios Colombianos

Felipe Gómez’s involvement with Revista de Estudios Colombianos evolved from his doctoral research on Colombian cultural studies and the filmmakers and writers of the 1970s. As a member of the Colombian Studies Association, which hosts a biannual conference attracting scholars from the United States, Colombia and increasingly Europe, Gómez strengthened his ties with the journal. After serving as reviews editor and associate editor, he became editor-in-chief in 2024, publishing his first issue in January 2025.

Revista de Estudios Colombianos provides a critical space for research on Colombian literature, arts, history, economics and humanities, aiming to “give a voice to scholars exploring Colombian topics.” As an open-access, fully electronic journal, it has broadened its global reach, incorporating perspectives from Europe that introduce diverse methodologies and alternative approaches to topics like diversity, equity and inclusion.

Gómez values the journal’s role in connecting researchers worldwide. “It’s a service to the profession,” he says. “It’s about contributing to the field and helping scholars navigate publishing, especially those who are just starting out.” He is also exploring innovative formats, such as visual interviews and graphic essays, to further expand the journal’s impact.

The editorial work of Brockmann, Gershkovich and Gómez highlights the transformative power of academic publishing in shaping disciplines, mentoring scholars and fostering cross-cultural conversations. Their commitment to maintaining rigorous editorial standards while embracing innovation ensures that German Life and Letters, Tolstoy Studies Journal and Revista de Estudios Colombianos remain vibrant platforms for scholarly exchange. As they look ahead, these faculty members are not just curating knowledge—they are shaping the future of their fields.