Sierra J. Austin, PhD has taught at the university-level for nearly a decade, developing a specialty in feminist theory and Black girlhood studies. Dr. Austin earned her undergraduate degree in Mass Media Communications from Wilberforce University, and completed both her masters and doctoral degrees at The Ohio State University in Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies.

Dr. Austin currently serves as a lecturer at Columbus College of Art & Design in the Writing, Literature and Philosophy Department, where she teaches African American Literature. She is an alumna of several faculty development programs, including the Ithaca College FLEFF Diversity Scholars Initiative and the Virginia Tech Future Faculty Development Program. Her research as been supported by The Office of Diversity and Inclusion, the Council of Graduate Students, and the Department of Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies at Ohio State, as well as the National Women's Studies Association and the University of Pittsburgh's Vira I. Heinz Program for Women in Global Leadership. Dr. Austin's most recent publications, "Review of Jesus, Jobs and Justice: African American Women and Religion" and "Anita Hill: A Roundtable" appear in Souls: A Critical Journal of Black Politics, Culture and Society and Frontiers: A Journal of Women's Stud ies, res pectively.

Dr. Austin is an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. She currently lives in Columbus, OH with her partner Don and daughter Ryleigh. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, reading, and spending time with family & friends.