HFU Blog Contributors

Keith Kopka

Assistant Professor/Director of MFA Program

English | School of Arts & Sciences

Keith Kopka received the Tampa Review Prize for his collection of poems, Count Four (University of Tampa Press, 2020). His poetry and criticism have recently appeared in American Poetry Review, New Ohio Review, The International Journal of the Book, and many other journals. The recipient of the International Award for Excellence from the Books, Publishing, and Libraries Research Network, he is also the author of the critical texts Asking a Shadow to Dance: An Introduction to the Practice of Poetry (GRL, 2018) and Crossing Disciplines: A Cross-Curricular Writing Guide (Kendall Hunt, 2022). His work has been supported by the MacDowell Foundation, Centrum, and the Vermont Studio Center. Kopka is a senior editor for Narrative magazine and Director of the low-res MFA at Holy Family University in Philadelphia.

Gbemiro Olasupo

Psy.D. Student

Psychology | School of Arts & Sciences

Gbemiro Olasupo is a dedicated doctoral student in psychology at Holy Family University. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Psychology with a minor in Cognitive Neuroscience from Temple University. Additionally, Gbemiro earned a Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Holy Family University.

Throughout his career, Gbemiro has gained extensive experience in diverse clinical mental health settings. His work has spanned a variety of roles, including case management for children in crisis, direct support for adults with developmental disabilities, and crisis intervention for children through CMCT. He has also served as a counselor in early intervention programs, providing support to young children and their families. Additionally, Gbemiro has provided outpatient therapy to clients of various age groups, further honing his expertise in mental health care.

Passionate about helping others, Gbemiro’s clinical experience, combined with his advanced academic training, shapes his holistic approach to psychology and mental health treatment.

Emma V. Slonina, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor

Political Science | School of Arts & Sciences

About

Dr. Emma V. Slonina is Assistant Professor of Political Science, who started at Holy Family University after completing a four-year postdoc at Villanova University. Her research interests include liberal education in modern political philosophy, with a focus in women’s education.

Jill Swirsky

Assistant Professor

Psychology | School of Arts & Sciences

Dr. Jill Swirsky is a psychologist with a diverse array of experiences and interests. She earned dual undergraduate degrees in Psychology and Gender Studies from Drew University, but always knew she wanted to pursue advanced study in Psychology. After working in the field for a few years as a BCaBA and research assistant, she earned her PhD in Developmental Psychology from Temple University.

Dr. Swirsky is currently pursuing a few distinct lines of research: 1) adolescent social development (e.g., bullying, victimization, social media, popularity); 2) feminism and gender roles (e.g., women's marital name choices); and 3) using popular culture to teach about psychology. She teaches several of the department's developmental courses (e.g., Child Development, Adolescent Development, Family Violence), as well as other courses in the major (e.g., the Psychology of Popular Culture, Introduction to Psychology, and Senior Seminar). She enjoys getting involved with student life, including advising clubs, mentoring honors students, and attending events on campus. 

In her (admittedly limited!) free time, Dr. Swirsky loves binge watching Netflix with her partner, Mike; reading fantasy novels; baking muffins; and swimming with otters.