Heather Joyce: Open to Conversation

When you think of research around English literature, you may picture reading dusty books alone in a dark library. Dr. Heather Joyce makes the case that literary research is actually about conversation, culture and community. 

“Literature shapes how we view the world. It responds to political and cultural currents,” Heather explains. In the classroom and her research, she approaches her work with openness; sometimes her research interests accompany her into the classroom, and sometimes student questions and ideas lead that research in new directions. Either way, she says, literary research is about dialogue.

Heather is an English instructor and the 2025 recipient of Northwestern Polytechnic’s Faculty Research Award. “I feel very privileged to receive it,” she says. “I have many peers with distinguished research records who are doing important work.” Heather is also grateful to be a member of NWP’s Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, noting that working with a rich cross-section of academics organically leads to new ideas.

Originally from Calgary, Heather joined the faculty at NWP in 2017, and points to the unique opportunities available here as a reason she’s put down roots. “There are unexpected opportunities for growth,” she says. “They’re open to new ways of thinking.” Heather attributes this to NWP’s diverse student body and the “great institutional trust” found at the school.

“Here, there’s a sense that you can give students the best of your knowledge,” she suggests.

The Faculty Research award caps what Heather says is her most productive research year to date, though she has steadily presented and published throughout her career. This was a year of professional leave with financial assistance, which enabled Heather to travel widely to present research across North America and in Australia. 

“It’s been a special experience,” Heather says, particularly her trip to the Australian state of Tasmania. Two of her recent presentations have been accepted for publication, which leads back to her assertion that literary research is part of a larger conversation.

“When you present or publish, you enter or initiate conversations. It’s the same in the classroom,” she says. While Heather takes the role of delivering primary knowledge to her students, she aims to open those ideas up to scrutiny and discussion. 

“Some of my recent work comes from interesting interactions - students notice details in new ways.”

Heather’s courses include the literature of the First World War, contemporary British lit, children’s literature, and short stories. Her teaching style was influenced by the “strong models of professorship” she encountered in her own life, and the idea that research is community-centred. 

“You look at what others have said about the text; you’re seeking a place in the conversation,” she explains. “You’re seeking to see books as worldly objects that pick up wider political and cultural currents.”

Heather returns to the classroom this fall, and is proud to be part of a team of innovative and committed English instructors who work to make literature come to life. One of the highlights of her time at NWP has been working with Inclusion Alberta to welcome differently abled students into the classroom. “That’s been instrumental to renew my passion for literature,” she says. 

Another passion of Heather’s is her miniature Australian Shepherd, Olive, a rescue who has evolved from fearful to assertive. “Seeing her transformation has been a great joy,” says Heather warmly.

While Heather enjoys opportunities for growth and innovation at NWP, the school is delighted to recognize her scholarship and dedication. Her willingness to engage in conversation with her research, her students and her colleagues enriches her classes and our institution.