Dr. Christina Fisanick, professor of English at PennWest, traveled to Greece this fall to conduct research at the recently discovered ruins of Aristotle's Lyceum and to present her research and digital storytelling projects at the International Digital Storytelling Festival.

An internationally known scholar in public history, Fisanick teaches expository writing, digital storytelling and creative nonfiction.

While at Aristotle's Lyceum, she recorded several lectures for her students on the history of western rhetoric and Aristotle’s peripatetic school. Fisanick, who specializes in rhetoric and composition, employs the ancient teachings of Aristotle in many of her classes.

During the International Digital Storytelling Festival, Fisanick joined panelists from several countries, including England, Greece and Argentina, to discuss her research and pedagogical practices.

Her digital story, Carrie Me Home, was also shown during the festival. The story showcases her decades-long partnership with the PennWest - California Honors Program and the Heinz History Center. Her students have created more than 1,000 digital stories, many of which were developed in collaboration with historical societies throughout Northern Appalachia.

Fisanick has plans to collaborate with digital storytelling students, professors and museums from Italy and Canada in the coming semesters.