Distinguished Poet and Shakespeare Scholar
Associated with :
University of AdelaideDr. Aidan Coleman currently serves as a Senior Lecturer at Southern Cross University's Gold Coast campus, where he teaches English education and Creative Writing, following his earlier role at the University of Adelaide. His academic career combines expertise in Shakespeare studies with acclaimed work as a poet and critic. His teaching excellence was recognized with a National Excellence in Teaching Award during his 12-year tenure as a secondary English and history teacher. He co-authored an influential series of Shakespeare textbooks and co-designed Australia's first Shakespeare MOOC. As a creative writer, his three poetry collections have received significant recognition, being shortlisted for prestigious awards including the NSW Premier's Kenneth Slessor Award, the John Bray Poetry Award, and the WA Premier's Book Awards. His scholarly work spans Australian literature, Shakespeare studies, poetry, ecocriticism, and creative writing, with publications in numerous prestigious journals and anthologies. Born in Aberystwyth, Wales, and raised in Nottingham before emigrating to Australia at age eight, Coleman completed his PhD at the University of Adelaide, where he was awarded the University Medal for Doctoral Research. He is currently completing a biography of Australian poet John Forbes for Melbourne University Publishing, scheduled for release in 2024.