Ana Oancea is Assistant Professor of French at the University of Delaware. Her interests are in modern French literature and culture, including popular and visual culture, science and literature, and film. Her book manuscript analyzes the literary representation of inventors in the larger context of the 19^th century’s narrative of progress. It brings together decadence, naturalism, and early science fiction, engaging with the role of science in French discourse of national identity. Recent publications include articles in French Forum, Dix-Neuf, Romance Notes, French Cultural Studies and Studies in French Cinema.