Joanna M. Kepka (B.A. Macalester College, political science and international relations; M.A. and Ph.D., political geography, University of Oregon) was born and grew up in Poland and studied in the United States and France. She is a cultural and political geographer with regional specialties in Europe (the European Union and Eastern Europe). Kepka’s research interests focus on the dynamics of political organization of space and their implications on ethnic and national identities.

Joanna Kepka has professional experience working for a political party in Paris, France; the Polish Embassy in Washington, D.C.; a law firm in Minneapolis, MN; and is a member of the Phi Beta Kappa Society. A world traveler, she lived in many countries and is fluent in several languages. Most importantly, Kepka is a dedicated teacher and her commitment to student success has been recognized with many teaching accolades, including the UNLV Outstanding Teaching by Part-time Faculty Award (twice), the UNLV Foundation Distinguished Teaching Award, the Len Zane Excellence in Honors Teaching Award, and the Alex G. and Faye Spanos Distinguished Teaching Award.