Nnedi Okorafor

Critically acclaimed sci-fi and fantasy writer Nnedi Okorafor is a professor of practice with the Interplanetary Initiative in The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Arizona State University.  

Okorafor is the author of award-winning Africanfuturism and Africanjujuism, including dozens of novels, novellas and comics for children and adults. Her dual Nigerian and American heritage is the foundation and inspiration for much of her work. Some of her most well-known works include “Who Fears Death,” “LaGuardia,” “Remote Control” and “Wakanda Forever.” Her novella trilogy “Binti” is currently in development with Hulu as a TV series, in addition to film projects, books and a graphic novel.

Okorafor’s work has garnered myriad prestigious awards including a World Fantasy Award, Nebula Award, Hugo Award, Lodestar Award for Best Young Adult Book, Locus Award, an Eisner Award and a Wole Soyinka Prize for Literature in Africa.

Okorafor’s appointment is the first to bring together the humanities and the Interplanetary Initiative. As a professor of practice, she will work directly with students and faculty — fostering creativity and bridging disciplines.

Prior to coming to ASU she served as an associate professor at the University of Buffalo and Chicago State University as well as an adjunct professor at Governors State University and a teaching assistant at the University of Illinois. Before moving into academia she was a freelance writer and editor.

Okorafor received her doctorate in English from the University of Illinois in 2007, a master’s degree in English from the University of Illinois in 2002, a master’s degree in journalism from Michigan State University in 1999 and a bachelor’s degree in rhetoric from the University of Illinois in 1996.