Author ORCID Identifier

https://orcid.org/0009-0005-9358-6446

Semester

Spring

Date of Graduation

2025

Document Type

MFA Creative Writing Thesis (Campus Access)

Degree Type

MFA

College

Eberly College of Arts and Sciences

Department

English

Committee Chair

Mark Brazaitis

Committee Co-Chair

Catherine Gouge

Committee Member

Catherine Gouge

Committee Member

Natalie Sypolt

Abstract

Set against the backdrop of the AIDS epidemic, Tiny Silent Deaths tells the compelling story of Violetta Collins—the novel’s twentysomething protagonist—whose favorite professor disappears in the wake of a homophobic defacement of his campus office. Violetta vows to figure out what happened to him and who was responsible for the vandalism, embarking on an adventure to solve the mystery even as she seeks to discover herself. An unusual art medium presents itself to Violetta through a childhood memory, and it’s by crafting miniature rooms—particularly, her professor’s university office—that Violetta is able to put the pieces together, ultimately determining what happened to her beloved professor and mentor and where he is now.

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