By Ryan Girves

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Jan. 26, 2026) — Brandon Erby, Ph.D., assistant professor in writing, rhetoric and digital studies in the University of Kentucky College of Arts and Sciences, will present this year’s Gaines Lecture for Outstanding Research in the Humanities.

Erby’s lecture, titled “Digitizing Prison Dreams: Incarcerated Podcasters and their Views on Freedom,” will highlight research from his award-winning, peer-reviewed article, “Imagining Freedom: Cultural Rhetorics, Digital Literacies and Podcasting in Prison.” His work examines how incarcerated individuals use principles of writing and rhetoric to challenge dominant narratives about incarceration and leverage digital platforms such as podcasting to tell their stories, engage in social commentary and imagine more just futures for themselves and society.

The Gaines Lecture for Outstanding Research in the Humanities spotlights innovative scholarship connected to the Gaines Center’s annual theme and celebrates excellence in humanities research at UK.

The Gaines Lecture for Outstanding Research in the Humanities featuring Erby will be 4 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 18, at the John Jacob Niles Center for American Music in Lexington. The lecture is free and open to the public. Reserve your spot. 

Founded in 1984 by a generous gift from John and Joan Gaines, the Gaines Center for the Humanities serves as a hub for imaginative and interdisciplinary education at the University of Kentucky. The center is dedicated to fostering an appreciation of the humanities and supporting innovative research, teaching and creative work across campus.