Ben Farmer has taught in higher education since 2012, including Composition and Research, Online Writing, and World Literature here at Metro. Though there's variation in the how, his courses generally examine classical ideas in contemporary settings, while focusing on not just improving, but personalizing, academic writing. A lifelong Maryland resident, he currently resides in Laurel, MD with his wife and two sons. He graduated from Kenyon College with a degree in history (and a minor in humane studies), and from George Mason University with an MFA in Fiction. Between degrees, he taught English in grade schools and worked for Class Acts on Tour, a booking agency for musicians. He has also worked as an editor on numerous manuscripts, more than twenty of which are already in print, including work from Merry Prankster Ken Babbs, NPR’s Voice of Books Alan Cheuse, Sports Illustrated’s Frank DeFord, and activist Andrew Ross. His first novel, Evangeline, was published in 2010 by Overlook Press, and makes a wonderful Christmas present. More information, press, and other writings are available at www.virtuallybenfarmer.com.