Dieter Sevin, a native of Germany, is Professor of German at Vanderbilt University. He has gone back to Europe regularly to travel, do research, and take part in an exchange program with the University in Regensburg. He has received grants from organizations such as the American Philosophical Association, American Council of Learned Societies, German Academic Exchange Service, and the Vanderbilt Research Council. He is the author of several academic books on exile literature and East German literature; he also has written numerous articles in professional journals and is a frequent speaker at professional meetings.