Khosro Raúl Soleimani (he/him/his)

Khosro Raúl Soleimani is a PhD candidate, poet and Predoctoral Instructor. He has been teaching university-level Spanish since 2009 (first at WSU and now at the UW). His interests include poetry, poetics, and the biographies of poets. He is currently working on his dissertation, an exploration of Francisco de Quevedo’s life and poetry. During 2017 (winter and spring), Raúl was the recipient of the Top Scholar Award. He is also a published poet. In 2017, he published a selection of his poems from Hijo de Latacunga (with a prologue by Professor Edgar O’Hara), his magnum opus that has grown over the years to almost 300 pages. It was published by Profesor O’Hara as a limited edition. A physical copy can be found at the UW Library’s Pacific Northwest Special Collections.

Raúl incorporates the study of poetry in his classes (whenever possible). He also promotes creative writing in his classroom. His philosophy of education can be summarized in one word: compassion. He believes his students deserve to grow, and he also believes learning happens more effectively in a positive and welcoming environment.  

Raúl is a firm believer that an education in the humanities is a fundamental pillar in every student’s education. He incorporates Hispanic poetry in his classes as well, giving a voice to those who have been historically marginalized. As an educator, his principle is to help others grow.