"I have always admired my UCSB colleagues from a distance," elaborates Everett. "Certainly to be included in a faculty cohort of such distinction is both a thrill and a significant challenge."

Among the courses the film and media scholar teaches is one on science fiction and cyberspace. She cites "Virtuosity" as an example of what she calls techno-narratives that represent a different type of African American character in film, a type possessing brains and brawn.

"Science fiction films are fun to watch and carry interesting messages. Developing courses around such films is a great way for me to incorporate my research into my teaching," says Everett, who is writing a book on cyberspace and editing an anthology of early black film criticism.