At this time, Gayle Levy's research centers on the French Resistance during WWII; she is currently translating a set of letters written by a mother, jailed in Lyon, France for her suspected work with the Resistance, to her 13-year-old daughter who is taking care of the family store and helping with her ten-year-old twin sister and brother. Dr. Levy is also interested in all things French language and contemporary French culture, especially gender and language. Gayle Levy's early publications were on French 19th- and 20th-century poetry and culture. She published a monograph on poetry, Refiguring the Muse, (Peter Lang, 1999) and a book-length translation, A Student and Resistance Fighter in the French Alps During World War II (Les Passionnés des bouquins, 2017).
Professor Levy’s essays, book reviews and translations have appeared in numerous publications including Modern French Literary Studies in the Classroom : Pedagogical Strategies (MLA Publications, 2004), Renée Vivien à rebours : études pour un centenaire (Orizons/ L’Harmattan, 2009), and Les Lieux de mémoire (Chicago UP, 2008, 2010). She was awarded the Palmes Académiques by the French Minister of Education in 2012.
Professor Levy particularly enjoys teaching interdisciplinary courses that integrate literature, film, art, history, and theater. Since 2003 Prof. Levy has been director of the UMKC Honors Program. In that capacity she oversees the faculty and staff, the courses, co-curricular activities, and living/learning community for a 500-person program. She loves teaching and mentoring and is inspired by her smart and engaged students!