Who is Grace Biermann from Jeopardy?

Grace Biermann has built an impressive academic career focused on literature, rare books, archives, theology, and creative writing. Originally from Valparaiso, Indiana, she is a writer, librarian, educator, editor, and literary scholar whose work bridges the worlds of humanities research and creative expression. Through advanced studies at Valparaiso University, Indiana University Bloomington, and the University of St Andrews, Biermann has established herself as a rising scholar with interests spanning Gothic literature, fantasy, theology, classics, and manuscript studies.

Alongside her academic accomplishments, Biermann has developed a diverse professional background in higher education, academic libraries, literary publishing, and creative writing. Whether working with rare manuscripts, teaching library science, editing literary journals, or earning awards for her poetry and nonfiction, she has consistently demonstrated a passion for books, storytelling, and lifelong learning.

An Outstanding Academic Journey

Grace Biermann’s academic record reflects a consistent pursuit of excellence. She attended Valparaiso University from 2017 to 2021, graduating with a perfect 4.00 GPA while earning bachelor’s degrees in English and Humanities, along with a minor in Classics.

During her undergraduate studies, Biermann was a member of Christ College, Valparaiso University’s highly selective honors college. Christ College emphasizes interdisciplinary study across literature, philosophy, history, theology, and the liberal arts, providing students with an intensive humanities education through small seminars and close faculty mentorship.

Her outstanding academic performance was complemented by leadership and service throughout the university. In addition to appearing on the Dean’s List, she participated in editorial work, teaching, writing, and campus organizations while balancing a demanding academic schedule.

Following graduation, Biermann enrolled at Indiana University Bloomington, where she completed a Master of Library Science (MLS) in 2023, once again graduating with a perfect 4.00 GPA. She specialized in Rare Book and Manuscript Librarianship, gaining advanced knowledge in preserving, cataloging, researching, and managing historical books, archival collections, and rare manuscripts.

Her academic journey later took her overseas to Scotland, where she pursued a Master of Letters (MLitt) in Theology and the Arts at the University of St Andrews, one of the world’s oldest universities. Her dissertation, titled “Happily Ever After: Eschatology, Eucatastrophe, and Elves,” explored theological concepts within fantasy literature, bringing together literary criticism, religious studies, and imaginative fiction.

Building a Career in Libraries, Archives, and Higher Education

Biermann has complemented her academic achievements with extensive professional experience in libraries, archives, and higher education.

While studying at Indiana University Bloomington, she worked as a Research Assistant at the Herman B Wells Library, supporting scholarly research projects while gaining valuable experience within one of the nation’s leading academic library systems. She also worked as a Front Desk Attendant at the university’s prestigious Lilly Library, internationally recognized for its collections of rare books, manuscripts, and historical documents.

These positions provided firsthand experience working with archival materials, special collections, manuscript preservation, and library services. Her graduate specialization in rare books and manuscript librarianship allowed her to combine practical archival work with advanced academic study.

Following graduate school, Biermann returned to Valparaiso, serving as a Library Aide at Immanuel Lutheran Church before joining the faculty of Valparaiso University as an Instructor of Library Science during the first half of 2024.

As an instructor, she helped students develop research skills, understand library resources, and navigate academic information systems. The role marked an important transition from student and researcher to university educator.

A Passion for Writing, Editing, and Literature

Creative writing has remained central to Biermann’s identity throughout her academic and professional career. She describes herself as a reader, writer, and editor who is passionate about creative writing while also promoting clear communication and understanding in academic and professional settings.

While attending Valparaiso University, she held editorial positions with The Cresset, the university’s long-running journal of literature, the arts, and public affairs, as well as the Valparaiso Fiction Review, where she helped evaluate and prepare literary submissions for publication.

She also worked as a Staff Writer for the Chapel of the Resurrection, served as a Teaching Assistant in Christ College, and worked as a Student Aide in the university’s Office of Church Relations, gaining experience in writing, teaching, editing, and institutional communications.

Her published creative work has appeared in The Lighter, while her journalistic writing has been published in The Torch. She has also completed larger creative projects, including Another Beautiful Day in Paradise: Nebraska and At-One-ing with Briony Tallis, demonstrating her continued interest in both fiction and creative nonfiction.

Award-Winning Creative Work

Biermann’s writing has received significant recognition through multiple academic and literary awards.

In 2021, she received the Academy of American Poets University Award, including the Vivian S. Richards Memorial Prize, for her poem “Card Players’ Sestina.” The poem uses the structure of playing card suits as an extended metaphor to explore the complexity of interpersonal relationships while showcasing technical mastery of the challenging sestina poetic form.

That same year, she earned first place in the WordFest Creative Nonfiction Competition for her autobiographical essay “Second Person, Past Perfect.” The recognition highlighted her versatility across multiple literary genres, from poetry to personal nonfiction.

Her academic achievements have also been recognized through election to Phi Beta Kappa, one of America’s oldest and most prestigious academic honor societies, as well as membership in Sigma Tau Delta, the international English honor society. These honors reflect both her scholarly accomplishments and her dedication to literary studies.

Exploring Literature, Theology, and Fantasy

Much of Biermann’s scholarship examines the intersection of literature, theology, fantasy, and history. Her work reflects an interdisciplinary approach that connects imaginative storytelling with philosophical and religious ideas.

Her MLitt dissertation at the University of St Andrews explored concepts such as eschatology, the theological study of the end of history and humanity’s ultimate destiny, alongside eucatastrophe, a literary term popularized by J. R. R. Tolkien to describe an unexpected and joyous turn in a story that transforms apparent defeat into hope.

These interests naturally connect with her broader research areas, which include fantasy literature, Gothic fiction, book history, archives, rare books, manuscript studies, literary criticism, creative writing, and classics.

Biermann also possesses reading knowledge of German and Latin, skills that support her work with historical texts, theological writings, and classical literature. Her interdisciplinary expertise allows her to explore literary works from historical, philosophical, theological, and cultural perspectives.

Sharing a Love of Reading

Biermann’s enthusiasm for literature extends beyond scholarship into public engagement and literary outreach.

In March 2024, she was featured in Valparaiso University’s “Read This Next” series, where faculty members recommend books for students. Biermann selected Daphne du Maurier’s Rebecca, describing it as a “moody, pseudo-Gothic masterpiece” while praising both the novel and Alfred Hitchcock’s acclaimed film adaptation.

She highlighted the novel’s Gothic atmosphere, psychological complexity, and enduring literary importance, encouraging readers to experience both the original book and its cinematic interpretation.

Her recommendations also included works by C. S. Lewis, Alan Paton, Norman Maclean, and Gary D. Schmidt, reflecting the breadth of her literary interests. She even invited students to visit her office to continue conversations about books, demonstrating her enthusiasm for encouraging others to explore literature.

From Literary Scholarship to the Jeopardy! Stage

Grace Biermann brings an exceptional combination of academic achievement, literary scholarship, librarianship, and creative writing to the Jeopardy! stage. With perfect academic records at both Valparaiso University and Indiana University Bloomington, advanced study at the University of St Andrews, and professional experience spanning libraries, publishing, teaching, and research, she has built an impressive career devoted to the humanities.

Her interests in rare books, archives, theology, fantasy literature, classics, and creative writing reflect a lifelong commitment to understanding the power of stories and preserving literary history. Whether teaching library science, researching manuscripts, writing award-winning poetry, or recommending classic novels to students, Biermann has consistently demonstrated intellectual curiosity and a deep appreciation for literature.

As a Jeopardy! contestant, she brings the knowledge and analytical skills developed through years of studying history, language, theology, literature, and archival research, making her one of the show’s most academically accomplished competitors.