Dr. Alessandra Pino is an expert in the intersections of the Gothic, food, and cultural memory. Born in Hampstead, London, to an Italian mother and a Venezuelan father, she grew up across several countries. Alessandra holds a BA in English Literature from Naples “L’Orientale”, an MA in Translation Studies, and a PhD in Food, Cultural Memory, and the Gothic from the University of Westminster. She spent nearly a decade working with a Michelin-starred chef. Her research and publications cover topics such as food, cultural memory, the supernatural and the Gothic. She regularly contributes to Haunted Magazine and Rue Morgue. Alessandra is also the co-author of A Gothic Cookbook, which explores food themes and motifs in classic and contemporary Gothic novels from the 19th century to the present day. Alessandra is the writer, producer, and co-host of A is for Apple Podcast, which investigates the history of food, and Fear Feasts, a podcast that analyses the horror genre through the lens of food. She lectures at RomancingtheGothic.com and is a member of the Guild of Food Writers. Alessandra lives with her daughter in East London and believes in ghosts. For more information, visit Alessandra’s website: www.alessandrapino.com