The School of English and Media Studies could not be prouder of Aleksandra Lane, who has not only just had confirmed the award of PhD for her thesis titled “Bridging the Gap Between Traditional and Experimental Poetry: Dramatic Monologue and Dramatic Lyric in Contemporary New Zealand Poetry,” but has been nominated by all three examiners for the Dean of Graduate Research School’s ‘List of Exceptional Theses’.   The examiners used such phrases as: “an evocative, sustained and often brilliant exploration of the practices outlined in the critical section,” “polished and virtuosic in its performance,” and “the candidate’s critical acumen and control [are], combined with a naturally profound poetic insight and response”.   Aleksandra was supervised by Dr Jack Ross and Dr Ingrid Horrocks.  Congratulations Dr Lane, this recognition that your thesis is “of exceptional quality in every respect, including research and analytical content, originality, quality of expression, accuracy of presentation and contribution to knowledge in the field” is richly deserved.