In ancient Egypt, the vulture goddess Nekhbet watched over women giving birth, the children, and the Pharaoh.

A common figure of ancient Egyptian mythology, Nekhbet is also at the center of creative writing professor Katie Fallon’s essay “Rebirth.”

The piece, which explores the relationship between vultures, babies and the Egyptian myth connecting childbirth with vultures, received a “notable” mention in the “Best American Science & Nature Writing 2014” collection.

“Rebirth” is about the relationship between vultures, babies, and the ancient Egyptian myth connecting childbirth with vultures.

“I’ve always loved reading and nature,” Fallon said. “Almost everything I write about is inspired by nature.”

Fallon connects her work to her personal experience with rehabilitating birds, including vultures, as well as her experiences with childbirth. Fallon is one of the founders of the Avian Conservation Center of Appalachia, Inc.

Fallon teaches part time at West Virginia University as a creative writing instructor. She earned her MFA from West Virginia University in creative writing.

For more information, please contact Katie Fallon at Katie.Fallon@mail.wvu.edu.

-WVU-

jm/03/09/15

CONTACT: Devon Copeland, Director of Marketing and Communication, Eberly College of Arts and Sciences, West Virginia University, 304-293-6867, Devon.Copeland@mail.wvu.edu

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