Born on 07 05 1942 in Kaunas.
In 1944 he fled to the West with his parents. In 1962 graduated in English Language and Literature from the University of Toronto, Canada. 1976-1979 studied Comparative Literature at the University of Wisconsin, USA. From 1984 she taught at the University of Illinois, USA, and from 1993 to 2008 she was the head of the Department of Lithuanian Studies. Professor. Member of the Baltic Studies Development Association, 1996-1998 - President of the Association. Head of the Institute of Lithuanian Studies, 1988-1998. From 1997 she edited the journal "Metmenys", from 1999-2011 she edited the academic journal "Lituanus". She is also a member of the editorial boards of many Lithuanian scientific and cultural publications, and actively participates in the activities of the World Community of Lithuanian Studies and the "Santaros-Šviesos" conferences. She has published articles and reviews on contemporary Lithuanian prose and drama, women's literature, and early 20th century Lithuanian literature in journals such as "Aidai", "Akiračiai", "Journal of Baltic Studies", "Lituanus", "Metai", "Metmenys", "World Literature Today". Honorary Doctor of Vytautas Magnus University.