Yaszek has focused her work on examining the genre of science fiction in literature. She has had several books published covering a variety of literary topics. However, she is especially focused on the role that women and people of color play in the science fiction world. Her books
The Future is Female: Early Classics of Women’s Science Fiction from the Pulp Era to the New Wave and
Sisters of Tomorrow: The First Women of Science Fiction both discuss the underrepresentation of women in this genre. She is specifically concerned with the lost voices of such women, and unearthing the historical contributions they have provided. As writer
Ursula Le Guin stated of
The Future is Female, “Lisa Yaszek has selected the best of this tradition, by recognized masters as well as lesser-known names who are overdue for rediscovery.” Yaszek devotes her research to understanding the history of the genre as well as contextualizing its development. In 2017, she was honored for her work in this area with the PCA/ACA Susan Koppelman Award for Best Anthology, Multi-authored, or Edited Book in Feminist Studies. Yaszek has been featured in numerous publications and media outlets discussing the importance of the science fiction genre in media. She has written articles for such outlets as
The Washington Post,
Food and Wine Magazine, and
USA Today. During 2009-2010 Yaszek was president of the
Science Fiction Research Association. Since 2016, Yaszek is a juror for the
John W. Campbell Memorial Award for Best Science Fiction Novel. Also since 2016 - the award's inception - she's been on the three-person jury for the
Eugie Foster Memorial Award for Short Fiction. She has served on numerous boards and organizations.
Recognition • PCA/ACA Susan Koppelman Award for Best Anthology, Multi-authored, or Edited Book in Feminist Studies, 2017 •
Science Fiction Research Association Clareson Award for Distinguished Service, 2014 •
Science Fiction Research Association Mary Kay Bray Writing Award, 2014 •
Ivan Allen Jr. Legacy Award for Research, Teaching and Service, 2013 •
Science Fiction Research Association Pioneer Writing Award, 2005 ==Selected works==