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| Jan (4) | Feb (3) | Mar (2) | Apr (1) | May (1) | Jun (4) | Jul (1) | Aug (2) | Sep (6) | Oct (5) | Nov (4) | Dec (3) |
January
LACC Announces Argentina Study Abroad for Summer 2021
LACC is proud to announce open registration for its Argentina Study Abroad this Summer 2021. The study abroad is designed to foster an understanding of Latin American international relations and society through the experience of living and studying in one of the most vibrant cosmopolitan cities in the Americas. Scholarships are available. Application deadline is March 8, 2021.
Dr. Jose Miguel Cruz Co-Authors Article on Transnational Crime in Americas Quarterly
The new issue of Americas Quarterly focuses on how the Coronavirus pandemic is affecting organized crime. Dr. Jose Miguel Cruz, Director of Research at LACC, and Brian Fonseca, Director of the Jack D. Gordon Institute for Public Policy, co-authored an article, "The Mutating Virus," which examines how governments can address the evolution of organized crime groups during the pandemic. The full issue of Americas Quarterly is available online.
Mellon Foundation Awards FIU $4.63M for "Commons for Justice" Project
The Commons for Justice project will look for solutions to address disparities in preparing for a disaster and increasing a community’s ability to survive and recover. It will bring together a cross-disciplinary team of FIU faculty, led by FIU’s Extreme Events Institute and the Wolfsonian Public Humanities Lab. It also will include the Jorge M. Pérez Metropolitan Center, the Kimberly Green Latin American and Caribbean Center, and the Steven J. Green School of International & Public Affairs.
Yulia Vorobyeva Examines US-Mexico Security Cooperation in Media Publication
LACC Post-Doctoral Research Fellow, Yulia Vorobyeva, co-authored an article featured on the London School of Economics Latin American and Caribbean blog. "The Mérida Initiative may be dead, but restarting US-Mexico security cooperation will be crucial" analyzes how the US and Mexico administrations will need to meet each other halfway in working towards any future security agreement. The full article is accessible online and is co-authored by Ryan Berg from the American Enterprise Institute.
February
LACC Bolivia High Andes Qualitative Field Study for Faculty Announced for June 2021
LACC is accepting applications for its 2021 Bolivia High Andes Qualitative Field Study for Community College and Minority-Serving Faculty. This international interdisciplinary seminar is designed to examine and interrogate more typical approaches to "Indigenous Studies" in the US. Based in Bolivia and led by LACC Andean Studies Director, Bolivianist and Quechua community member, Dr. Maria Luisa Veisaga. Program dates: June 17-27, 2021.
Diversity in Science Podcast Features LACC Associate Professor Simone Athayde
The Nature 'Working Scientist' podcast series is supported by the International Science Council (ISC) and aims to highlight all aspects of diversity in science. In the second episode, LACC Associate Professor Simone Athayde speaks about how diverse perspectives can advance scientific knowledge and describes her work in the Amazon. The full podcast can be accessed online through the ISC website.
Dr. Clinton Jenkins Co-Authors Chapters in New Publication, The Atlantic Forest
The Atlantic Forest: History, Biodiversity, Threats and Opportunities of the Mega-Diverse Forest focuses on biodiversity hotspots, degradation challenges, and opportunities for conservation. LACC Associate Professor and Brazilianist, Dr. Clinton Jenkins, co-authored two chapters, which analyze conservation efforts in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest and tetrapod diversity in the region.
March
LACC Director of Research Jose Miguel Cruz Examines El Salvador Elections in BBC World and El Pais
El Salvador held legislative and municipal elections, which resulted in an overwhelming victory for President Nayib Bukele’s Nuevas Ideas political party. LACC Director of Research, Jose Miguel Cruz, is featured in BBC News Mundo and El País, and highlights the concern that many sectors have surrounding the increased power of President Bukele's party and the challenges this poses to democratic institutions in El Salvador.
Call for Applications, 2021 Díaz-Ayala Library Travel Grants
The Kimberly Green Latin American and Caribbean Center, the Cuban Research Institute, and FIU Libraries are pleased to request applications from scholars and graduate students for the summer of 2021. The Díaz-Ayala Library Travel Grants provide the opportunity to conduct research in the special collections and archives related to Cuba and Cuban Americans at the FIU Libraries.
April
LACC Interim Director Examines Issues in Central America that Motivate Migration
Luis Guillermo Solis, LACC Interim Director, published an article in The Conversation titled "Money alone can’t fix Central America – or stop migration to US." Solis analyzes various push factors for Central American migration and how money alone is not the solution for democracy building in the region.
May
FIU Earns Prestigious Paul Simon Award for Campus Internationalization
NAFSA, the world’s leading nonprofit association for international education, has awarded FIU the 2021 Senator Paul Simon Award for Campus Internationalization, recognizing its efforts in making international education part of the university experience. The award recognizes overall excellence in internationalization efforts as evidenced in mission, strategies, programs, and results. Kudos to all who contribute to International at FIU!!
June
LACC Interim Director Featured in BBC News Mundo Article on the Situation in Nicaragua
BBC Mundo featured Luis Guillermo Solís, LACC Interim Director, in the article "No podemos tener otra Venezuela: Si Nicaragua se sale con la suya, marca un precedente nefasto para América Latina." Solís emphasized that Nicaragua is in a critical moment in its history as it approaches elections in November and there are concerns over the recent incarceration of activists as well as pre-candidates and politicians in opposition to President Daniel.
Clinton Jenkins Named FIU Top Scholar 2021 Recipient
LACC Associate Professor Clinton Jenkins was honored as an FIU Top Scholar during a virtual ceremony with President Rosenberg and Provost Furton. Dr. Jenkins is among the Top Scholars group, comprised of 30 faculty members who generated outstanding work in areas including teaching and engagement, award-winning creative work and significant grants. Congratulations!
Featured Internship with FIU Biology Student Nathalie Saliba
FIU undergraduate student Nathalie Saliba is a biology major and has an internship under the supervision of LACC Affiliated Faculty Javier Francisco-Ortega, Professor of Biological Sciences. Nathalie is translating Brother Marie-Victorin's travelogue to Trinidad, Colombia, and Jamaica. Marie-Victorin was a highly noted French Canadian botanist. Nathalie's multidisciplinary work combines botany, history, and modern languages to highlight Marie-Victorin's work in the Caribbean.
FIU Libraries Receive CLIR Grant to Digitize Caribbean Music
The Council on Library and Information Resources awarded FIU Libraries a grant to digitize and provide online access to unique Caribbean music contained in at risk cassettes from the Diaz-Ayala Collection. Through our US Department of Education Title VI Grant, LACC provides support towards the Diaz-Ayala Library Travel Grants for scholars and graduate students. These grants are part of the LACC Caribbean Studies initiative and our renewed commitment to expand programming related to the region.
July
LACC Affiliated Faculty Awarded 2021 Research Opportunity Seed Fund
Three LACC scholars have been chosen as a recipient for the 2021 Research Opportunity Seed Fund. Proposals had to be associated with an FIU Preeminent or Emerging Preeminent Programs, for funding of up to $30,000. Only four proposals were selected. Congratulations to Melissa Baralt, Nicolas André, and Shewonda Leger for their funded project, Community-Engaged Research for the Creation of Bilingual Literacy Supports for Haitian Parents and and Infants Using a Book and Video in Pediatric Visits.
August
LACC Announces Argentina Study Abroad for Summer 2022
LACC is proud to announce open registration for its Argentina Study Abroad this Summer 2022. The study abroad is designed to foster an understanding of Latin American international relations and society through the experience of living and studying in one of the most vibrant cosmopolitan cities in the Americas. Scholarships are available. Application deadline is March 7, 2022.
Former LACC Director Nominated as U.S. Ambassador to OAS
Dr. Frank Mora, Professor of Politics and International Relations at FIU and LACC Director from 2013-2019, received a nomination from President Biden to serve as U.S. Ambassador to the Organization of American States. Dr. Mora's nomination builds on his experience as deputy Assistant Secretary for Defense for the Western Hemisphere under the Obama Administration. Congratulations!
September
LACC Bolivia High Andes Qualitative Field Study Participant Featured in Santa Fe College Podcast
Ann Laffey, Assistant Professor of Anthropology at Santa Fe College (SFC), participated in LACC's 2021 Bolivia High Andes Qualitative Field Study for Community College and Minority Serving Institution Faculty. In the podcast "Immersed in Bolivian Language and Culture," Professor Laffey speaks with Dr. Vilma Fuentes, Assistant Vice President of Academic Affairs at SFC, about her experience in Bolivia.
Renata Utsunomiya Joins LACC as a Visiting Scholar from Brazil
LACC welcomes Renata Utsunomiya, our Visiting Scholar and Exchange Doctoral Student. Renata is a Ph.D. student from the Universidade de São Paulo (USP) in Brazil and will work at FIU on research projects focused on the Amazon as part of LACC's Brazilian Studies Program of Excellence. Welcome Renata!
LACC Tinker Grant Recipient Stephanie Munguia Featured in Tinker Chronicles Podcast
LACC, the Center for Latin American and Caribbean Studies at the University of Kansas, and the participant centers of the Tinker Grant Collaborative released the pilot episode of the "Tinker Chronicles" podcast. The podcast features graduate students who were recipients of the Tinker Foundation Field Research Grants and conducted research in LA&C. The pilot episode includes Stephanie Munguia, a student in Earth & Environment at FIU, who conducted research on the Ramsar Convention in the region.
Call for Applications for the 2021-2022 Tinker Foundation Field Research Grants
LACC is now accepting applications for the Tinker Foundation Field Research Grants . Tinker awards are designed to provide graduate students with funds for travel to and within any Spanish and Portuguese-speaking country in Latin America to conduct research and develop contacts with scholars and institutions in their fields of study. Applications are due at 5:00 pm EDT on October 15, 2021.
Javier Francisco-Ortega Publishes Article in the Journal of Plant Taxonomy and Geography
LACC Affiliated Faculty Dr. Javier Francisco-Ortega coauthored an article that examines the botanical expeditions led by David Fairchild as part of the research yacht Utowana. These expeditions were fundamental in building the collections of the Cienfuegos Botanical Garden in Cuba. The publication stems from the 31st LACC Interdisciplinary Faculty Colloquium, a February 2021 virtual event in partnership with CRI and the Department of Biological Sciences at FIU.
Steven J. Green School of International & Public Affairs Named to APSIA
The Green School at FIU has been elected as a member of the Association of Professional Schools of International Affairs (APSIA). FIU is the first university in Florida to receive this designation and joins fellow APSIA university members from Duke, Georgetown, Harvard, and Stanford, among others.
October
LACC is Seeking a New Director
Distinguished scholars with a proven commitment to Latin America and the Caribbean are invited to apply and be part of LACC, a recognized global leader for the study of the region.
Prof. Jean Muteba Rahier Awarded a $350,000 National Science Foundation (NSF) Research Grant
The research project, which began in August 2021, is entitled “A Multifaceted Examination of the Application of Ethnoracial Law for Afrodescendants in Contemporary Multicultural Ecuador.” Its comprehensive objective is to examine the application of “ethnoracial law” in the practice of Ecuador’s justice system for the benefit of Afrodescendants.
LACC FLAS Alumnus Featured in U.S. Department of Education Newsletter
The U.S. Department of Education Office of International and Foreign Language Education (IFLE) Newsletter features an article on Daniel Fajardo, former recipient of several Foreign Language and Area Studies (FLAS) fellowships from LACC to study Portuguese. Daniel shares how the FLAS fellowships helped him to graduate from FIU, travel, experience other countries’ cultures, and ultimately find a job with an international company.
Notice of Public Meeting
Florida International University Search & Screen Committee announces a public meeting to which all persons are invited.
Luis Guillermo Solís Named Chief of the OAS Electoral Observation Mission for Honduran Elections
The Organization of American States (OAS) appointed LACC Interim Director and former President of Costa Rica, Luis Guillermo Solís, as the Chief of the OAS Electoral Observation Mission for the November 28 General Elections in Honduras. President Solís will oversee the Mission, comprised of over 80 people, with the goal of strengthening democracy in Honduras.
November
MALACS Student Nicole A. Regalado Joins U.S. Global Leadership Coalition (USGLC)
Congratulations to Nicole Regalado, a current graduate student in the M.A. in Latin American and Caribbean Studies Program at FIU, who started her first job as a Program Assistant at the USGLC. Nicole also holds a B.A. in Public Administration and a B.A. in Latin American and Caribbean Studies from FIU with a minor in Portuguese.
Science Panel for the Amazon Report Launched During United Nations Climate Change Conference
The Science Panel for the Amazon Report is the first scientific report carried out for the entire Amazon basin and its biome. Over 200 scientists contributed to the preparation of the report, including LACC Brazilian Studies Program of Excellence Faculty Simone Athayde & Clinton Jenkins and LACC Affiliated Faculty Elizabeth Anderson. The report was launched at the COP26 summit in Glasgow, Scotland.
LACC Affiliated Faculty Hilary Landorf Selected as Keynote Speaker for NCSS Conference
The National Council for the Social Studies 2021 Conference will focus on solidarity in social studies and will feature Dr. Hilary Landorf, Executive Director of the Office of Global Learning Initiatives at FIU and LACC Affiliated Faculty, as the keynote speaker for the Jan L. Tucker Memorial Lecture. Dr. Landorf's presentation, "Illuminating Equity through Global Learning" will be part of the International Assembly at the NCSS Conference.
FIU and ANIMA Launch Online Exchange Program
The interdisciplinary and international online exchange program, “Developing Intercultural Skills and Awareness in Business Innovation and Sustainability”, aims to connect students and faculty at FIU and in Brazil. This initiative is co-sponsored by LACC’s Brazilian Studies Program of Excellence and FIU’s Center for International Business Education and Research (CIBER), in partnership with the ANIMA group of private universities in Brazil.
December
LACC Student Assistant Rhobie Toussaint Receives SAS Undergraduate Success Scholarship
Rhobie Toussaint is one of four FIU undergraduate students to receive a $500 award through the Student Access and Success Undergraduate Scholarship program. The scholarship is awarded to students for commitment to academic excellence and campus engagement. Rhobie works as a LACC student assistant and is pursuing a degree in Health Services Administration as well as a LACC Haitian Studies Undergraduate Certificate. Congratulations Rhobie!
LACC Affiliated Faculty Member, David Bray, Featured on Academic Minute
David Bray, Professor in the Department of Earth and Environment and LACC affiliated faculty member, discussed community forest management in Mexico on Academic Minute. As the lead editor of the book “The Community Forests of Mexico” and author of “Mexico’s Community Forest Enterprises”, Dr. Bray research explores natural resource and ecosystem management.
Foreign Language & Area Studies (FLAS) Fellowship Applications Due January 1, 2022
The Kimberly Green Latin American and Caribbean Center announces the application period for Summer 2022 and Academic Year 2022-2023 FLAS Fellowships. The funding will be available for the study of Portuguese, Haitian Creole, and Quechua. The fellowship assists in the advancement of knowledge, resources, and trained personnel for foreign language and studies, and supports the development of a qualified pool of international experts with global competence designed to meet U.S. national needs.
