Cultural studies act as both window and mirror

Studying other cultures is a way to learn both about the world and yourself, according to Ana Forcinito, professor of Latin American Literature and Cultural Studies in the College of Liberal Arts.

“Learning from other cultures is a window to see what is outside,” Forcinito said. “But at the same time, I think it’s a mirror where you can look back at yourself and look back at your own culture.”

Using ecology to make an impact back home

In 2019 and 2020, a historic drought affected the Mekong Delta, and a series of forest fires burned across central Vietnam. Chau Pham was at Yale University, working on their undergraduate degree in ecology and evolutionary biology.

“These natural disasters were the impetus for me to think about how I can use the ecological knowledge I’ve acquired in the U.S. to address these issues at home in Vietnam,” Pham said.

MDP student plans to focus on immigrants and refugees

Rebekah Montgomery is already an accomplished leader. For 21 years, she was an officer in the U.S. Air Force.

She was a transport pilot working with coalition partners across Africa, Europe, and much of the Pacific doing humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. She was also involved in operations, and took on some challenging assignments. 

Now retired from the Air Force, Montgomery is starting a new career. She wants to help people who are new to local communities to thrive despite complex challenges, and before humanitarian situations occur.

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