Are you interested in doing independent research? Are you unsure about how to take a broad topic of interest and turn it into a research question? This workshop, led by Dr. K. Frances Lieder, UCIS Visiting Professor of Contemporary Global Issues, will help you to begin thinking through potential research topics in a generative and generous low-stakes environment. Any student with an interest in developing an independent academic research project in the social sciences and humanities is welcome. Bring your questions and a general sense of the topics that interest you!

Angel Maxine has been called Ghana's first transgender musician; that is, she is the first to be open about it. The daughter of a reverend and a prophetess, Angel will speak about her experiences growing up in Ghana and what it's like for the LGBTQ community there. She will discuss how she uses music as a tool of activism, especially in response to the new anti-LGBTQ bill in Ghana's Parliament.

The Center for African Studies will be discussing Abi Dare's book, The Girl With the Louding Voice. Daré’s novel follows the story of Adunni, a 14-year-old girl growing up in rural Nigeria who wishes to continue her education when her father decides to marry her off for money. Join us for an engaging discussion.

What does it take to become an American? Born in Mogadishu to nomadic parents, Abdi Nor Iftin survived famine, war, and child soldiering. In an amazing stroke of luck, he won entrance to the U.S. in August 2014. Abdi shares every part of his journey and his new life in the US.

The “What’s in a Name?” series aims to open a doorway to explore issues that affect us every day, and that, ultimately, reverberate through the most intimate aspects of who we are. While we will explore basic tools and name etiquette, with the kindness and respect we all deserve, we intend to reflect about what our names say about us, and how they may be used to define who we are.

Spring semester 2022 Educators Advisory Board meeting

Emily Olmstead is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh with a Global Studies Certificate. She serves as Program Coordinator at American Councils for International Education, Tajikistan and possesses diverse global work experience. Emily is experienced in language instruction, development, and youth work, with an interest in international education, gender equality, and human rights. She will discuss her career experiences as well as insight navigating changes in global work from a currently remote position.

Dr. Abdesalam Soudi serves as Professor, Cultural Competence Consultant, and Cultural and Linguistic Competence Master’s Course Co-Director, Family Medicine Department at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and University of Pittsburgh. He is a Sociolinguist recognized for several scholarly accomplishments in Conversation Analysis, Cultural and Linguistic Diversity, Arabic Linguistics, Electronic Health Records, Cultural Competency in medical practice. He leads a cross-disciplinary Humanities in Health initiative (HinH).

Dr. Priya Sirohi discusses her career as professor, writer, researcher, and scholar of cultural rhetoric. Her research conducts case studies between the English East India Company and Mughal India, to illuminate the significance of Early Modern economics that continue to define contemporary globalization. She holds a doctorate from Purdue University with secondary concentrations in Public Rhetoric and Cultural Rhetoric

“Lee” Lenora Dingus, employed at Pearson Education, an international education conglomerate, shares her thoughts on inclusivity, diversity, and being Haudenosaunee in Pittsburgh. She has served in federal positions within Veteran’s Affairs, the IRS, and the Social Security Administration. Her people, who have always been located around the greater Tri-State area, believe that culture stems from women, and have had many women leaders, as Clan Mothers, Faith Keepers, Medicine Women, and politicians.