“My classroom revolves around the idea of communicating with each other, sharing ideas, and building on them according to negotiation of meaning and value systems.”
What are your areas of research and teaching expertise?
Latin American literature, Colombian contemporary novel, Peace Justice and Conflict Studies, Masculinity in Latin American cultural production, Creative Writing in Spanish
What is your teaching style?
I teach around students needs and interests, aiming at bridging connections between individuals and the diverse cultural tapestry of the world. In my classes, students are prompted to link authentic Latin American and Spanish materials and experiences with their own perspectives and cultural backgrounds. My classroom revolves around the idea of communicating with each other, sharing ideas, and building on them according to negotiation of meaning and value systems.
Describe your “lightbulb moment.”
As I developed my course on Colombian novel “One Hundred Years of Solitude”, I realized that my classroom is most effective when I provide ample opportunities for students to fill-in the details in the general ideas I present, along with multiple forms of language and cultural input that I design in order to engage different types of student skills and passions.
What tips do you have for student success?
Take every opportunity to practice what you learn in courses… don’t wait for all opportunities to be present in the classroom. Take every chance to find out new connections between classroom knowledge and class dynamics. Take on challenges that put to the test your level of comfort: this is not only when knowledge develops, but, more importantly, when you learn to adapt and find connections between what you’ve done in academic settings and the world at large.
What campus traditions are your favorite?
Faculty Shop Talks, Publications such as Firethorne and El Tintero
What is your favorite author/book?
Hard to pick…. A Latin American classic: “Pedro Paramo” by Mexican Juan Rulfo… for more recent works, I’d recommend “Fever Dream” by Argentine Samantha Schweblin or the short stories in “Things We Lost in the Fire” by Argentine Mariana Enríquez. For poetry, a soon-to-be-released work called “Hereticum” by Colombian –and Minnesota resident– Adriana Gordillo. Also… I very much recommend the novel “In the Distance” by Hernán Díaz.
What is your favorite class to teach?
I love all my classes… but, of course, I love preparing materials for “Cultures of Peace and Conflict in Latin America” or “Heroes and Demons in Latin America”.
Where is your favorite place on campus/in St Peter?
My office has a wonderful view… I also love the arb (when it’s not winter). I wish I had more time to go read in the library.