Beata Oseibonsu

Place of Origin: Clearwater, Florida

Major: 2nd year in International Studies with an emphasis on Africa, minoring in African studies and Sociology of Social Justice and Policy

Interest in African Studies: Growing up, I acquired a proficiency in Akan and continued my knowledge of the language by enrolling in courses here at UF. I aspire to deepen my linguistic knowledge and plan to enroll in Swahili courses. My interest in African affairs centers on the Western and Southern regions, as well as the cultural and historical landscape of African countries, especially pre-colonialism. In my academics I hope to employ an interdisciplinary approach that integrates perspectives from social advocacy, sociology, and cultural exchange.

Passion: My Ghanaian American heritage goes beyond just my identity which I like to embrace but it’s a source of deep passion to actively contributing to cultural exchange initiatives, I wholeheartedly engage as a dedicated member of UF’s African Student Union. Such engagements in turn directly influence and enrich my professional pursuits.

Five-Year Aspirations: Over the next five years, I passionately envision not just graduating from the University of Florida but doing so with the highest distinction. Beyond that milestone, I am determined to advance my education through either a master’s program or Law school. And then later to join the Peace Corps, where I aim to contribute meaningfully to global initiatives and make a lasting impact on communities in need.

Kelsey Cook

Place of Origin: Cape Coral, Florida

Major: Anthropology with minors in African Studies, Health Disparities, and Statistics

Interest in African Studies: I initially became affiliated with CAS through various coursework, including language classes such as Swahili. I am currently enrolled in Intermediate Swahili and this exposure to East African culture has prompted my goal of one day conducting research in either Tanzania or Kenya. I will be going to Tanzania this summer to conduct research under Dr. Strong surrounding meanings of pain. While my knowledge leans toward East Africa, I aspire to explore diverse countries like Morocco, Senegal, DRC, Angola, driven by a deep interest in African culture, politics, and history. Additionally, I’m motivated to understand the impact of international organizations, neo-colonialism, and to conduct research in this area in the future.

Passion: I am deeply passionate about ensuring equitable access to healthcare, promoting wildlife conservation, and advancing environmental justice through sustainability programs. These diverse passions are evident in both my academic and personal pursuits.

Five-Year Aspirations: My main interest lies within medical anthropology and the anthropology of aging. Following graduation, I plan to attend graduate school for a PhD in Medical Anthropology to conduct research concerning cross-cultural perspectives of aging and dementia care. I aspire to apply my research post-graduate school, collaborating with community-based organizations to address the researched problems.

Michele Hirn

Place of Origin: Coral Springs, Florida

Major: 1st year Data Science

Interest in African Studies: I have a strong interest in East Africa, driven by my culturally diverse background, particularly with my mother coming from Kenya. My extensive travels through the region have afforded me a comprehensive understanding of East Africa’s intricate cultural dynamics. Throughout this journey, I have diligently explored and analyzed the nuances of East Africa’s diverse cultures, consistently gaining profound insights that contribute to my professional and academic pursuits.

Passion: My passion for Swahili language studies stems directly from my multicultural background, inspired by the experience of holding dual citizenship. This propels me to a commitment in pursuing a minor in African Studies, recognizing the importance of fostering multicultural awareness. I believe that delving into African Studies not only enriches my understanding of diverse cultures but also equips me with a unique perspective to contribute meaningfully to international efforts addressing global issues.

Five-Year Aspirations: As I progress through my academic journey at UF, my aspirations encompass attaining proficiency in the Swahili language, assuming leadership roles in diverse student organizations, and actively contributing to meaningful research endeavors aligned with my academic and personal interests. I am committed to making a lasting impact within and beyond the academic sphere.

 

Zofa Matando

Place of Origin: Tampa, Florida, second generation Tanzanian

Major : Health Science with a minor in Health Disparities 

Interest in African Studies : Having explored Tanzania, I am enthusiastic about returning and extending my African studies to other captivating regions. The diverse biomes across Africa have ignited my fascination, driving my interest in future explorations. Academically, my focus lies in investigating health disparities, particularly within Sub-Saharan Africa, and I aspire to pursue graduate studies to become a physician. Engaging with African languages, notably Swahili, adds a cultural facet to my academic journey. Long-term, I aim to contribute significantly to medical research in Sub-Saharan Africa, working towards advancements that positively impact healthcare outcomes in the region. 

Interesting facts about you: Born in Tampa, Florida, as a second-generation Tanzanian immigrant, my Tanzanian-American identity has shaped a unique cultural perspective. This background has sparked a passion for exploring diverse culinary traditions, particularly through studying the Swahili language and crafting East African dishes. I find joy in the art of transforming ingredients across cultures to create delicious and unique meals. Beyond the kitchen, my love for travel takes me to tropical countries, allowing me to appreciate nature, diverse cuisines, and rich cultures. Balancing this, I enjoy yoga and outdoor activities like nature walks, hiking, and biking. In my leisure time, you’ll find me playing the guitar and immersed in fictional novels, reflecting a multifaceted lifestyle rooted in my multicultural upbringing. 

Five-year goals: My encompassing goals include attending graduate school, advancing my current research to contribute meaningfully to my field, achieving fluency in Swahili to enhance my cross-cultural communication skills, participating in public outreach initiatives to share knowledge and foster community engagement, and ultimately publishing a research paper to contribute to the academic discourse. These aspirations reflect my commitment to continuous learning, community involvement, and scholarly contributions as I navigate my academic and professional journey. 

Paul Blignaut

Place of Origin: Boulder, Colorado

Major: 1st Year in International Studies with an emphasis on Africa and an International Relations Certificate, African Studies minor

Interest in African Studies: My first memories about Africa are with my Grandpa on his screened-in porch in Indiana. He would tell stories of his bush camping adventures with friends in Eswatini and the Limpopo region of South Africa where he grew up. From then on, I knew I would eventually live in Africa. Throughout the course of my academic journey, I determined that security is an all-too-common weak link that leads to failed states and destroys human development initiatives. Questions regarding security in Africa, and its role in providing a foundation for progress, became my obsession, my passion.

Passion: I am deeply passionate about gaining a better understanding of African culture and language, starting with East Africa and Swahili, as it is where I currently reside and study here in rural Tanzania as of writing this entry. I am working to better understand the various causes of the ongoing conflicts within the Great Lakes region and Great Rife Valley. I am passionate about the prospect of the United States and many African countries working closer together to develop and implement security initiatives that are constructively designed to create more space for an increased rate of progressive human and economic development.

Five-Year Aspirations: With a graduation date in 2026, I look to quickly pursue a career in national security, working on operational American African foreign policy objectives.

 

Past Ambassadors