Zara Haruna

Place of Origin: Born and raised in Jacksonville, FL. Second Generation: Ghanaian

Major: 3rd year B.S. Biology

Interest in African Studies: I have a profound interest in West Africa, particularly in delving into the pre-colonial history of West Africa and a keen exploration of my ancestral languages. This profound interest extends to a commitment to uncovering and understanding the cultural and historical intricacies of the region, fostering meaningful engagement in the region’s pressing issues.

Passion: I am very passionate about Ghanaian culture, mostly the rhythmic beats of its dances, the delectable cuisine, and warmth hospitality. As an enthusiast of Ghanaian flavors, my favorite culinary is Jollof rice adorned with the fiery richness of Shito pepper sauce. Having travelled and experienced the cultural landscape of Ghana firsthand, I am looking forward to exploring Senegal or South Africa in my future travels, seeking to deepen my understanding of the diverse cultural narratives woven across the African continent. These meaningful engagements not only serve as personal highlights but also underscore my commitment to fostering cross-cultural connections and appreciating the richness of global diversity.

Five-Year Aspirations: Looking ahead, my unwavering commitment propels me towards the pursuit of medical school, a transformative journey aimed at not only acquiring in-depth knowledge of healthcare but also fostering a holistic understanding of global public health issues. This includes a dedication to understanding health systems beyond boundaries and actively contributing to the reduction of disparities in global health services and contributing actively to a healthier, more equitable world..

Will Gendron

Place of Origin: Northwest Florida

Major: Master’s student in Food and Resource Economics

Interest in African Studies: West Africa, throughout my academic journey, I have been driven by a passion for addressing challenges related to food security and rural development within the region. Having participated in the US government’s Virtual Student Federal Service (VSFS) program, I had the valuable opportunity to remotely intern with USAID/Nigeria’s Economic Growth and Environment Office. This experience provided me with profound insights into the intricacies of planning and implementing development programs. Witnessing the collaboration of individuals with diverse backgrounds and expertise left a lasting impression on me.

Passion: I am deeply passionate about sustainable agriculture, with a keen interest in innovative farming practices and I enjoyed actively contributing to impactful educational programs during my enriching internship with the UF/IFAS Extension Office in Okaloosa County. The hands-on involvement of Extension Agents within their communities resonated with me, highlighting the importance of grassroots connections and collaborative efforts.

Five-Year Aspirations: As I continue my educational journey, my primary interest lies in exploring rural development, both domestically and internationally. I’m grateful for the supportive environment provided by the Sahel Research Group at the University of Florida, I’ve had the privilege of learning from and connecting with remarkable individuals. Currently, my master’s research focuses on the intersection of conflict and livestock markets in Mali. Post-graduation, I plan to volunteer with the Peace Corps as an agricultural extension volunteer in West Africa, where I hope to gain a better understanding of the challenges these rural communities are facing.

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.

Victoria Simoni Assuncao

Place of Origin: Delray Beach, FL, originally from southeast Brazil

Major: 3rd year in Medical Geography in Global Health

Interest in African Studies: My academic and professional experiences have shaped my interest in the diverse cultures of the African continent, although I have yet to explore it firsthand.

Passion: My passion for diverse cultural studies is evident in my decision to supplement my studies with a minor in French and Francophone Studies, where I’ve immersed myself in the literature of West and North African writers. My involvement with the CAS and the Sahel Research Group has provided unparalleled opportunities to collaborate on environmental and global health projects. I have attended seminars discussing the evolving sociopolitical and economic conditions of the Sahelian region, contributing to my holistic understanding of the African continent.

Five-Year Aspirations: My future goals involve mastering the Wolof language and pursuing an advanced degree in Public Health. Leveraging knowledge from my minor in Environmental Justice and Policy, I aim to address systemic healthcare disparities by tackling inequities in the built environment. Through outreach and inclusive policies, I aspire to empower resilient communities. My primary research interests lie in the social determinants of health, with a focus on the impact on immigrants and displaced persons within Africa and globally.

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. 

Alexia Cosman

Place of Origin: Toronto, Canada

Major: Microbiology and Cell Science, Political Science, with a minor in Mathematics

Interest in African Studies: I have always been intrigued by African history, culture, and politics since both of my grandparents are originally from Libya! I decided to pursue this passion by enrolling in an African Politics course with Dr. Nicholas Kerr, which has been one of my absolute favorite experiences throughout my time here at the University of Florida. Following this course, I became very interested in the politics of states in sub-Saharan Africa, such as Nigeria and Kenya – I now pursue that interest by working with Dr. Kerr on groundbreaking African election research with a focus on democratic consolidation and regime backsliding!

Passion: I have always been extremely passionate about bringing new perspectives to vital discussions and integrating disciplines to foster meaningful and actionable discourse, hence my seemingly opposite majors. I am devoted to environmental justice, civil rights, and understanding how governments and regimes function on the domestic and global stage.

Five-Year Aspirations: Following my graduation from the

University of Florida, I hope to attend law school and utilize my education to work in the public interest in fields such as biotechnology, public health, and/or international relations. Long term, I aspire to be a voice for the voiceless and contribute to a government that listens to its constituents and researchers alike in whatever capacity I can.

Past Ambassadors