With Title VI funding from the U.S. Department of Education, the Center for Latin American Studies is supporting seven undergraduate students and one graduate student with Foreign Language and Area Studies (FLAS) Fellowships in Summer 2023. Summer FLAS fellows receive support to participate in intensive language study at approved programs in the U.S. or abroad.

Meet this year's summer fellows:

Mateo Zevallos is an undergraduate majoring in Biomedical Science. He is Peruvian and is studying Portuguese to supplement his fluency in Spanish and enable him to serve and help more Latino people. This summer, he will study intermediate Portuguese in São Paulo with Tulane's Summer in Brazil program. He looks forward to expanding his global perspective through immersion in Brazil. After finishing his BS, Mateo hopes to pursue a Master's/PhD and become principal investigator of his own research lab, while also serving patients. 

Anais Fernandez is an undergraduate double majoring in Political Science and Spanish, pursuing the track in Hispanic Linguistics and with a minor in Andean and Amazonian Studies. She is a Peruvian native and lover of folkloric dances. This summer, she will study advanced Quechua through an individualized instruction program in Lima, Peru. In the coming years, Anais hopes to work for the government in international relations concerning the Americas and/or attend graduate school.

Anais was also a FLAS fellow in Summer 2022 and Academic Year 2022-23. 

Mario Codispoti is an undergraduate double majoring in Spanish and International Business, with a minor in Computer Information Systems. A speaker of multiple Romance languages, Mario has been fascinated by Brazilian Portuguese since the first time he heard it spoken. This summer, he will study intermediate Portuguese in São Paulo with Tulane's Summer in Brazil program. Looking to the future, Mario would like to spend several years working abroad as an English teacher before he settles on a graduate program.

Lauren Miranda is a graduate student in the Department of Spanish and Portuguese, pursuing a PhD in Hispanic Linguistics. Her research focuses on inclusive pedagogies in Heritage Language classrooms, with a special interest in centering afro-descended identities in curriculum.

This summer, she will study Haitian Creole online through Florida International University's Haitian Summer Institute. She hopes that by continuing her study of Creole, she will be able to expand her work to include students who speak Creole as their home language. Considering the growing communities of Haitian descent in the U.S., Lauren hopes her language skills will also help her to better support Haitian students and families navigating U.S. institutions of education.

In the future, Lauren intends to explore language contact between Dominican Spanish and Haitian Creole. She plans to pursue a career as a researcher in Hispanic linguistics and education.

Orianna McDavid is an undergraduate majoring in English, with a minor in Portuguese. This summer, she will study advanced Portuguese in São Paulo with Tulane's Summer in Brazil program. In the future, Orianna hopes to write textbooks for learners of Portuguese. She also hopes to use fiction as a vehicle to advocate for environmental rights in Brazil and the US.

Amber Glendell McClendon is an undergraduate majoring in Cultural Comparative Studies, additionally pursuing a certification in Intercultural Competency. This summer, she will study intermediate Quechua through an individualized instruction program in Lima, Peru. Having a background in Spanish language and a deep passion for indigeneity around the world, Amber pursues Quechua with a deep appreciation for the opportunity to learn indigenous language and culture from members of the community. Also deeply engaged in community and the arts here in Ohio, Amber will continue her work in the non-profit sector in ways that engage and empower individuals from a variety of cultural backgrounds.

Julia Allwein is an undergraduate majoring in Comparative Cultural Studies, with a minor in Andean & Amazonian Studies. She spent Spring 2023 living in Ecuador and spent time in a Kichwa-speaking community there. This summer, she will study intermediate Quechua through an individualized instruction program in Lima, Peru. Julia’s future career aspirations include international relations concerning the Andes and Amazonia, with a focus on political advocacy for justice and equality.

Damaris Pantoja da Silva Vanecko is an undergraduate majoring in Consumer Sciences: Hospitality Management. This summer, she will study advanced Portuguese in São Paulo with Tulane's Summer in Brazil program. She hopes to advance her knowledge of Portuguese grammar and gain a greater command of the language particularly in professional settings. In the future, Damaris hopes to live in Brazil and use her Spanish and Portuguese skills in the travel/hospitality industry. She is also considering the possibility of volunteering with the Peace Corps and pursuing a Master's degree in international affairs or business management, before ultimately working in international business related to exportation of açaí.

Please join us in congratulating CLAS’ exceptional Summer 2023 FLAS fellows!