Ms. Erin Lewis

Program Director, Center for Innovation and Change

Erin proposed to study the legendary dance and music education system in Havana, Cuba. Upon return, she would develop a Latin Dance Performance Team at UE, as well as a potential summer class where UE students could get class credit for learning the material. After learning the material, these UE student groups would pilot an outreach program at an EVSC school, with public performances in the community required (including at community centers and other non-profits working with underserved youth). UE student teams would help teach Latin dance to inner city youth, with the music teams performing at their live showcases. She will also explore possible joint efforts with other local groups such as the Latin American Festival, and an official partnership with UE students in the Fellows Program.

Hurricane Irma tore through Cuba only two short weeks before the planned Cuban International Ballroom Championships and caused an unprecedented amount of damage. This international travel component has been replaced by travel to Ballroom Dance championships and salsa lessons within the US.

Dr. Shawn Teichmer

Assistant Professor, Music

Ms. Lewis and Dr. Teichmer will study the legendary dance and music education system in Havana and Santiago, Cuba. Upon return, they will develop a Latin Dance and Music Performance Team at UE as well as a potential summer class where UE students could get class credit for learning the material. These UE student groups would pilot an outreach program at EVSC schools among other outreach projects.

Dr. Noah Gordon

Associate Professor, Biology

While many students come to UE from African nations, there is no UE-sponsored program for students to learn in Africa. This project aims to fill that gap. Namibia provides an excellent opportunity for students to learn firsthand about how other countries deal with modern, social, political, and environmental challenges. While in Namibia, Dr. Gordon will study three species of barking geckos which form choruses much like frogs in North America. Namibia is the only place in the world where all three of these gecko species are found, and their ranges abut each other in the central coast region. Part of his time in Namibia will be spent investigating the communication system of these closely related geckos.

Dr. Lesley Pleasant

Associate Professor, German

Dr. Pleasant proposes to study migration patterns across the world. Regardless of individual politics, migration is a highly relevant topic as masses of refugees and other migrants cross borders, affecting local, regional, national, and supranational identities. Dr. Pleasant would work with UE faculty to add value to existing courses and potential new courses across disciplines and schools to highlight the continuing importance of national and international diversity in the UE curriculum. In addition to collaborating with colleagues, she plans to reach out to Evansville and tri-state individuals, businesses, groups, and institutions.

As Global Scholars, the recipients of this award will engage in scholarship, curriculum development, and activities related to preparing our students and community for global leadership, citizenry, and success. The Global Scholars program is supported by the John H. Schroeder Global Scholar Endowed Fund and the Lilly Endowment.