"I recommend anyone who is curious about learning about a new culture and language to go and step out of their comfort zone. I think it's okay to be nervous or even a little scared and I think that makes it all the more worthwhile when you get to see yourself grow. This was my first time ever traveling alone, and I think I have learned a lot about myself because of it. So, for anyone who feels the tug on their heart strings to see what this big, beautiful world has to offer, I say go for it!"

Sophomore Sam Laikin ('28, History BA/MA and Social Studies Education) was the first student to take advantage of GIC's new partnership with the Tandana Foundation, completing a five-week summer internship in Otavalo, Ecuador, teaching English to community members. He wrote a blog post about his weeks spent in Ecuador, navigating life with his homestay family, as well as the Spanish and Kichwa languages. His reflection shows the value of profound cultural immersion applied to his Miami education and career goals.

On October 3, GIC co-sponsored the inaugural International Leadership Conference, hosting invited guests Jenn Miller (president of the Ohio League of Women's Voters) and Sunny Singh (Chief of Staff, CIA). Students participated in "mitigating strategies" workshops to learn how to develop skills to apply to real world problems. 

Students in Sande Garner's class WGS 309, Native American Women, visited the Walter Havighurst Special Collections in King Library, where they spent time engaging with primary source material from Native American women playwrights.

The Grayson Kirk lecture this year was delivered by José Cossa (Penn State), and filled the FSB Auditorium to capacity. 

Students at lunch with Cossa.

Registration for Spring 2026 semester courses opens on October 29. Start thinking ahead of time about what classes you need and what exciting new offerings you wan to take advantage of. The next edition of the newsletter will feature GIC Spring classes!

Jonnalagadda (L) in the field with co-author Pullanna Vidyapogu (R)

Indivar Jonnalagadda co-authored the article "From Contested Commons to Ornamental Ecologies: Environmental Casteism and the Blocked Dialectic of Urban Lakes in Hyderabad," in the journal Environment and Planning E: Nature and Space. This study looks at how efforts to clean up and beautify urban lakes in Hyderabad end up pushing out the lower-caste communities who depend on them. It raises bigger questions about who gets to shape the environment, and how projects meant to conserve nature can sometimes deepen social inequality.

Rodney Coates received an official letter of recognition for his service to the American Sociological Association (ASA). Congratulations Rodney!

Elena Jackson Albarrán presented her latest research this month on discourses of childhood and soft practices of empire in the Americas to students, faculty, and staff at the Latin American and Iberian Institute at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque. 

Pictured here (second from right) with her UNM hostesses Joanna Camacho, Ronda Brulotte, and Eva Rodríguez-González. 

Tuesday, October 21, 5-6:30 pm | MacMillan 114

Are you planning to attend graduate or law school? Come to the GIC Grad School Workshop to get advice, tips, and recommendations from GIC faculty, and connect to 1:1 mentorship resources. Event features insights from Kenna Neitch, Nathan French, Naaborle Sackeyfio, Kate Dannies, Elena Jackson Albarrán, and grad student perspectives from GIC alumnus Joey Jeffcott. Refreshments will be served.

Friday, October 31, 7pm | Hall Auditorium

It’s A-live! (A live concert!) Miami University Symphony Orchestra Presents: Frankenstein Halloween Concert

This Halloween, Miami University is bringing a classic monster back to life in a way you’ve never experienced before!

The centerpiece of the evening will be the 1931 classic horror film Frankenstein, projected on the big screen while the orchestra performs a thrilling new soundtrack by composer Michael Shapiro — live, in real time.

Interactive surprises, costume contests, and surprise guest appearances will punctuate this lively evening.

GIC faculty will join forces with colleagues from across campus to bring the story of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein to life. From exploring the novel’s enduring place in literature, to the ethical dilemmas of science and biology, to the Gothic imagery that has inspired generations of artists and filmmakers — this one-of-a-kind event will blend entertainment with education in the spirit of true interdisciplinary collaboration.

QT-Con Call for Proposals: Creating and Crafting Community

QT-Con will be held Wednesday, April 8th and Thursday, April 9th, 2026.

QT-Con is a grassroots conference at Miami featuring research, creative works, and passion projects that bring together individuals from academia and beyond to center LGBTQIA+ lived experiences and celebrate multiple sources of expertise. This year’s QT-Con will feature numerous opportunities to connect with one another, craft, and make something meaningful.

Call for Proposals NOW OPEN!

Deadline is February 4th, 2026. 

Trip is an important member (the most important member?) of GIC Chair Sande Garner's household. 

He's a friendly pup, smart, and absolutely epitomizes a velcro dog. 

He fulfills his service obligation to the GIC department by keeping the chair calm and on her exercise routine. 

Thanks, Trip, for your service!

Submit newsletter content to Elena Jackson Albarrán at albarrej@miamioh.edu

Global and Intercultural Studies Contact Info

513-529-5333

MacMillan 120

Dr. Sande Garner, Chair

garners2@miamioh.edu

Martha Sapiro, Admin Assistant

sapiromc@miamioh.edu

Denise Roell, Admin Assistant

roelled@miamioh.edu