Faculty Stories
Faculty at Notre Dame come from communities and cultures all over the world. They conduct research and scholarship on topics and issues that span numerous academic disciplines. They share with students not just their areas of expertise but also their questions and concerns about the enduring issues and latest developments that shape our times.
But their role in broadening and sharpening the lenses through which we understand ourselves and the world around us extend well beyond individual research projects, classroom lectures, course syllabi, or a list of academic programs.
The selection of stories below helps illustrate the many other ways Notre Dame faculty foster diversity, support inclusion, and enliven the entire Notre Dame community.
Using consumption poverty instead of income poverty as their measurement tool, researchers from the University of Notre Dame, the University of Chicago and Baylor University found that poverty rates declined steadily between 2020 and 2022, a period when income-based poverty fluctuated noticeably. These findings were recently released in the Annual Report on U.S. Consumption Poverty: 2022, co-authored by James Sullivan, professor...
SNAP recipients may struggle to meet dietary goals, especially in food deserts
A new study from the University of Notre Dame has found that SNAP participants in low-income households may not be able to meet the nutrition levels set by the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
The DEI Podcast with Max Gaston Season 2 Episode 2: Perspectives of Black Men in Law School Part 1
Black men make up less than 5% of lawyers in the United States. Though drastically underrepresented in the legal profession, Black men are overrepresented…
For Ashlee Bird, digital culture scholar and Native American video game designer, better representation on screen fosters brighter future
For decades, video game players have sat in front of TV and computer screens and used controllers and keyboards to kill Indigenous characters, regardless of their objective or importance to the story. While horrifying, it’s not surprising to Ashlee Bird, an assistant professor of American studies at Notre Dame. Indigenous characters have historically been represented throughout popular culture as a bloodthirsty...
Walking in the footsteps of Father Augustus Tolton
This November, in recognition of Black Catholic History Month, ThinkND and the Medieval Institute published…
Foreign Language Teaching Assistant spotlight: Dayana Velasquez
Located north of Ecuador’s capital Quito, the region of Otavalo is home to rich indigenous cultures that are recognized globally for their iconic clothing, textiles, and handcrafts. Dayana Velasquez, 2023–2024 Quechua FLTA, is proud to represent her home and Otavaleña culture in South Bend, as it has held a deep significance throughout her life.
Notre Dame International to celebrate International Education Week Nov. 13-17
International Education Week (IEW) is an opportunity to celebrate the benefits of international education and exchange worldwide.…
Learning in service to justice: The poverty studies interdisciplinary minor
Notre Dame’s mission statement calls for the creation of “a sense of human solidarity…
New Middle Eastern and North African studies minor explores vital region through interdisciplinary study
Because the region is constantly a part of public discourse, the goal of the MENA minor is to acquaint students with the region and learn about its history, cultures, and politics. This will make it possible for them to pursue advanced study at a later stage and utilize constructive skills to navigate future topics concerning the area.
The theory that men evolved to hunt and women evolved to gather is wrong
Cara Ocobock, assistant professor of anthropology and concurrent faculty member in the Department of Gender Studies, and Sarah Lacy wrote an article in Scientific American suggesting that what we thought we knew about hunters/gatherers may be all wrong.
Notre Dame Law School event highlights the need to protect the Jewish community amid the rise of antisemitism on U.S. college campuses
On November 30, Notre Dame Law School’s Religious Liberty Initiative hosted the event, "The Rising Tide of Antisemitism on American Campuses and Beyond" at the McCartan Courtroom.…
Spanish professor's research about food and feminism and women’s accounts of war earns accolades
Women contributed to Paraguay’s economy and military during the war, said Miseres, an affiliated faculty member in the Gender Studies Program. And they were vital to reconstruction after the war, during which 70% of Paraguay’s males — adults and children — were killed.
Join the Office of Institutional Transformation for cookies, coffee, and conversation
Students, faculty, and staff are invited to stop by the Office of Institutional Transformation’s holiday open house on Thursday, December 7, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. in Suite 217 of the Main Building.
November is Native American Heritage Month
Dance and drum performance among many opportunities for Notre Dame’s students, faculty, and staff to expand their knowledge and understanding of Native and Indigenous communities.
What is the Transformational Leaders Program?
Academic support, mentorship, community building, competitive funding for academic materials and experiences, and much more—these are just a few…
Leading the way toward a more inclusive entertainment industry
Institute for Latino Studies Leadership panel – Transformative Latino Leaders in Hollywood: Actors, Producers, Change-Makers – features Mark Consuelos, Nicholas Gonzalez and Wilmer Valderrama.
Law School launches experiential learning program to serve parents of children with disabilities
Notre Dame Law School is launching a new experiential learning program aimed at supporting parents in the wider South Bend, Indiana area as they advocate for services, accessibility, and accommodations required for their children diagnosed with physical and mental disabilities The program will also provide ND Law students the opportunity to work with families to ensure their child’s access to...
Notre Dame computer scientists receive NSF award to reduce opioid misuse through improved nutrition
University of Notre Dame computer scientists within the Lucy Family Institute for Data & Society and the College of Engineering have received…
A year of living joyously
"I might describe my year at Notre Dame, a pinnacle for creative minds, as a combination of art, enlightenment and therapy, but also chores," said Cheng Wang, one of Notre Dame’s 20 Inspired Leadership Initiative fellows during the 2022-23 academic year.
Notre Dame International leads efforts to strengthen partnerships between higher education institutions in the United States and India
Fulbright Nehru International Education Administrators pictured with Rev. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C. Home…
Fulbright Foreign Language Teaching Assistant Spotlight: Cherrin Song
South Korea, a vibrant country defined by harmony of tradition and innovation, stands as a testament to the co-existence of the past, present, and future. The nation boasts a rich heritage while simultaneously embracing modernity. From the mesmerizing hues of traditional hanboks to the high-energy…
Aprahamian appointed to Armenia Prime Minister's advisory council
Ani Aprahamian, Freimann Professor of Physics and concurrent Professor of Chemistry and BioChemistry at the University of Notre Dame has been appointed to the advisory council of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia focusing…
Rare Books and Special Collections exhibit explores emancipation during the 19th century
Making and Unmaking Emancipation in Cuba and the United States explores the fraught, circuitous and unfinished course of emancipation over the 19th century in Cuba and the United States. It will remain on display in 102 Hesburgh Library, Rare Books and Special Collections through December 15.
Celebrating Native American Heritage Month
In honor and celebration of Native American Heritage Month, the Notre Dame Initiative on Race and Resilience, in collaboration with its artist-in-residence, David Martin, hosted a Native American dance and drum performance in DeBartolo Hall on Wednesday, Nov. 8. The program featured songs and dance…
ND professor organizes conference on early American disability history
Professor Laurel Daen is shown above speaking at the Disability in the Vast Early Americas conference.…
Notre Dame workshop explores the connection between names and identity
FLTA Stuti Benal “Names are a very good beginning in efforts for inclusivity.” When Fulbright…
Law School veterans reflect on God, Country, Notre Dame
Notre Dame Law School extends heartfelt gratitude to our faculty, staff, and students who have dedicated themselves in service to our country. In honor of Veterans Day, we are honored to showcase profiles of a few of these remarkable individuals. Each was invited to share their reflections on what…
Institute for Latino Studies presents ‘Transformative Latino Leaders in Hollywood,’ featuring Mark Consuelos, Nicholas Gonzalez and Wilmer Valderrama
The discussion takes place at 5 p.m. in the Carey Auditorium of the Hesburgh Library and will focus on elevating overlooked voices in the entertainment industry.
Looking back in time: Saurja DasGupta investigates the origins of life on Earth
Saurja DasGupta, assistant professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, attempts to pull back the curtain on four-plus billion years of history to investigate the origins of life itself. DasGupta believes that Notre Dame is the optimal place for him to carry out his research.
Q&A: Visiting Associate Professor William Tobin
Bill Tobin is a visiting professor at the Keough School of Global Affairs, working with the Klau Institute for Civil and Human Rights. His teaching on civil rights and refugee determination is informed by an interdisciplinary approach to contemporary challenges.