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DRN Share Out brings critical scholarship to light

January 13, 2025 - Deborah J. Johnson and Micaela Flores

A central pillar of the Diversity Research Network's mission is the commitment to amplifying the visibility of scholarship. The Focal Point section of our weekly notices is one way we support this objective. However, we’re particularly thrilled to highlight faculty scholarly endeavors through our DRN SHARE OUT sessions – distinct events held once or twice annually. 

From left to right, Gianina K L Strother and Alejandra Marquez Guajardo

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These virtual gatherings provide a unique platform for faculty to present their scholarship in an ignite-style format: concise, focused and often in the early stages of development. Participants engage with the presenters, asking questions and offering insights, fostering a vibrant atmosphere of dialogue and the exchange of ideas. Interestingly, presenters' scholarships are often synergistic and propel projects forward, enriching the scholarly process.    

In November, we had the pleasure of featuring two outstanding scholars. Dr. Gianina Strothers, assistant professor of African and African American studies, presented her interpretative and performance-centered work on "T(her)d-Space: Embodied Performances of (Be)longing." Her exploration of (be)longing through embodied performance captivated the audience, sparking lively discussions.  

Our second presenter, Dr. Alejandra Marquez Guajardo, assistant professor of romance and classical languages, shared insights from her recently completed book project, "Lenchitudes: Sapphic Representation in Contemporary Mexican Narrative." This critical work delves into the experiences of Mexican women and queer people, exploring transformation through representations in literary production.

The online evening venue created a relaxed yet dynamic space for vigorous dialogue and exchange. Both projects showcased the power of scholarship to link global and local cultural experience and knowledge to the American experience of women and queer folk of color through language and movement transformations.

We look forward to continuing this tradition of celebrating and supporting innovative scholarship through future DRN SHARE OUT sessions. Stay tuned for the next opportunity to engage with and contribute to these transformative conversations.