First week in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil!

Hi again! 

I have been in Brazil for a little bit now, and I have been loving it so far. While I originally planned to start my experience volunteering at the Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology here, most of the federal universities and institutes here in Brazil have now been on strike seeking salary adjustments, improved career plans, and better infrastructure on campuses. As a result, all classes at these institutions have stopped for now, which unfortunately means I could not start my experience as planned.

However, I’ve had the amazing opportunity to start working with Dr.Ivan Pimentel’s research group at the Rio de Janeiro State University (UERJ) this week! Over the next few weeks, I will be working with them on a project that explores the Afro-diasporic heritage present in the central area of the city of Rio de Janeiro. 

This week, I met Dr.Pimentel and the students in his research group, and learned more about the work they have done on this project so far. The students were so warm and welcoming, and it was great to see how tight-knit their community is in the Geography department at UERJ. One of my favorite parts of this first week was attending some of the students’ independent research project presentations, which explored the social environments of a variety of different areas here in Rio, from educational institutions to the vibrant dynamics of the peripheral areas of the city.

I have also been really enjoying spending time with my friends and family and reconnecting with the culture here in Brazil. I grew up in Niterói, a city in the metropolitan area of Rio de Janeiro, across the Guanabara Bay. I am staying with family here while participating in my summer experiences, and it has been amazing to see these wonderful places and people again!