Session Description: 

Concepción Gimeno de Flaquer was the director and owner of El Álbum de la Mujer (México, 1883-1890) and El Álbum Ibero-Americano (Madrid, 1890-1909), author of around a dozen books, half a dozen novels and over 1,000 articles in journals. She is the first person who spoke about and vehemently defended feminism in the Ateneo de Madrid, the most prestigious agora in 19th century Spain.

The presentation will be both an introduction to one of the most important feminist figures of Spain and Mexico, but also a reassessment of the current studies on these pioneers of the women’s cause.

Speaker Bio:

Antonio Francisco Pedrós-Gascón, Associate Professor, Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures, Colorado State University

Antonio Francisco Pedrós-Gascón is a professor of Spanish literature at Colorado State University. His recent publication interests deal with feminism historiography, queer studies, and contemporary Spanish or Latin-American literature.

Session Description

This panel session will provide an in-depth look at Colorado State University’s newly developed Mexico Strategy, aimed at strengthening the University’s engagement with Mexico across all campuses. Key initiatives include the 2025 launch of the faculty-led Mexico Center, expanding student mobility, fostering robust partnerships, and enhancing the sustainability of CSU’s Todos Santos Center. Participants will also explore CSU’s ongoing collaborations with Mexican universities, NGOs, and government agencies to support impactful and sustainable cross-border projects.

A unique feature of this session is a real-time online survey, where participants can contribute by identifying priority areas for collaboration between the U.S. and Mexico. This interactive element will help shape CSU’s future initiatives in areas such as technology, sustainable development, higher education, and binational challenges. Join us to help shape the future of U.S.-Mexico academic and cultural connections.

Speaker Bios

A. Alonso Aguirre, Dean, Warner College of Natural Resources, Colorado State University

A. Alonso Aguirre is dean of the Warner College of Natural Resources at Colorado State University, the first Latin-American to hold this role. A CSU and Warner College alumnus, he champions transformational, transdisciplinary education for future environmental leaders. Previously chair of Environmental Science and Policy at George Mason University, Dr. Aguirre co-founded Conservation Medicine and the journal EcoHealth. His work, spanning 30 years in over 25 countries, emphasizes the global health of ecosystems and species. Recognized internationally, he has published over 160 papers and serves on the National Academy of Sciences’ Board on Life Sciences.

Kathleen Fairfax, Vice Provost for International Affairs, Colorado State University

Kathleen Fairfax is the vice provost for international affairs at Colorado State University and serves on the Provost’s Leadership Council. She oversees a staff of more than 70 professionals within International Programs and collaborates with colleges and units across campus to implement the University’s internationalization initiatives. Prior to CSU, Fairfax served as the assistant vice president of International Affairs at South Dakota State University. Her career has also included serving as vice provost of Global Education at Arizona State University, director of the Office for Study Abroad at Michigan State University and at Purdue University, as well as similar roles at Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas, and DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana. 

Eduardo Nájera-Hillman, Affiliate Faculty, Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology, Colorado State University

Eduardo Nájera-Hillman is the Mexico engagement specialist at CSU Todos Santos and affiliate faculty in Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology at Warner College of Natural Resources. He facilitates projects enhancing CSU’s impact in Mexico through partnerships, capacity building, and grants. With 20 years of conservation experience, Eduardo has worked in academia, government, and with NGOs, focusing on diverse ecosystems and species like coral reefs, marine mammals, and sea turtles. He holds a biology degree from UNAM, a Ph.D. from Auckland University of Technology, and completed postdoctoral work at INECOL. He previously directed marine projects for CONANP, Wildcoast, and WWF.

Leslie Harroun, Executive Director, Salazar Center, Colorado State University

Leslie Harroun leads the Salazar Center for North American Conservation at Colorado State University, advancing innovation in conservation to protect North America’s lands and waters. Previously, she directed The Next System Project at The Democracy Collaborative and founded Partners for a New Economy, promoting sustainable economies. A former senior program officer at the OAK Foundation, Leslie also holds a Non-Profit Leadership Certificate from Harvard and degrees from Northeastern University and Mount Holyoke College. She is board chair of Oil Change International, U.S. director for Positive Money, and served on Maine’s Ocean Energy Task Force.

Joseph DiVerdi, Professor, Department of Chemistry, Colorado State University

Joseph DiVerdi is a professor in the Department of Chemistry at Colorado State University. He currently serves as vice chair of the University’s Faculty Council and is the incoming (inaugural) director of the University’s Mexico Center. His interests in international issues are developing opportunities in higher education for engagement, community, partnership, and strategic thought between Mexican institutions and the CSU System.

Session Description

Join four salty sailors to hear about their experiences sailing halfway across the world while teaching on Semester at Sea. Before the spring 2024 voyage, this group of CSU faculty spanned the spectrum of travel experience – from nearly novice to globe trotter. Half of them were born on continents other than North America! Their academic specialties encompass the arts, sciences, and business. Their varied life experiences will flavor their discussion as they share their tribulations, and triumphs, while on Semester at Sea.

Speaker Bios

Jen Bousselot, Assistant Professor of Horticulture, Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Colorado State University
Jen Bousselot is a farm kid that couldn’t stop going to school. She is now an assistant professor of horticulture at CSU. Jen taught three classes on the Spring 2024 Semester at Sea voyage. While traveling for the voyage, Jen and her family visited 15 countries. The experience of visiting so many continents, cultures, climates, and floras transformed Jen and her family’s world views. Since returning, Jen is living the dream with a new perspective, teaching classes, and doing research on green infrastructure with her team.

Andy Seidl, Professor of Environmental and Development Economics, Department of Agriculture and Resource Economics, Colorado State University
Andy Seidl is a downhill ski racer from Wisconsin who, upon noticing he had ruined his knees, was left with academia as his only remaining semi-respectable career path. He has been a CSU professor of environmental & development economics since before asbestos was removed and replaced with wifi in the Clark Building. His work focuses on natural resource-based economic development and private (agricultural) land conservation in Colorado and biodiversity finance with the United Nations Development Programme. He taught three economics courses on the Spring Semester at Sea voyage. He enjoys losing at golf, soccer, dad jokes, and a good local IPA.

Megan Lewis, Director of Theatre, School of Music, Theatre and Dance, Colorado State University
Meg Lewis is a bi-continental South African-American theatre historian whose happiest place on the planet is in the middle of the ocean teaching students about global citizenship, radical empathy, the African philosophy of mutual humanity called Ubuntu, and the way artists shape the world! She is the Director of the Division of Theatre at CSU and has sailed twice with Semester at Sea.

Ursula Quillmann, Assistant Professor of Oceanography, Department of Forest and Rangeland Stewardship, Colorado State University
Ursula Quillmann, born and raised in Germany, teaches oceanography at Colorado State University in land-locked Fort Collins. Despite the many environmental challenges facing our oceans, she remains optimistic, encouraging her students to think creatively about solutions. A seasoned sailor of three Semester at Sea voyages, Ursula lived the ultimate dream—teaching her subject while sailing the seas. From snorkeling in coral reefs and participating in mangrove restoration efforts to discussing overfishing and plastic pollution with local fishermen, she brings these rich, hands-on experiences from her field classes in Ghana, Vietnam, South Africa, and Mozambique back into her classroom with enthusiasm.

Session Description

In an increasingly interconnected world, virtual exchanges are revolutionizing the landscape of global education. “Redefining Global Education Through Virtual Exchanges” explores how technology and partnerships are bridging cultural divides, fostering global learning, and creating accessible opportunities for international collaboration.

This talk delves into the transformative power of virtual exchanges in enhancing cultural understanding, developing 21st century skills, and making international learning experiences more readily available. Discover how educators, institutions, and students are leveraging these programs to build meaningful connections and address global challenges collaboratively.

Join us to learn how virtual exchanges are reshaping the future of education.

Moderator

Kathleen Fairfax, Vice Provost for International Affairs, Colorado State University

Kathleen Fairfax is the vice provost for international affairs at Colorado State University and serves on the Provost’s Leadership Council. She oversees a staff of more than 70 professionals within International Programs and collaborates with colleges and units across campus to implement the University’s internationalization initiatives. Prior to CSU, Fairfax served as the assistant vice president of International Affairs at South Dakota State University. Her career has also included serving as vice provost of Global Education at Arizona State University, director of the Office for Study Abroad at Michigan State University and at Purdue University, as well as similar roles at Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas, and DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana.

Speaker Bios

Greg Weaver, Program Manager, CSU Online, Colorado State University
Greg Weaver is a program manager with CSU Online, bringing over a decade of experience in online and international education. He specializes in virtual exchanges and has a strong background in researching, teaching, and facilitating international collaborations in online settings. His expertise helps enhance educational experiences and foster global connections.

Mehmet E. Ozbek, Professor and Joseph Phelps Endowed Chair, Department of Construction Management, Colorado State University
Mehmet E. Ozbek is a professor and the holder of the Joseph Phelps Endowed Chair in the Department of Construction Management at Colorado State University. He holds a Ph.D. in civil engineering, and has taught courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels, including a service-learning course and a study-abroad course. At the international level, he served as the overseas external adviser for the Construction Program at the University of Technology, Jamaica. He also held an administrative position as the acting and interim head of the Department of Construction Management at CSU from 2018 to 2020.

Aaron Brown, Associate Professor, Department of Systems Engineering, Colorado State University
Aaron Brown is an associate professor in the Department of Systems Engineering at Colorado State University. He has led impactful international projects, including AI-driven river forecasting, compressed air battery storage, multi-dimensional community development projects, and solar heating solutions for marginalized populations. His work also extends to smart city planning and the development of 3D-printed ventilators during the initial COVID outbreak. His research and publications center on humanitarian engineering, sustainable development, and socially conscious technology. He has also served as a visiting lecturer and scholar, sharing his expertise with institutions in Germany, Mexico, Spain, Hungary, India, and beyond.

Session Description

The Middle East stands at a pivotal moment in its history, shaped by complex challenges and shifting dynamics. Ambassador David Hale, a career diplomat who served as Ambassador to Lebanon and Jordan, Special Envoy for Middle East Peace, and Under Secretary of State, will explore the intricate interplay of political, economic, and social forces reshaping the Middle East today. He will provide unique insights into the opportunities and obstacles faced by the international community and the new American Administration in fostering cooperation and peace in this diverse region with long-standing entrenched conflicts.

Speaker Bio

David Hale, Career Ambassador

Ambassador David Hale is a leader in foreign affairs. He was the Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs from August 2018-May 2021, reporting directly to the Secretary of State. Ambassador Hale was responsible for the conduct of U.S. foreign relations globally. He supervised the Department’s six regional bureaus and the bureau for international organizations, as well as all American embassies, consulates, and missions abroad. He interacted regularly with world leaders to advance America’s foreign policy, traveled to over 50 countries in that role, and spoke to a wide variety of audiences. He testified on a global range of topics before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Now a Global Fellow at the Wilson Center, he has written and made media appearances on foreign policy, with a focus on the Middle East, Afghanistan, and South Asia. His book, American Diplomacy Toward Lebanon: Lessons in Middle East Foreign Policy, was published in February 2024.

Ambassador Hale was in the U.S. Foreign Service for 38 years and holds the lifetime rank of a Career Ambassador. A Career Ambassador is Senate-confirmed, the most senior rank in the State Department, and equivalent to a four-star general. He served in the administrations of Presidents Bush, Obama, and Trump as: Ambassador to Pakistan (2015-2018), Ambassador to Lebanon (2013-2015), Special Envoy for Middle East Peace (2011-2013), Deputy Envoy (2009-2011), Deputy Assistant Secretary of State covering Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, and the Palestinians (2008-2009), and Ambassador to Jordan (2005-2008). In addition to his tours in Jordan and Lebanon as ambassador, he served as a political officer and deputy chief of mission in each post. His other overseas assignments were in Israel, Tunisia, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia.

Ambassador Hale graduated in 1983 from Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service in Washington, D.C. with a BSFS in international relations and speaks and reads Arabic. He has received one presidential distinguished and two meritorious rank awards; the Secretary of State’s distinguished service award; State Department superior and meritorious honor awards; the Philip C. Habib Award for Distinguished Public Service from the American Task Force for Lebanon; and Jordan’s Order of Istiqlal.

Session Description

This student-professor partnered session is designed to explore the development and learnings of a course — Decolonizing Global Health — within an MPH program at CSU. First, Umit Shrestha will discuss the development of the course that entails identifying and challenging how colonialism and racism have shaped global health, and how we can empower excluded communities to realize and shape what health and well-being means to them.

Next, Anna Kenyon, a student from the course will describe how she applied her learning to examine the global health work she leads as program manager of a U.S. government-funded human trafficking prevention program in Jharkhand, India. Currently, she is designing a mixed-methods program evaluation to grasp the intended and unintended impacts of the program as well as sustainability in the community setting.

This dual perspective highlights the importance of unlearning colonial legacies that are still remnant in the education of global health.

Speaker Bios

Umit Shrestha, Assistant Professor, Colorado School of Public Health, Colorado State University
Umit Shrestha is an assistant professor in global health and health disparities in the Colorado School of Public Health at CSU. He received his doctoral degree in sociology from South Dakota State University. His dissertation was a process analysis of the gender equality and social inclusion (GESI) mainstreaming process in Nepal’s water supply and sanitation sector using theoretical underpinnings of gender mainstreaming and framing.

Before his role at CSU, Umit Shrestha was a senior research instructor at the Centers for American Indian and Alaska Native Health at the University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus. He was the project director of a mobile app-based intervention developed for urban Native young women.He enjoys teaching global health courses and brings over a decade of teaching experience to his current position. His pedagogical approach centers on social justice, inclusion, and the praxis of decolonization.

Anna Kenyon, Master of Public Health Candidate, Colorado State University
Anna Kenyon, is a Master of Public Health candidate with a concentration in global health and health disparities and a certificate in American Indian and Alaska Native Health. Anna earned a B.A. from Middlebury College in 2016 and was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship in Kolkata, India from 2022-2023. Her work experience includes human trafficking prevention program design, implementation, and evaluation in Jharkhand, India. She is a graduate research assistant and project manager for the GES Health Study, an environmental health study which centers on environmental justice and community-engaged research. As she develops her identity as a researcher and practitioner, Anna values community-led research, mixed methodologies, and a decolonizing lens to public health.

Session Description

Colorado State University’s International Student Task Force (ISTF) has been working to find ways to better support our international student population across campus. Part of that process has involved the review of survey data collected through the Graduate School and International Programs. In addition, the ISTF hosted a number of focus groups with international students in the Spring of 2024. Several of those were dedicated to the international graduate student experience. We learned a lot about some of the barriers to success and hardships that some international grad students are facing at CSU, but more importantly, we learned a lot about what is going really well for many. In this session, we have invited representatives from several academic programs at CSU where international students appear to be thriving. They will share how they are serving this population and ways that we all might make this a more welcoming and supportive campus for the international grad student population, in order to bolster their success.

Speaker Bios

Christy Eylar, Associate Director, International Student and Scholar Services, Colorado State University
Christy Eylar is the associate director for international student services in the Office of International Programs at Colorado State University. She feels privileged to support international students at CSU and has learned so much through this work. She holds an MA in cultural anthropology from CSU. She also served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Bolivia.

Katya Stewart-Sweeney, Graduate and International Student Advisor, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Colorado State University
With more than 30 years of experience in higher education in student affairs and advising roles, Katya Stewart-Sweeney has gained wide regard at CSU for her work with undergraduate and graduate students, tailoring services and programs to meet their unique needs. She joined CSU’s Electrical & Computer Engineering Department in 2015, a department comprised of 70% international graduate students, and created processes designed to help international students thrive and to enhance their sense of belonging in the department. She advises the department’s graduate student association, ECEGSA, and is on the leadership team for CSU’s Center for Mindfulness.

Shelby Sack, Program Manager, Impact MBA, College of Business, Colorado State University
Shelby was an international student advisor for six years (three years at the University of Nebraska Lincoln and three years at Colorado State University) before joining the College of Business at CSU as an academic advisor and then the program manager of the Impact MBA. In her role as program manager, she and her team are responsible for securing Sustainability Fellowships for all students in the program. She has extensive experience supporting students in applying for CPT and OPT. Another passion project for Shelby has been co-creating opportunities for more international students to apply to CSU. Years ago, Shelby worked to formalize the relationship between the Organization of American States and Colorado State University. Earlier in her career, she taught ESL in Japan for six years. Supporting International students has been the focus of her career.

Session Description

In this session, Megan Lewis will offer insights and best practices on internationalizing curriculum, based on her experience running a summer study abroad program called Arts & Culture in South Africa and two voyages with Semester at Sea. She will discuss the fruitful pedagogy of both bringing the WORLD into the classroom AND the power of education abroad, the first-hand, immersive experience of bringing STUDENTS to the world. Lewis shares best practices, including what global art forms can teach us about democracy, pluralism, and speaking truth to power; how studying abroad asks students to leave the safety and familiarity of their own belly buttons in order to expand their vision and thinking; and the international inspiration we gain as teachers to bring back to our home campuses.

Speaker Bios

Megan Lewis, Director of Theatre, School of Music, Theatre and Dance, Colorado State University
Megan Lewis is a South African-American theatre historian, documentary filmmaker, and poet. She is the author of two academic books: Performing Whitely in the Postcolony (2016, University of Iowa Press) and Magnet Theatre: Three Decades of Making Space (2016, Intellect Books and UNISA Press), which won the Hiddingh-Currie National Book Award in 2018. Lewis has published widely on African political theatre and film in academic journals. She runs a summer study abroad course – Arts & Culture in South Africa – and has sailed twice with Semester at Sea, in Spring 2018 and 2024.