We are thrilled to welcome two distinguished scholars, Dr. Yohannes Gedamu and Dr. Nadine Kabengi, as new board members of the Center for Studies on Africa and Its Diaspora.
Dr. Yohannes Gedamu, a Senior Lecturer of Political Science at Georgia Gwinnett College's School of Liberal Arts, brings a wealth of knowledge in comparative and international politics. With teaching interests ranging from African politics to U.S. foreign policy, Dr. Gedamu has enriched the academic landscape and made significant contributions as a public scholar. His insightful analyses on the politics of Ethiopia and the Horn of Africa have been featured in leading media outlets such as The Washington Post, New York Times, BBC, and Al Jazeera. His expertise will be invaluable as we continue to explore the complex political dynamics of Africa and its diaspora.
Dr. Nadine Kabengi, an expert in Environmental Mineralogy and Surface Chemistry at Georgia State University (GSU), joins us with a deep commitment to fostering diversity in STEM fields. Dr. Kabengi has pioneered efforts to support underrepresented minorities (URMs) in science through innovative courses like the "Underrepresented Minorities in Science: Why so few?" seminar, and by mentoring the STEMulate student club. As the Graduate Director for Geosciences at GSU, Dr. Kabengi has been instrumental in enrolling and supporting a majority of students from underrepresented groups, a testament to her dedication to inclusivity in academia. Her passion for empowering URMs and women in STEM will greatly enhance our mission to support diverse voices within the African diaspora.
We are excited to have Dr. Gedamu and Dr. Kabengi join our board, and we look forward to the perspectives and expertise they will bring to the Center. Their leadership and commitment to academic excellence and diversity will undoubtedly strengthen our work as we continue to study and celebrate the rich histories and contributions of Africa and its diaspora.