2025 - Meet the new MALAS cohort - 2025 - UF Center for Latin American Studies UF Center for Latin American Studies UF Center for Latin American Studies About Our History Governance Faculty Resources Contributing to the Center People Center-Based Faculty Affiliate Faculty MALAS Students Center Staff Visiting & Research Scholars Faculty Advisory Council History of Directors Charles Wood Thesis Award Winners Academics Why LAS? Graduate Programs Undergraduate Programs LAS Specializations LAS Courses Cross-Listing Policies Student Funding Academic & Funding Forms Study Abroad Florida-Brazil Linkage Institute (FBLI) Outreach K-16 Professional Development Teacher Resources Virtual Exchange Library Travel Grants Cultural Events Language & Careers Program Highlights Latin American and Caribbean Collection Latin American Business Environment (LABE) International Ethnography Lab Master's in Development Practice Tropical Conservation & Development News & Events Calendar of events Event support request form Annual conference Stories from the Center The Latinamericanist Sign up for our email newsletters Alumni Alumni profiles LAS Alumni Awards Alumni update form LAS Alumni Board Alumni roll call Make a donation! Make a Gift! Academic Programs Prospective Students Directory Calendar of Events Blog Welcome to UF-LAS Welcome to UF-LAS Prospective Students Current Students Alumni Meet the incoming MALAS cohort Fall 2025 brings new students into our MALAS program August 18, 2025 As with every year, this fall semester finds the Center for Latin American Studies with a new cohort of MALAS students. Coming from all parts of the world, they represent a wide range of academic interests and career pursuits. Learn more about them below! Hometown: Orlando, FL Education: Bachelor of Arts in History, Minor in Philosophy Learn more about Joann! Hometown: Santa Cruz, Bolivia / Gainesville, Florida Education: Bachelor’s degree in Juridical Sciences, with additional studies in Political Communication and Education. Learn more about Pablo! Hometown: Cochabamba, Bolivia Education: Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Sciences from Universidad Católica Boliviana “San Pablo,” certificate in Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Learn more about Tulasi! Hometown: Leesburg, Virginia Education: Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy, Double Minor in Educational Technology and Latin American Studies Learn more about Nephtali! Hometown: Chone, Ecuador Education: BA in Liberal Arts at Universidad San Francisco de Quito, with a concentration in Humanities, and minors in Creative Writing and Literature Learn more about Ramiro! Hometown: Palmetto, Florida Education: Bachelor of Science in Health Education. Specialization in Community Healyh Promotion Learn more about Lalita! Hometown: Gainesville, FL Education: Bachelor of Arts in English and History, Minor in Latin American Studies Learn more about Eluney! Hometown: Gainesville, FL Education: Bachelors of Arts: Latin American Studies with focus area in Latin America; Minor: Political Science Learn more about Ryan! Isabella Loya Hometown: Miami, Florida Education: B.A. in History at the University of Florida, as well as an in progress M.A. in Museum Studies at the University of Florida Learn more about Isabella! Vitória Leopoldina Gomes Mendes Hometown: Gainesville, Florida Education: Currently pursuing an M.A. in Latin American Studies; Master’s in Environmental Law – Federal University of Santa Catarina; Specialist in Environmental Law; and Bachelor’s in Law (Brazil) Learn more about Vitória! Lydia Weigel Hometown: Gainesville, Florida Education: Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology with a minor in Latin American Studies Learn more about Lydia! Apply Now Make A Gift Events University of Florida University of Florida Gainesville, FL 32611 UF Operator: (352) 392-3261 Resources UF Home ONE.UF Webmail MyUFL E-Learning Directory Campus Weather Campus Map Student Tours Academic Calendar Campus Events Disability Services Quick Links Apply to the Program LAS Faculty Directory Student Funding LAS Courses