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Environmental Justice & Climate Justice Studies Research Cluster
Isabella Genovese - Global Studies, Environmental Studies
"Singapore: An Exclusive Eco-city"
- Specific content to be presented: The video traverses Singapore’s historical development and policy implementation to understand the “Garden City” that exists today. It explores the ways that Singapore — although filled with leafy structures and solar-capturing technology — excludes groups of outsiders, including migrant construction workers from Bangladesh, India, and Myanmar.
- Abstract: With nature-mocking megastructures and sparkly-clean streets, Singapore is widely regarded as a beacon: an eco-friendly model of the future. But who reaps the benefits of its green building? My research investigates the lived realities of the green-branded city-state for resident populations of low-wage migrant workers — outsiders who are dubbed “others.” I seek to expose the inadequacies and ironies of a policy where the imported labor force is responsible for building environmental infrastructure that they are simultaneously barred from, isolated to city outskirts. I suspect that under the guise of cleanliness and supposed greenness, Singapore justifies a breach in environmental justice to uphold capitalist priority.
Kimberly Nickel - Global Studies, Sociology
"Profits Over People: How Privatization and Economic Prioritization of Mining Companies can be Disastrous to Communities as seen through the Brumadinho Dam Collapse."
- Specific content to be presented: My video presentation will include three short parts covering different aspects of the dam collapse. The first part begins with what happened when the dam collapsed and the remaining environmental and humanitarian impacts. The second part observes how this disaster was allowed to happen and who is responsible, with a focus on the sketchy proceedings of Vale. The final part focuses on community responses and the current fight for justice, showcasing how some of the main groups are taking action and how the active court case is currently unfolding.
- Abstract: On January 25th, 2019, in Brumadinho, Minas Gerais, a mining dam collapse caused one of Brazil's worst environmental and humanitarian crises. The disaster took over 270 lives and severely polluted the Paraopeba River. My research examines the factors that led to this tragedy, focusing on the mining company Vale's privatization and profit prioritization, community responses, and demands for justice and reparations. Civil society groups and NGOs have called for criminal justice against those responsible and for increased safety and de-privatization in mining procedures.
Nicolette Van Der Poel - Environmental Studies, Global Studies
"The Mapuche and Environmental NGOs in Chile: Collaboration and Tensions"
- Specific content to be presented: This video will offer a brief history of neoliberalism in Chile, history of the Mapuche and land autonomy, then the Mapuche involvement in Environmental movements with a case study on a hydroelectric dam in Lake Neltume. The goal is to give an informational overview of Mapuche environmental resistance.
- Abstract: Indigenous groups and environmental NGOs are often seen as allies in land protection, but tensions can arise over goals and methods. My research focuses on the collaboration and conflicts between the Mapuche people and environmental NGOs in Chile, highlighting the Lake Neltume hydropower project shutdown. It explores how NGOs support the Mapuche with legal and financial aid while sometimes undermining their legal claims and collaborating with the Chilean government.
Global Gender & Sexualities Research Cluster
Sydira Shapiro - Communication, Global Studies
"Ikat Weaving in the Indonesian Tourism Economy"
- Specific content to be presented: The video introduces the practice of Ikat weaving and general background knowledge about the history of the tourism economy in Indonesia. It showcases pieces of my interview with Alfonsa Horeng, the founder of Lepo Lorun.
- Abstract: My research centers on the relationship between the sustainable practice of Ikat weaving and its interaction with the tourism economy in East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia. By examining the work of Alfonsa Horeng and the Lepo Lorun weaving cooperative, I explore whether cultural preservation through Ikat weaving justifies the costs associated with engagement in the tourism industry. I aim to determine if alternative strategies for preservation are feasible within the current political and economic structure.
Future Infrastructures Research Cluster
Celia Naharro - Global Studies
"How Hydroponic Farming Can Revolutionize Food Security in Water-Scarce Egypt"
- Specific content to be presented: This video showcases the potential of hydroponic farming as a temporary relief for Egypt's severe water scarcity crisis. It highlights the innovative soilless cultivation method that saves up to 90% of water compared to traditional farming. Through interviews with Egyptian farmers, agricultural experts, and policymakers, the video delves into the feasibility, benefits, and challenges of adopting hydroponic farming in Egypt.
- Abstract: My presentation highlights the critical importance of water scarcity in Egypt and the severe consequences of human intervention on the Nile River. Hydroponic farming is presented as a potential temporary relief for farmers, using nutrient-rich water solutions that save up to 90% of water compared to traditional farming. This method serves as a beacon of hope, showcasing the potential for new technological advancements to mitigate environmental damages and ensure food security and environmental sustainability in Egypt.
Global Carceral States Research Cluster
Milagros Araiza Caballero - Global Studies
"Community Integration Amongst Middle Eastern Refugees in Seoul, South Korea"
- Specific content to be presented: I will focus on Syrian refugees in Seoul and information I have gathered from social media, interviews, and small clips from news sources and articles. I will also speak on the importance of conducting fieldwork to gain a better understanding of this research and my next steps.
- Abstract: My research explores how Syrian refugees establish a sense of community in Seoul, South Korea, despite language barriers, employment restrictions, and social and legal discrimination. By examining the role of NGOs and government policies in supporting these marginalized groups, I aim to provide insight into the complexities of refugee integration and advocate for greater understanding and acceptance within South Korean society.
Norah Brown - Global Studies
"South Korea’s ‘Camp Towns’: The Exploitation of Migrant Women"
- Specific content to be presented: The history of Japanese Colonial rule in Korea and ‘Comfort Women’. The creation of ‘Camptowns’ for US soldiers as hubs for sexual exploitation during the Korean War. Local NGOs and their advocacy work and lawsuit against the government. The current existence of red-light districts. The influx of Filipina migrant women to red-light districts since the late 1990s. Available research on the topic and its relevancy to Korea today.
- Abstract: My research examines the longstanding issue of sexual exploitation in 'Camp-towns' around US military bases in South Korea, contextualizing the history of trafficking and exploitation by Japanese colonialism and the US military during the Korean War to current issues of the exploitation of migrant women. By following the work of researchers and local NGOs, I highlight the need for ethnographic research to support current advocacy work for women’s agency.
Sara Ahmed - Global Studies, Political Science
"Resilience and Resistance: North Indian Marginalized Communities Narratives in the Wake of Ayodhya's New Ram Mandir"
- Specific content to be presented: The video to be presented will be a narrative of how the Ram Mandir came to be and the effects it is having across the nation of India now. The story will be told through testimonials from anonymous interviewees located in India.
- Abstract: The consecration of the Ram Mandir in January 2024 has reignited debates on secularism and communal harmony in Northern India. My research examines the impact of these tensions on marginalized communities, exploring how they navigate the moment, engage in peace-building efforts, and cope with discrimination.
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