Stories

This is my sixth year at SCU and my first year as an Assistant Professor of Italian Studies. I love teaching here. I really value my relationship with students and colleagues in my department and beyond, as well as the respect for the professors’ pedagogical approach, the Jesuit education of the whole person, and our small class size I also appreciate the long-standing presence of Italian culture on campus, which dates back to the foundation of this school by two Italian Jesuits, and of which the Vari Italian Studies Initiative is an extraordinary advocate.

I was trained as a teacher in Italy, but coming to the U.S. as a graduate student, I realized that I could both teach and do research as a professor—a very appealing idea. I research Italian and Italian American migrant cultures, and our Department is the perfect place to strengthen our understanding of diverse cultures. I love interacting with students and being there to mentor and support them as they explore, think, speak a new language/culture, make progress towards their goals, and grow as human beings

What most excites me about my new position is the possibility of redesigning the Italian curriculum, collaborating with the Vari Italian Studies Initiative, and creating better opportunities for study abroad and meaningful internships for our students. I look forward to continuing my work here and building stronger ties with Bronco alumni.