Why FSU?

During my master's at Instituto Caro y Cuervo, I had the privilege to study with Dr. Camilo Diaz, a studious linguist who actively participates in conferences. In one of those, he met Dr. Gonzalez, also an active researcher in Phonetics and Intonation. He was kind enough to introduce me to Dr. Gonzalez, a professor in the Department of Modern Languages and Linguistics, as my research interests align with her line of work. I later discovered how fortunate I was for this connection, as I ended up studying in one of the best R1 institutions in the US, Florida State University.

Motivation to pursue a graduate degree

My curiosity is never-ending. As a kid, I was exposed to different dialects around Colombia. This led me to question why people from the same country would express themselves in such unusual ways. Our geographically diverse territory served as shelter for many indigenous tribes that later were equalized under the same language. Despite sharing the same language, Colombian people display an array of dialectal differences that go beyond different words and are perceived in their melodic intonation. Because this knowledge hasn't been explored, I research melody to unveil the connections between our current way of speaking and historical facts.

Importance and/or impact of research and work

Currently, I am analyzing data from Pasto, a Southwest city in the Andean Mountain Range that connects Colombia with Ecuador. Because of its geographical location, the Spanish spoken in this city seems to preserve both traces of Colonial Spanish and Quechua historical contact. By examining the melody, we will be able to connect varieties that go north to Venezuela, and south to Argentina. It appears to be an international connection expressed by intonation. Results will tell.

Career aspirations

I hope I can share my passion for sounds and languages with more people. Being a professor is one way I could fulfill my dream. I am also humbled by the experience of teaching. I believe teaching is an organic exchange between students and teachers. As an avid learner, I hope to keep on learning while sharing what I know and have discovered.

Advice for anyone considering graduate school

Before starting graduate school, I knew it would be intellectually challenging. Beyond that, it is soft skills that have helped me to navigate this path. You will be successful if you already have or are willing to learn soft skills.

Accomplishments during graduate career

I am proud to have been awarded the Sigma Delta Pi Summer Research (Grant 2023), the Winthrop King Summer Research Grant (2023), the Outstanding Alumni Universidad Industrial de Santander (2023), and the Kerr Fellowship in Leadership (2021). I am also proud to have been nominated for the Global Citizen Award (2023), the Outstanding TA Award (2023), and the Students Affair Leadership Award (2023).