Maia Shampo

Why FSU?

FSU's program for Hispanic Linguistics allows for many avenues to pursue as far as topics to pursue for research.

Motivation to pursue a graduate degree

I have always valued getting an education and been curious to know more about the topics I am passionate about.

Importance and/or impact of research and work

I research the effect of social factors on language change, focusing on Chipileño. Chipileño is a dialect of Italian spoken in the small farm town of Chipilo, Mexico. They maintain their language and are very proud of their heritage and unique culture. Researching the language of this community can show us just how influential identity and language are in shaping each other in any community.

Who has been influential in your graduate journey?

The people that motivate me to continue my education are my family especially my grandma, my high school Spanish teacher Profe Rankin, my advisor during my Master's Dr. Mariche Bayonas and now my advisor Dr. Muntendam. My current advisor Dr. Muntendam is the reason why I found my dissertation topic and continues to support me and help me an immense amount as I pursue applying to grants, working on publications, etc.

Career aspirations

After graduation, I hope to remain in academia as I enjoy teaching. I would also like to apply to postdoctoral scholar positions to work on research.

Advice for anyone considering graduate school

Graduate school is a lot of work, but it really opens so many doors for you and for your work. Graduate school showed me new passions of mine that I would not have discovered without it, and gave me the opportunity to work on exploring these passions and personal interests. Also, there are plenty opportunities to make friends and have fun outside of working and studying!

Accomplishments during graduate career

Deans Award for Doctoral Excellence (DADE Award)

Sigma Delta Pi Graduate Research Grant

Winthrop-King Institute Graduate Summer Research Travel Grant

Organizations you are part of at FSU

Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (as a mentor)

Literature & Linguistics Interdisciplinary Conference (LINC)

Sigma Delta Pi, Alpha Delta (FSU Chapter)

Spanish Graduate Student Organization

Hispanic Graduate Student Association

Hobbies outside academics

I enjoy playing volleyball and doing photography.