Alicia López-Operé

Alicia López-Operé is an Associate Professor and Director of the Undergraduate Program in Spanish at the University of Virginia. She holds a Ph.D. in Spanish from UVA (2009), an M.A. from UVA (2004), and a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish Philology from Universidad Complutense de Madrid (2001). Her research focuses on 20th-21st century Spanish poetry, theater, and contemplative pedagogies. She teaches courses including SPAN 3300 (Text and Interpretation), SPAN 3050 (Spanish for Medical Professionals), and SPAN 3410 (Survey of Spanish Literature II).

Her recent publications include the book ENCUENTROS EN SALUD y CULTURA (2023) and articles on Spanish theater and poetry. She actively contributes to academic governance, serving as Co-chair of the DEI committee in the Faculty Senate and advising the University of Virginia in Valencia program. She is a founding member of the Spanish Theater Group and a Contemplative Faculty with the Contemplative Sciences Center (CSC).

Her work integrates innovative teaching methods like contemplative pedagogy and technology-enhanced learning, such as 3D printing for Medical Spanish courses. She has organized national and international conferences, including the 2018 ALDEEU Congress at UVA, and presented on topics ranging from poetic performance to language for healthcare professionals.