Beatriz Urraca

Beatriz Urraca is a Professor of Spanish and Chair of the Department of Modern Languages at Widener University. She holds a PhD in Comparative Literature from the University of Michigan (1993) and specializes in Argentine cinema since the late 1990s, focusing on themes like social justice, gender, sustainability, and environmental humanities. Her work bridges academia and practice through organizing transdisciplinary symposia and faculty-led study abroad programs in Latin America. Notable recognitions include the 2019 Fitz Dixon Award for Excellence in Teaching and 2024 Fulbright Scholar appointment.

Her research emphasizes cinematic representations of cultural identity and environmental discourse, with publications in journals like Revista de Estudios Hispánicos and collaborative works such as Directory of World Cinema: Argentina. She actively fosters global citizenship by leading transformative student trips to Costa Rica, Argentina, and NYC, emphasizing intercultural communication and sustainability through experiential learning.

• Professional Affiliations: Latin American Studies Association (LASA), Asociación Argentina de Estudios de Cine y Audiovisual (AsAECA)
• Grants: Received ECA IDEAS Grant (2023) to enhance study abroad programs
• Teaching Philosophy: Focuses on lifelong learning skills, critical thinking, and cultural appreciation through immersive experiences

Recent work includes a Fulbright project exploring Latin American cinema's integration of sustainability discourses and establishing academic collaborations between Widener and Argentina's National University of Central Buenos Aires (UNICEN).