Ricardo Perez

Ricardo Perez is a Professor of Anthropology at Eastern Connecticut State University, where he also coordinates the Anthropology Program and the Latin American and Caribbean Studies Program. He specializes in cultural anthropology with a focus on state-led development processes in the context of globalization. Currently on sabbatical for AY 2024-2025, he serves as a Visiting Research Fellow at Wesleyan University's Center for the Humanities.

His research explores globalization's impact on transnational migration, sustainable development, and cultural policy, particularly in Cuba and Puerto Rico. Notable works include studies on Cuba's sustainable tourism initiatives and Puerto Rico's agrarian economy transformation. He has curated exhibits on Latin American migration history and authored books analyzing development dynamics in Caribbean regions.

Teaching emphasizes student-centered learning, incorporating lectures, documentaries, guest speakers, and field trips. Courses cover cultural anthropology, Latino studies, and urban anthropology. His pedagogical approach fosters critical thinking and real-world application of anthropological theories.

Dr. Perez holds a PhD and has conducted extensive ethnographic fieldwork in the Caribbean and the U.S. His current book project, *Authentically Global: Cuban Culture and Economy in the Age of Mass Tourism*, examines Cuba's evolving role in sustainable tourism models.