Center for African Studies at the University of Florida

05/05/2026

Congrats Graduates!!

Congratulations to our new PhDs Dr. Aaron King, Dr. Audrey Culver Smith, Dr. Austin Britton, Dr. Ian Pshea-Smith, Dr. Gavriella Hecht, Dr. Zainab Ali, and Dr. Zeyu He!

05/04/2026

One year of language in just 8 weeks. 🔥
AFLI students dive into African languages with native instructors, conversation sessions, and even host family visits for real-world practice.
https://africa.ufl.edu/academics-programs/african-languages/afli/

05/01/2026

Bring Africa into your classroom
The University of Florida Center for African Studies Teachers’ Institute equips K-12 educators with the tools to teach Africa’s geography, history, and culture.
✔️ $400 stipend upon completion
✔️ Real lesson plans you can use immediately

Spots are limited—apply by May 25!
🔗 Learn more: https://africa.ufl.edu/outreach/teachers-institute/

04/28/2026

Become a CAS Ambassador!

We are looking for passionate, driven students to represent the Center for African Studies. As an ambassador, you will promote programs, engage your community, and help shape the future of African scholarship at the University of Florida.

Link here: https://africa.ufl.edu/people-2/student-groups/ambassadors/cas-ambassadors-application-form/

04/27/2026

Here’s something to think about…
Wildlife and human health may be more connected than we think.

A study in Ethiopia found that non-human primates and local communities share the same strain of schistosomiasis.

Does this mean wildlife contributes to human infection?
The answer is still unclear—but it’s a question that researchers are continuing to explore.

04/27/2026

The Lens on Africa Graduate Research Video Competition is BACK for 2026 — we want to see YOUR research!
UF graduate students: if your research touches on Africa or African-related themes, this is your moment to shine. Submit a 3–5 minute video showcasing your work and compete for:
1st Place: $750
2nd Place: $500
3rd Place: $250
Prize money supports research travel in Africa or presentation at an Africa-related conference.

📅 Deadline: August 21, 2026
🔗 Learn more & submit: africa.ufl.edu/funding-opportunities/lens-on-africa-graduate-research-video-competition-25/

04/25/2026

Looking back at the 41st Carter Conference --> African Waters: Ecologies and Identities in Africa's Lakes, Rivers and Oceans. We gathered scholars, scientists, and storytellers from across the globe to explore the waters that shape a continent.

Check out the full gallery at the link!
https://africa.ufl.edu/newsandevents/carter-conference/african-waters/

04/16/2026

Wildlife Crime & Conservation in Zambia
Join us for a compelling talk on the factors that enable wildlife crime, with a focus on the illegal pangolin trade in Zambia.
THIS FRIDAY, April 17 @3:30 PM (EDT) in Grinter Hall 404
Featuring Dr. Jessica Kahler, Assistant Professor of Sociology and Criminology & Law, as she explores conservation criminology, field-based research, and strategies for wildlife crime prevention.

https://calendar.ufl.edu/clas_africanstudies/event/51868-situational-factors-that-enable-wildlife-crime-in

04/02/2026

Water is never just water.
These panels unpack power, movement, environment, and identity across Africa’s lakes, rivers, and seas 🌍
Click the link and view the conversations shaping the conference.

🔗 RSVP + full schedule in link
https://africa.ufl.edu/newsandevents/carter-conference/african-waters/

04/01/2026

👀🎣🎯 Carter Conference 2026

🌊✨️ African Waters ✨️🌊

Join us for the 2026 Carter Conference as scholars explore African Waters: Ecologies and Identities in Africa's Lakes, Rivers, and Seas, an interdisciplinary conversation on the environmental, cultural, and social significance of water across the continent.

📅 April 2-3
📍 Reitz Union, Room 3315

RSVP and learn more:
https://calendar.ufl.edu/clas_africanstudies/event/ 51526-african-waters-ecologies-and-identities-in-africas?iframe=1?iframe=1