The Fellows Program Welcomes the New Researchers to the Dominican Republic

The Fellows Program, an initiative of GFDD and Funglode, is glad to receive scholars Fenix Arias, PhD in Urban Education from City University of New York (CUNY); Aireona Bonnie Raschke, PhD candidate in Biology and Society at Arizona State University; Melvin Alvarez-Ortez, MA candidate in Marine Affairs from University of Rhode Island (URI); andwith the objective of strengthening the community of scholars. They will contribute to the expansion of academic research pertaining
to social and economic development, the environment and global governance.

This group of Fellows will conduct their research in Santo Domingo and other provinces such as Samaná and La Romana. Raschke’s research focuses on ecotourism development and the whale watching industry in the Caribbean and its effect on native cetacean species and local communities in the Dominican Republic.  Alvarez-Ortez will be researching sustainability and development in the
country in order to be able to help underrepresented communities take part in the decision-making process when it comes to creating new legislation regarding marine ecosystems and coastal management. Lastly, Arias’ research will highlight how the level of capacity building in the Dominican Diaspora affects transnational patterns of remittances and influences political ties between host and home countries.

The final output of the investigation is a comprehensive
report which includes empirical data. Fellows’ research is completed in coordination with GFDD and Funglode staff, National Advisors, and their university professors. Fellows that carry-out exemplary work have the opportunity to present their findings before the United Nations community on behalf of GFDD and Funglode.

About the Fellows Program
The Fellows Program, an extension of the internship and academic exchange program
InteRDom, was developed in 2009 in response to the desire of GFDD and Funglode to develop a community of scholars that contributes to the Foundations’ growing body of research on matters of international concern that directly impact the Dominican Republic.

This complements the overall mission of GFDD and Funglode by promoting academic exchange, generating scholarships, and influencing the creation of public policy related to economic and social development both
at the national and international level.

More information:
http://www.drfellowsprogram.org/