Office Hours (Unplugged)

Language, Translation, and Living Between Cultures: A Conversation with Dr. Steven Wenz

Today, I am joined by Dr. Steven Wenz, a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Spanish and Portuguese. Dr. Wenz talks about his path into language and literature, his years living in Buenos Aires, and how that experience shaped both his academic work and his personal connection to Spanish. We dive into the challenges of translation (especially humor and tone), what modern translations of Don Quijote can gain and lose, and how he creates a classroom environment where students feel confident taking risks and making mistakes. Plus, Dr. Wenz shares advice for students who want to study abroad, and a few Argentine traditions that never really left him.

Power, Politics, and the Future of War: A Conversation with Dr. Juan Andrés Gannon

Today I’m joined by Dr. Juan Andrés Gannon, an Assistant Professor of Political Science at Vanderbilt University, whose research examines the political origins of military power, how states build and use technology, and what that reveals about global security and cooperation. A former fellow at Harvard’s Kennedy School and the Council on Foreign Relations, Dr. Gannon shares insights on the evolving nature of warfare, the role of data and AI in studying conflict, and how he brings these complex topics to life in the classroom.

Bridging Sociology, Education, and Mental Health: A Conversation with Dr. Whitney Frierson

Today I’m joined by Dr. Whitney Frierson, a lecturer in Sociology whose work explores race, gender, education, and mental health. She is published in journals like Sociological Focus and Society and Mental Health, and her research sheds light on how discrimination impacts the well-being of Black students in higher education.