How long have you worked at the Institute of Latin America Studies (ILAS)?
I have been the director since 2008, but prior to that I had been associated with ILAS for around a decade, as a student and post-doctoral fellow.
Tell us about the centre …
It is Australia’s first academic centre dedicated to researching Latin American history, which we are immensely proud of. La Trobe University innovatively understood that Latin America was a dynamic region across the Pacific that needed serious attention.
It teaches Latin American and Caribbean history, sociology, politics, commerce, economics, archaeology, languages and culture.
The institute co-ordinates undergraduate courses, promotes research and postgraduate study, and liaises with government, the diplomatic corps, the media and the Latin American and Caribbean communities in Australia.
What sparked your interest in Latin America?
I used to be an environmental microbiologist here in Victoria. But after a trip to Latin America, I became obsessed with the history of the region, and the social injustices I saw there.
I was especially fascinated with Brazil. So when I returned to Australia, I went back to uni and started all over again. Eventually, I went back to Brazil to research my PhD on the nation’s most famous president, Getúlio Vargas – who shot himself in 1954.
Clearly (this was) one of the more dramatic ways to leave office.
What is planned for the centre’s 40th anniversary? And what will bring people along to the events you have planned?
We are holding a wonderful ILAS@40 International Conference over three days from December 1-3.
The event will feature four very famous international guest speakers from Oxford, Brazil, Cuba and Peru – as well as a wide range of presentations on Latin American and Caribbean politics, history, music and dance.
How do you like to spend your spare time.
Well, I do not have much spare time these days … but when I try and relax, it is through music – especially Brazilian, Cuban and African-American forms … jazz, soul and funk.
My other non-academic passion is Australian football.
I am a member of my local footy club and, well, as an old Northcote boy – Collingwood is in my blood.
Details: www.latrobe.edu.au/events/all/celebrating-latin-american-studies-at-la-trobe-university
