U.S. Scholar: From New Jersey to Aranzazu, Caldas

We celebrated the conclusion of the visit by Dr. Javier Escobar, professor emeritus at Rutgers University and a fellow in the U.S. Scholar (Cohort 2025), who worked in partnership with the University of Caldas, the University of Antioquia, and EAFIT University.

During his grant, Dr. Escobar focused his fieldwork on the municipality of Aranzazu, known as the “cultural beacon of northern Caldas.” There, he led a comprehensive study on health and mental health that has already surpassed 2,600 surveys conducted in both urban and rural areas, focusing his attention on a selective analysis of the communities surrounding the region’s mercury mine.

Despite the formal conclusion of their stay, the impact of this project will continue over time. The University of Antioquia will provide strategic and academic support to ensure the ongoing development of research, guaranteeing the continuity of initiatives that benefit community health in the department.

Are you a U.S. academic, professor, or researcher who wants to make a real impact through international collaboration?

During a stay of 3 to 6 months, U.S. Scholars can conduct research, carry out fieldwork, advise faculty and students, participate in teaching activities, and contribute to workshops and seminars at Colombian institutions.🇨🇴🔬

Applications are now being accepted for stays between September 2027 and June 2028. If you are a U.S. citizen with a Ph.D. and want to take your research into new contexts, Colombia is waiting for you.

🗓️ The application period for the U.S. Scholar Program is about to close! Review the requirements and start your application HERE