Professor Elizabeth Villalobos of the University of Nevada, Reno College of Liberal Arts recently received the prestigious 2024 Regents' Rising Researcher Award from the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE). This recognition highlights her significant contributions to understanding complex social issues through interdisciplinary research.
"Receiving this recognition from NSHE is very humbling. Amy J. Carvalho, Chair of the Board of Regents, congratulated me on my 'truly remarkable achievement.' This prize motivates me to continue my research and confirms its broader relevance," Villalobos said.
Her research blends literature, cultural studies, Latin American theater and cinema. She focuses on pressing issues like gender-based violence, racism and crimes against humanity. "These issues are multifaceted, involving social, cultural, political and economic contexts," she explained.
Her primary motivation is to understand the mechanisms of violence. "Giving a specific name to repressive systems and their characteristics is essential to make them visible and challenge societal norms," Villalobos said. She also noted the solitary nature of her work, which often involves emotionally unsettling narratives about vulnerable victims.
Receiving the Regents' Rising Researcher Award is a tremendous honor for Villalobos. "This award shows that my work resonates beyond academia and can facilitate important societal dialogues," she said.
Villalobos expressed gratitude for the support she has received from NSHE, her department and the university. She also acknowledged previous accolades, including the American Research Fellowship and the Dean's Award for Outstanding Research in the Humanities. "This award confirms the institutional and human support I've received from my colleagues, who are part of my academic family," she concluded.
Professor Elizabeth Villalobos's dedication to her research on violence and human rights makes her a deserving recipient of the Regents' Rising Researcher Award, underscoring her impact on both academia and society.
