We are pleased to introduce the newest member of our Department of Spanish and Portuguese, Dr. Fernanda Díaz-Basteris. With a robust academic background and a genuine passion for Latinx comics, Dr. Díaz-Basteris brings a valuable blend of expertise and personal interests to our community.
Dr. Díaz-Basteris began her academic journey at the Autonomous University of the Yucatan School of Anthropology, earning her undergraduate degree in Latin American and Caribbean Literatures. Her early interest in Caribbean studies led her to delve into the colonial relationship between Puerto Rico and the U.S., focusing on the literary works of Luis Rafael Sanchez.
After completing her undergraduate studies, Dr. Díaz-Basteris continued her academic pursuits in Ohio, earning a master's degree at the University of Cincinnati. However, it was at UC Davis during her Ph.D. program that her research took a significant turn. Dr. Díaz-Basteris immersed herself in the world of Puerto Rican independent comics, making three research trips to the island to understand how graphic narratives serve as powerful tools for expressing trauma, dispossession, and disaster.
Throughout her academic journey, Dr. Díaz-Basteris has made substantial contributions. From her time at Cornell College in Iowa to her term at Georgia State in Atlanta, she has been a leading voice in Latinx comics studies, teaching courses on Latinx comics, Caribbean studies, and popular culture. Her contributions extend beyond the classroom, focusing on decolonizing comics and examining the systemic oppression experienced by BIPOC communities.
Dr. Díaz-Basteris is at the forefront of a new phase in her research, investigating nonfiction graphic narratives highlighting gentrification and forced displacement. Her focus is on communities often overlooked, and how comics serve as a powerful medium to document their experiences and resilience.
Her current work extends to Latinx communities across the U.S., exploring how these communities navigate and recover from manmade disasters through graphic storytelling. An upcoming edited volume with Rutgers University, focusing on Latinx comics, is a testament to her dedication to understanding the multifaceted expressions of Latinidad and belonging.
Dr. Díaz-Basteris's decision to join Ohio State was motivated by a unique alignment of resources and opportunities. She was attracted to Ohio State because of the presence of the Cartoon Library, a strong focus on Ethnic Studies, and the vibrant Latinx Studies program. Columbus, with its substantial Latino population, offers a dynamic environment for exploring the intersectionality of her research areas.
Beyond her scholarly pursuits, Dr. Díaz-Basteris is an active participant in independent comic festivals, emphasizing that these grassroots events provide a vital platform for underserved voices. She is also a dedicated collector of comics, with a particular interest in nonfiction female and queer independent works. Dr. Díaz-Basteris enjoys cardio dancing, takes long walks with her dog in the afternoons, and has a penchant for exploring local coffee shops and comic book stores.
As Fernanda begins her academic journey with us, we eagerly anticipate the valuable contributions she will make to our understanding of graphic narratives as agents of change. Please join us in extending a warm welcome to Dr. Fernanda Díaz-Basteris.
