The Puerto Rico Research Hub focuses on four pillars with emphasis on Puerto Rico: Conducting academic research, engaging students, strengthening partnerships, and promoting engagement through community outreach.
ACADEMIC RESEARCH
Academic research is conducted to systematically study and understand important issues related to Puerto Rico, and Puerto Ricans, especially those living in the 50 states and the District of Columbia. Through rigorous and empirical research, the Hub produces reports and publications that inform the public, scholars of Puerto Rican studies, and policymakers who are responsible for legislating and developing policies with a direct or indirect impact on Puerto Rico and the Puerto Rican diaspora.
STUDENT ENGAGEMENT
Students are provided with opportunities to engage in individual or collective research projects, participate in travel to Puerto Rico and knowledge exchange. We also aim to infuse research related to Puerto Ricans in curricula.
PARTNERSHIPS
Collaborations are formed with faculties and entities who are part of the University of Central Florida community as well as faculties working in other institutions and representatives of research centers, non-profit organizations, and businesses. Our partners include the Cuban Research Institute at Florida International University (FIU), the North American Alliance of Hazards and Disasters Research Institutes (NAAHDRI), the Graduate School of Planning at the University of Puerto Rico (UPR) and other non-profit groups in Florida and Puerto Rico.
OUTREACH
The Hub aims to disseminate knowledge about Puerto Rico and the Puerto Rican diaspora through community events, news interviews, and discussions with policymakers. Thus, the Puerto Rico Research Hub, together with the UCF Office of Global Perspectives and International Initiatives, went to Washington D.C. in the Summer of 2023. The Hub’s Director participated in a panel discussion at the Rayburn House Office Building, “Migration: Policy, Economics, Climate Change, Women, and Conflict.” Our work aims to make an impact within and outside the University of Central Florida community, within and outside the Central Florida area. We want to provide our students with tools to master the study of social dynamics that begins with the case of the Puerto Rican diaspora and can extend to other communities and areas. We focus on establishing and maintaining partnerships with key stakeholders, to engage in research and outreach while making sure we serve the community in Central Florida.