Silvia Caraballo
Senior Staff Specialist
Silvia Caraballo
Senior Staff Specialist
Bio
Silvia is a distinguished Adjunct faculty member at the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) at the College of Liberal Arts, and School of Individualized Study where she has made significant contributions to the academic and professional development of her colleagues and students. Her role extends beyond traditional teaching; she is deeply involved with the AdvanceRIT office as a faculty specialist in program development. In this capacity, Silvia is crucial in supporting women faculty members, particularly in pursuing leadership positions, by providing mentorship, resources, and guidance to foster their academic and professional growth.
Her innovative teaching approach is evident in her courses, which offer a unique perspective on indigenous cultural discourse's theoretical and practical foundations. Silvia's curriculum focuses on the political imaginaries, customary law, culture, and identity of Indigenous women in the Americas, addressing the complex challenges of gender, class, and race discrimination. These issues are a legacy of colonization, which has led to oppression and the erosion of ancestral teachings and values. Through her teaching, Silvia aims to enlighten her students about these critical issues, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for the rich cultural heritage of Indigenous communities.
Silvia is pursuing a Ph.D. in Human Development at the University of Rochester, specializing in cognitive-behavioral development. Her research is at the forefront of exploring environmental health as a crucial component of ecological performance, examining how health outcomes are influenced by national culture and community development. This work underscores her commitment to understanding and addressing the socio-environmental determinants of health.
In addition to her academic and research endeavors, Silvia has been instrumental in creating the Women of Color Advisory Board for women faculty at RIT. This initiative reflects her dedication to promoting equity and inclusion within the academic community. The board provides a vital platform for mentorship, professional development, advocacy, and community support, specifically tailored to the needs of women of color faculty. Through this initiative, Silvia aims to address the unique challenges faced by this group, ensuring they have the necessary support and resources to succeed in their academic careers.
Silvia's work also extends to the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on indigenous communities, where she explores the transformative effects of technology on these populations. Her course on this subject delves into how AI influences educational, financial, and cultural structures, shaping the identities and development of indigenous peoples. By examining the role of AI in supporting indigenous languages, the potential for AI to encode bias, and the need for responsible AI design that respects Indigenous rights and values, Silvia prepares her students to engage critically with the ongoing dialogue about technology's role in indigenous communities.
Silvia's professional experience, research, and educational background collectively highlight her dedication to academic excellence, social equity, and the empowerment of underrepresented groups. Her contributions to the academic community and her ongoing research endeavors reflect her unwavering commitment to creating a more just and inclusive society.