Hometown: Orlando, Florida

Research Interests: Modern North African History, History and Politics of Cultural Production, Family and Gender History, Religion, Poetry

Juan is currently researching the history and politics of poetry in post-Independence Tunisia. This project is part of his interest in the historical and social significance of cultural production and religious practice in twentieth-century North Africa. Prior to joining the MAAS program, Juan researched and wrote on the political and business environments in the Middle East and North Africa for five years. He conducted research in Morocco, Tunisia, Oman, and Saudi Arabia. Most recently, he wrote reports related to the Saudi and Moroccan education sectors. After MAAS, Juan plans to pursue a PhD in history. Juan holds a BA in political science from Columbia University and is a first-generation college graduate. He speaks Spanish and French and is working towards fluency in Arabic.