Meet the incoming MALAS cohort

Fall 2025 brings new students into our MALAS program

August 18, 2025

As with every year, this fall semester finds the Center for Latin American Studies with a new cohort of MALAS students. Coming from all parts of the world, they represent a wide range of academic interests and career pursuits. Learn more about them below!

Joann Almonte

Hometown: Orlando, FL

Education: Bachelor of Arts in History, Minor in Philosophy

Learn more about Joann!

Pablo H. Costas

Hometown: Santa Cruz, Bolivia / Gainesville, Florida

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Juridical Sciences, with additional studies in Political Communication and Education.

Learn more about Pablo!

Tulasi Cuadros

Hometown: Cochabamba, Bolivia

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Sciences from Universidad Católica Boliviana “San Pablo,” certificate in Geographic Information Systems (GIS).

Learn more about Tulasi!

Nephtali Maribel Dzubin

Hometown: Leesburg, Virginia

Education: Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy, Double Minor in Educational Technology and Latin American Studies

Learn more about Nephtali!

Ramiro Figueroa García

Hometown: Chone, Ecuador

Education: BA in Liberal Arts at Universidad San Francisco de Quito, with a concentration in Humanities, and minors in Creative Writing and Literature

Learn more about Ramiro!

Lalita Garofalo

Hometown: Palmetto, Florida

Education: Bachelor of Science in Health Education. Specialization in Community Healyh Promotion

Learn more about Lalita!

Eluney González

Hometown: Gainesville, FL

Education: Bachelor of Arts in English and History, Minor in Latin American Studies

Learn more about Eluney!

Ryan Hidalgo

Hometown: Gainesville, FL

Education: Bachelors of Arts: Latin American Studies with focus area in Latin America; Minor: Political Science

Learn more about Ryan!

Isabella Loya

Hometown: Miami, Florida

Education: B.A. in History at the University of Florida, as well as an in progress M.A. in Museum Studies at the University of Florida

Learn more about Isabella!

Vitória Leopoldina Gomes Mendes

Hometown: Gainesville, Florida

Education: Currently pursuing an M.A. in Latin American Studies; Master’s in Environmental Law – Federal University of Santa Catarina; Specialist in Environmental Law; and Bachelor’s in Law (Brazil)

Learn more about Vitória!

Lydia Weigel