Giovanna Gobbi is a Fulbright Visiting Researcher in the English and Comparative Literature Department at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a Ph.D. Candidate in Brazilian Literature at the Universidade de São Paulo, Brazil. Her research focuses on the analysis of vivid description in 19th-century Brazilian epic poetry and the writing of national history.
What made you choose UNC/NC when deciding on a program/place to study?
I chose the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill because it is a center of excellence in the humanities. It fosters interdisciplinary research by hosting conferences, lectures, and colloquia, both in the ECL and the Romance Studies Departments. It also promotes an academic environment of collaboration between scholars and the UNC Libraries’ staff, which is vital to any researcher.
What is the most different thing you’ve seen or experienced since being here in comparison to your home country?
Coming from a very urban environment, I was surprised to find an abundance of green spaces, walking paths, parks and gardens in the Orange County. Being close to nature sure helps to reduce the stress of academic life.
What is something you wish you had known before moving here?
I wish I had known about the vibrant cultural scene in the Chapel Hill-Durham area before coming here. There are plenty of galleries, museums and concerts to choose from.
Where is a place in your home country that every tourist should visit and why?
Recife and Olinda, neighboring cities in the state of Pernambuco. It is a multicultural region where tourists can enjoy Afro-Brazilian music genres, artistic performances, museums, great food, and beautiful beaches.
How will your Carolina degree help you make a difference in the world?
Upon the completion of my research stay at Carolina and of my PhD program, I plan to pursue a research/teaching career. My goal is to promote critical thinking and empower younger generations as a means to strive for a fairer society.