Tech Topics - Spring 2009 - (Page 15) THE HILL FACULTY PROFILE Kirk Bowman: Professor of the Year Kirk Bowman is an associate professor in the Sam Nunn School of International Affairs and the program director for study abroad programs for Argentina, Brazil, Costa Rica and Cuba. His research focuses on comparative politics, development and inequality. An expert on Latin American politics, he is the author of Militarization, Development and Democracy: The Perils of Praetorianism in Latin America. His next book will examine national tourism policy in seven Latin American countries. Bowman received a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Nevada-Las Vegas, a master’s from the University of Arizona and a doctorate from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. In October, Bowman sparked debate among Georgia Tech alumni and friends at a “Let’s Talk Politics” Homecoming seminar held in anticipation of the presidential election. In November, he was named the 2008 Georgia Professor of the Year by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching and the Council for Advancement and Support of Education. What does being named Professor of the Year mean to you? I think it is largely recognition of the transformative educational experience that occurs on study abroad. Please explain your research in just a sentence. My research focuses on multiple comparative aspects development, such as identity, inequality, democracy and economic growth. Why do political discussions on campus stir up so much controversy? One of the more worrisome trends on college campuses is a general sense of apathy. For that reason, I see controversy over political issues as a potentially positive sign. Many important political issues are both complex and controversial, and it gives me hope to see protests and boycotts on campus, even if I do not personally agree with the activists. Why did you choose a career in academia? I was 32 and just getting my bachelor of arts, and I was inspired by a professor who taught Latin American history. What brought you to Georgia Tech? I was excited by the faculty and the heterogeneity of the Sam Nunn School of International Affairs. Where are you from originally? Las Vegas. Fill in the blank: I don’t leave home without Sunglasses. What are you reading? Roberto Bolano’s The Savage Detectives. Excellent. What’s on your iPod? A mix of world music. Recent additions include the new Bajofondo Tango Club, MPB [Brazilian popular music], Pink Martini, Segovia and an Italian ska band named Slide. What was your first car? A Ford Maverick. No wonder U.S. car companies are in trouble. ERIC TURNER TechTopics | Spring 2009 15
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