Joseph Vazquez \u201922 understands the importance of community. His research at UConn educates people about homelessness and other challenges in their communities in hopes of inspiring change.<\/p>\n
When Vazquez first came to UConn he was interested in human geography and how populations move.<\/p>\n
Vazquez saw much of his own experience as a first-generation student who grew up in an urban area in his classes.<\/p>\n
\u201cI saw a lot of things on the PowerPoint slides as my life,\u201d Vazquez says.<\/p>\n
Vazquez wanted to continue studying and help communities like his own, which led him to major in urban and community studies and human rights with a minor in public policy.<\/p>\n
Vazquez gained his first hands-on research experience with history professor Fiona Vernal. Vazquez worked on a project about migration patterns for Puerto Rican, West Indian, and African American populations in the Hartford area and restrictions those populations face.<\/p>\n
\nIt\u2019s really meaningful to see that the work we\u2019re doing is reaching the community it\u2019s meant for. — Joseph Vazquez<\/cite><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Vazquez took this information and helped construct an educational display for the Hartford Public Library and the Thomas J. Dodd Center at UConn.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s really meaningful to see that the work we\u2019re doing is reaching the community it\u2019s meant for,\u201d Vazquez says.<\/p>\n
For Vazquez, it\u2019s important that his research has a meaningful product that reaches the community and benefits it, whether that be through policy changes or education.<\/p>\n
\u201cI really like to see the deliverable have something that leads to change,\u201d Vazquez says.<\/p>\n
Vazquez is currently working on an IDEA grant<\/a> titled \u201cNo Home Since: A Glimpse into Hartford\u2019s Hidden Voices.\u201d He is creating a video project that focuses on the Charter Oak Cultural Center in Hartford.<\/p>\n
The arts Center has a \u201cheart-centered\u201d approach to addressing homelessness. This means they work to provide people with the tools and resources they need to get out of homelessness.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis program seemed like a family,\u201d Vazquez says. \u201cThey honestly care about each and every individual who walks through the doors.\u201d<\/p>\n
Vazquez is interviewing individuals experiencing homelessness and allowing them to share their stories in their own words.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m a person who likes to talk to a community, rather than talk about them,\u201d Vazquez says.<\/p>\n
Vazquez says he hopes his project can change how people think about homelessness in their communities.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn reality, they\u2019re part of your community,\u201d Vazquez says. \u201cAnd you need to shift your mindset from \u2018this is a problem\u2019 to \u2018how I can help solve it?\u201d<\/p>\n
Vazquez is also a student leader on campus, serving as the general manager for WHUS, the independent student-run radio station at UConn and an RA on campus. He also works with the Puerto Rican and Latin American Cultural Center (PRLACC).<\/p>\n
After graduation, Vazquez intends to work in public administration, where he can put his UConn experiences to good use.<\/p>\n
\u201cRegardless of where I end up, I know I\u2019ll use the skills and experience I\u2019ve gained already,\u201d Vazquez says.<\/p>\n
Vazquez says other students interested in pursuing research should keep an open mind as their work may surprise them once they\u2019re in it.<\/p>\n
\u201cBe open to change because road bumps are so common,\u201d Vazquez says. \u201cCome with a very open mindset because people are going to come with experiences of all types.\u201d<\/p>\n
Students interested in learning more about research and innovation opportunities at UConn can check out the series of events offered as part of the <\/em>Month of Discovery<\/em><\/a>. Come to the <\/em>Experience Innovation Expo<\/em><\/a> on Oct. 26, 2021, to discover the wide range of programs, resources, and activities facilitating entrepreneurship, innovation, and creativity at the University. <\/em><\/p>\n
Follow UConn Research on<\/em> Twitter<\/em><\/a> &<\/em> LinkedIn<\/em><\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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