We're excited to introduce the Southwest Asia and North Africa Program! SWANA is Einaudi's new hub for research, learning, and engagement with the cultures and peoples of the vast geographical region stretching from Morocco in the west to Iran in the east.

SWANA gathers expertise and perspectives from across Cornell's colleges and schools under the leadership of the program's inaugural director, Seema Golestaneh. Golestaneh is an associate professor of Near Eastern studies in the College of Arts and Sciences (A&S). Her research focuses on contemporary Islamic thought in the Persian-speaking world.

“We approach the Middle East as a region of complex engagements, shifting boundaries, and shared histories.”

Golestaneh looks forward to partnering with communities in the SWANA region and scholars around the world, she said, noting plans this year to “further develop our burgeoning relationship with the American University in Cairo.” 

Extending beyond the Middle East, Southwest Asia and North Africa is a place-based description that highlights geographical and cultural inclusion. Golestaneh hopes SWANA will embody that spirit on campus by serving as a social and intellectual home for Cornell's diverse community of researchers and students. 

“This year we'll host interdisciplinary scholars whose work represents the cutting edge of the field,” she said. “We are particularly excited about the graduate student conference we have scheduled for spring 2026.” 

SWANA premiered as an initiative through a cosponsored speaker series last spring. Don't miss its first event as an Einaudi program: a lecture by Islamic art historian Margaret Graves on September 25.

New Program Directors

Joining SWANA's Seema Golestaneh are new program directors in the East Asia Program, Latin American and Caribbean Studies Program, and Southeast Asia Program.

EAP: Nick Admussen

Nick Admussen is an associate professor in the Department of Asian Studies (A&S). His research on contemporary Chinese poetry focuses on inventing and refining methods of interpretation through which people separated by linguistic or political distance can come to understand one another.

LACS: Alex Nading

Alex Nading is a medical and environmental anthropologist (A&S). His research—mostly focused on Nicaragua—has examined transnational campaigns against dengue fever, bacterial disease, and chronic kidney disease, as well as grassroots movements to address these issues.

SEAP: Eric Tagliacozzo

Eric Tagliacozzo is the John Stambaugh Professor of History in A&S. His research centers on the history of people, ideas, and material in motion in and around Southeast Asia, especially in the colonial age.