FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 19, 2026
Contact: Alix Saba, Executive Director, asaed@africanstudies.org
PDF Press Release for Distribution: Download Here
African Studies Association Announces Inaugural Junior Scholar Professional Development Grantees
PISCATAWAY, New Jersey – The African Studies Association (ASA) is pleased to announce the selection of the 2026 inaugural cohort of Junior Scholar Professional Development Grantees. Established 2025 by the Board of Directors under the Directors’ Fund, this prestigious grant supports junior scholar members at U.S. institutions pursuing professional development opportunities.
The 2026 grantees— Christian Alvarado, Robin Crigler, Jacqueline Georgis, and Bryan Kauma —were selected through a competitive process recognizing broad-reaching professional development projects. The Committee received and reviewed more than 25 applications in its first year.
Christian Alvarado is a historian and lecturer at San José State University and ASR senior book review editor. Grant funds will support African Studies conference participation, National Humanities Alliance Professional Development Courses, and language acquisition in Kiswahili and Amharic.
Robin Crigler is Assistant Professor of History at Glennville State University. Grant funds will support the development of a study abroad program for history and biology students at Glennville State University and the surrounding area to travel to Sol Plaatje University.
Jacqueline Georgis is ethnomusicologist and Assistant Professor at College of the Holy Cross. The grant will fund research travel to Lisbon to support two ongoing projects on African music: a book titled Cesária Évora’s Miss Perfumado and article titled “The Sonic Politics of Afro Lisboa.” Grant funds will also support research presentation at NOVA University.
Bryan Kauma is Assistant Professor of History at Southwestern University. Grant funds will support archival research at the National Archives of Zimbabwe and the incorporation of primary sources in the classroom.
About the ASA
Established in 1957, the African Studies Association is the flagship membership organization devoted to enhancing the exchange of information about Africa. The ASA is based in the United States and aims to cultivate a better understanding of the continent, by providing access to path-breaking research and facilitating interdisciplinary exchanges with African scholars and institutions. The ASA Annual Meeting fosters global networks by convening people with scholarly and other interests in Africa, and ultimately broadens professional opportunities in the field. The organization publishes two leading journals on Africa, African Studies Review and History in Africa and promotes an informed understanding of Africa to educational institutions, the public, businesses, media, and other interested communities.
