Christine Folch, assistant professor of cultural anthropology and environmental science and policy and director of DukeEngage-Paraguay, was one of two winners selected by the Office of Global Affairs for the inaugural campus Global Service Award.
Folch was planning to run her first DukeEngage program, a joint project in Brazil and Paraguay focused on the Itaipu Dam, the world’s biggest producer of renewable energy. But the COVID-19 pandemic meant Folch and her DukeEngage students had to pivot from an in-person program to a virtual one for summer 2020.
“This act demonstrates her work ethic, desire to mentor students and ability to think creatively,” says Austin Connors ’22, who participated in DukeEngage-Paraguay. (The research team presented their work through a livestream, and the video had more than 1,500 views and was featured on a Paraguay news program.)
“Students, including myself, who know Dr. Folch are enamored by her enthusiasm, kindness and intellect,” Connors adds.