On Thursday, February 26, Adriaan Britz, Abyan Joshi, and Dimah Zenki, students in the UW Collegiate Spanish 40S program, visited the MIRA-HOPE Laboratory at the University of Winnipeg. Cuban archaeologist Silvia T. Hernández Godoy, researcher José A. Caraballo, and the Laboratory Manager, Luis Viera, explained the laboratory’s operations, the equipment used, its application in the research process, and the results that can be obtained, all in Spanish.

The students were able to observe through microscopes, view real samples and 3D reproductions, and had the opportunity to observe the researchers at work and ask questions. They also interacted with Safia Soussi, a UW Collegiate graduate and University of Winnipeg student, who is currently working on her thesis. Safia was the contact person for this experience, as she had been a Spanish student of their professor, Rossana McCormack.

The aim of the visit was to offer the students an immersive experience, allowing them to practice their Spanish skills while learning about anthropological research at the University of Winnipeg and their future career options. It was a great opportunity for Adriaan, Abyan, and Dimah, who were impressed with the work being done at the MIRA-HOPE Lab.