Cuba may not be a Spring Break hotspot—particularly given that Americans are prohibited from visiting the island solely for tourism. But for a group of Rutgers Law School students, Cuba turned out to be a truly unique and educational Spring Break destination, made possible through a travel course designed to expose students to Cuban law, history, and society through firsthand encounters with local attorneys, activists, students, and community members. The course is taught each year by Rutgers Law Clinical Professor Charles Auffant. Check out this video with highlights from the trip. During their trip, students heard from members of the National Union of Cuban Jurists (akin to the American Bar Association), spoke with representatives from the University of Havana’s law school, and took in a panel hosted by law students at the University of Pinar del Río. For Rutgers Law 3L student Alyssa Kajian, this was a highlight. “It was so interesting to hear directly from the faculty of the school and the students themselves about how you earn a law degree in Cuba, what their legal system is like, and what day-to-day life is like being a student and practicing law in Cuba,” she says. “It was a really beautiful interchange of our cultures. There was a lot to discuss because of the differences in our legal systems.” In addition to the academic elements of the trip, students also immersed themselves in the culture of the island. They took dance lessons, walked the streets of Old Havana, shopped at artisan fairs, and visited the Antonio Núñez Jiménez Foundation for Nature and Humanity, a non-governmental organization with a socio-cultural and environmental focus. If you ask Rutgers Law 2L student Joshua Johnwell, one of the most impactful moments of the trip was a visit to the Museum for the National Literacy Campaign. Here, the group learned about Cuba’s nationwide effort to eradicate illiteracy by recruiting adults and even teenagers to teach reading skills in remote rural areas, sometimes in the face of intense opposition and violence. “As a teacher and student, we take education—including learning to read and write—for granted,” says Johnwell. “Visiting this museum really changed the way I think about my educational experience, and the things I take for granted in my life that the Cuban people fought so hard for.” Ultimately, Johnwell says this “eye-opening” trip transformed the way he thinks about law, culture, community organizing, and advocacy, which will undoubtedly shape his outlook as an attorney in the future. “This was truly a once in a lifetime opportunity,” agrees Kajian. “Not everyone gets the opportunity to go to Cuba, and to be able to go with other law students and faculty has just been incredible.” Rutgers-Newark undergraduates traveled to Cuba with the law students for the first time since the Cuba legal studies program began in 2004. This trip also yielded the most essential items collected and donated in the program's history. Students delivered nearly 30 suitcases filled with school and art supplies, menstrual products, medical supplies, medicine, and other essential items. Donations were made to afterschool programs, community clinics, doctors' offices, a soup kitchen, a center for special needs adults, and university students in the countryside. Rutgers Law School and University students visit the Logros de mi Barrio community project.  This article originally appeared on the Rutgers Law School website. 

Rutgers Vice President for Global Affairs honored for his contributions to global science and African scholarship Rutgers University’s Vice President for Global Affairs, Dr. Eric (Rick) Garfunkel, has been elected as a Fellow of the African Academy of Sciences (AAS), joining an elite group of eighty-eight distinguished scientists and scholars (16 from beyond the continent) recognized for their exceptional contributions to scientific advancement and scholarship. The African Academy of Sciences, in a recent announcement, highlighted that the newly elected Fellows underwent a rigorous and merit-based selection process. These scholars were nominated and elected based on (i) demonstrated excellence in their respective fields, and (ii) have played a pivotal role in advancing science, technology, and policy in Africa and on the global stage. Their election underscores their commitment to addressing Africa’s most pressing challenges through impactful research and academic leadership. AAS Fellows are recognized not only for their scientific breakthroughs but also for their role in shaping policies that drive sustainable development across the continent. By welcoming the new Fellows, the Academy strengthens its global network of leading scientists, fostering knowledge exchange, mentorship, and collaborative research aimed at transformative change. Professor Lise Korsten, President of the AAS, expressed her enthusiasm about the newly inducted Fellows, stating: “We are delighted to welcome these exceptional scientists and scholars into our Fellowship. Their expertise and leadership in their respective fields are invaluable assets in advancing Africa’s scientific agenda. As an Academy, we remain committed to harnessing the power of science, technology, and innovation to drive sustainable development in Africa.” About Dr. Eric (Rick) Garfunkel Eric Garfunkel, a distinguished professor of Chemistry and Physics at Rutgers, has played a critical role in advancing materials research, with a focus on nanoelectronics, alternative energy solutions, and catalysis. His work has been supported by the National Science Foundation, the Department of Energy, and the semiconductor industry. His contributions to high efficiency nanoelectronics (computer chips) and solar driven hydrogen generation technologies have had a significant impact on the semiconductor industry and alternative energy solutions. As vice president for global affairs at Rutgers University since 2015, Garfunkel has spearheaded the institution’s internationalization efforts, overseeing global partnerships, study abroad programs, and services for over 8,000 international students and scholars. His commitment to fostering international collaboration has been particularly instrumental in strengthening ties between African and U.S. academic institutions. For more than two decades, Garfunkel has played a leading role in the African Materials Research Society (AMRS), a network of over 1,000 scientists and engineers across Africa and the African diaspora. Through his leadership, he has supported AMRS biennial conferences and facilitated workshops that bridge African and U.S. scientific communities. His efforts have helped shape a major STEM partnership initiative focused on economic development and higher education collaboration. Garfunkel is also an active member of Rutgers’ Center for African Studies and has been instrumental in hosting the Mandela Washington Fellows and other African scholars. His election to the AAS Fellowship not only recognizes his scientific achievements but also honors his commitment to fostering scientific and educational partnerships that benefit Africa and beyond. The African Academy of Sciences welcomes its newly elected Fellows and looks forward to their contributions in advancing its mission of transforming lives through science. To learn more about the AAS Fellowship and the full list of newly elected Fellows, visit the official AAS website.