January 18, 2023
The National Council of Science and Technology of Mexico (CONACYT) has granted Performance as Public Practice Ph.D. candidate Jessica L. Peña Torres a prestigious national fellowship. This prize is designed to support innovative research undertaken by Mexican nationals based in foreign countries; scholars from numerous universities apply for this financial aid, which aims to incubate Mexican academic prowess throughout the world. Students at The University of Texas at Austin can access these resources through CONTEX, which works in tandem with CONACYT. The intersection of these two offices is designed to foster bilateral academic cooperation between Texas and Mexico. This initiative offers opportunities for those conducting groundbreaking research in a wide spectrum of fields, from science and technology to arts and culture. Peña Torres’ application was centered on her specialization within theatre and dance; she began the competitive process through CONTEXT, being aided by Winship Faculty members throughout the experience, including Dr. Rebecca Rossen and Dr. Andy Grapko.
Peña Torres was ecstatic upon receiving the highly prestigious, multi-year fellowship, which simultaneously provides financial security as she completes her doctoral degree and further solidifies her position as a renowned scholar in the field of Mexican dance. Her research focusses on both ballet folklórico and Mexican modern dance, though a social, political and cultural lens. This stems from an already distinguished career, which includes performances with the Shakespeare Theatre Company, Maru Montero Dance Company, Academia de Danza Condesa, Compañía de Danza Kaana and the Ballet Folclórico Nacional de México de Silvia Lozano. In addition to involvement in these organizations, she also founded her own company, Coctel Explosivo, which provides another creative outlet to explore Mexican culture.
In celebration of this much-deserved award, we spoke with Jessica L. Peña Torres about the impact this award will have on her, both personally and academically:
What does receiving the CONACYT scholarship mean to you? How is it a significant piece in your educational journey?
Since I was a grade student in Mexico, I heard of scholars receiving CONACYT fellowships to conduct groundbreaking research all over the world. As a dancer/theatre maker, I never thought I could even qualify to apply to it, as CONACYT is best known for funding the fields of science and technology. Being a CONACYT fellow is a great milestone in my career, as I had never before received funding from Mexican official institutions to pursue my educational goals. I feel seen and supported by my country and excited to represent Mexican scholars at UT. I am also grateful to my advisor, Dr. Rebecca Rossen, for her dedicated guidance in the application process and to Dr. Andy Grapko for her continued administrative support.
How will receiving this scholarship propel you towards your creative and professional goals?
Receiving this fellowship means that I will be economically supported for the full duration of my doctoral studies, which gives me confidence that I can complete the degree on time without having to worry too much about financial struggles. In addition, it reaffirms my decision to continue to investigate the performing arts in Mexico through my scholarly study and artistic practice.
Learn more about the ConTex Doctoral Fellowship: https://contex.utsystem.edu/doctoral
Learn more about CONACYT: https://conacyt.mx/