Ernesto Verdeja, assistant professor of political science and peace studies, has been appointed director of undergraduate studies at the University of Notre Dame’s Kroc Institute.
Nearly 200 Notre Dame undergraduates are pursuing a supplementary major or minor in peace studies. Their primary majors represent 20 academic disciplines ranging from anthropology to engineering to accounting.
“The program’s strength is a testament to our students’ interest in studying and promoting peace during these challenging times,” Verdeja said. “Our program is expanding its course offerings and research opportunities and will continue to attract an impressive group of undergraduates.”
Notre Dame’s peace studies undergraduates conduct research, organize an annual peace conference, and are active in peacebuilding projects on campus and around the globe. Their ranks have included Fulbright Scholars, Marshall Scholars, Scoville Peace Fellows, Notre Dame valedictorians, and student body presidents.
Verdeja has taught at Notre Dame since 2008. His research focuses primarily on large-scale political violence such as genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity, as well as political reconciliation and justice. He is the author of Unchopping a Tree: Reconciliation in the Aftermath of Political Violence (Temple University Press, 2009).
Contact: Ernesto Verdeja, 574-631-8533, everdeja@nd.edu