Like many researchers, Michael Ugarte finds his research to be rooted in his personal history. "My research is connected directly to who I am, what part of the world I come from, and where I grew up," begins the MU Professor of Romance Languages. As we sat in his tiny office, I found myself staring into the kind eyes of this gentle soul, mesmerized as he described the personal connections involved in his research.

Making connections between his intellectual work and his political work, Ugarte has explored how being in exile has had a significant impact on important Spanish writers.

Madrid in 1900: How the city became so central to the work of so many Spanish authors.

Ugarte's current project: Looking at the relationship between Spain and Africa from the late 19th century through the 21st century.

Ugarte discusses the relationship of various ethnic groups in Spain throughout history and how the African "Other" is absorbed in the consciousness of Spaniards.

Ugarte discusses how a better understanding of Africa has become essential to his understanding of Spain.