An Iowa State University professor is in Cuba for a presentation. Rose Caraway has had an interest in the island nation for several years after another trip there.
Wednesday’s announcement of the opening of embassies in Washington and Havana this month continues the process of normalizing relations between the two. “I think what’s really struck me about this process is obviously the two governments are moving toward reconciliation — and this will be a very complex process. There needs to be a lot of open dialogue on both sides due to our differences. But also, we have common ground, common concerns that we share as well,” Caraway says.
She is an assistant professor of religious studies and will be presenting a paper at the 10 International Conference on Sustainability and the Environment. “Looking at the use of agricology, organic methods in gardening that have become quite popular since the fall of the Soviet Bloc, especially during the economic crisis in the early to mid 90’s,” Caraway says.
Caraway is hopeful that there will be future dialogue between Iowa State University and academic leaders in Cuba. “I think that there is significant potential I think we have much to learn from Cuba’s lessons. They’ve had to undergo a significant economic crisis,” Caraway says. Caraway left Ames for Havana on Sunday will be in Cuba for 6 days this week, but would like to stay in that county until July 20th for the ceremonies marking the opening of the U.S. Embassy in Havana.
(Reporting by Pat Powers, KQWC, Webster City)