Andrés Mauricio Laguna Bonilla

Motivation to pursue a graduate degree

Learning is the best investment that you can make in your life” was the advice that one friend gave me before I started my graduate career. Following those words was the beginning of a world of opportunities and incredible experiences that transformed the way I understand and experience the world. For me, learning is a hobby, a way that I enjoy the world, and it has been a game changer in my career development because I learn with passion, creativity, and curiosity. I chose FSU thanks to the affinity I feel with its values, because the theatre and performance program is well renowned around the globe, and because the multicultural exchange that FSU offers is an opportunity to find and challenge new ideas.

Importance and/or impact of research and work

My research interests are focused on educational methodologies that use theatre, puppets, and audiovisual production to share and democratize knowledge. The topics of my research are related to Theatre of the Oppressed, community theatre, social media and audiovisual production, international cooperation, and post-conflict in Colombia. I strongly believe that education has to be democratized in order to give opportunities to those who cannot access it easily. I believe that with the implementation of strong cultural projects, it is possible to change communities in a positive way. To conclude, I think that it is necessary to develop tools that address the post-conflict in Colombia. By studying and teaching about the war, I believe it is possible to prevent future conflicts like the one Colombia suffered for 50 years.

Career aspirations

I want to share my knowledge by working with international NGOs and governments as a cultural project consultant, and by working in academia as a professor in Colombia and worldwide.

Advice for anyone considering graduate school

Studying for a PhD is the final boss of the academia game, are you ready to accept the challenge? My tip is to learn how to organize your agenda in order to complete all the daily tasks required in different classes, and to learn how to make reading and writing part of your daily life. That will be your job during your graduate career. This is a difficult path. Find friends who help you and challenge your ideas, and learn from your professors. Read the syllabus and attend office hours.

Accomplishments during graduate career

During my first semester of PhD I had the opportunity to present my project La Gracia de la Democracia in Bangkok, Thailand, during the ICSW 2025 Conference. This participation was funded by the COGS–FSU International Travel Grant and gave me the opportunity to share my research and learn from other leaders around the globe.