Staff

The College of Arts and Sciences Center for the Humanities at the University of Miami was established in 2009 to support humanities, arts, and interpretive social science research and teaching, as well as to bringing to the Miami community an awareness of the importance of the humanities for a more informed understanding of our own and other cultures. Through lectures, conferences, seminars, and workshops, scholars present their work, elicit critical responses, and stimulate public awareness and debate about the humanities. The goal of the Center is to provide mutual understanding among groups and cultures, provide support for research in the humanities, and enrich the intellectual culture of the University and community.

‌‌‌Phil Harling

Director

Professor Phil Harling started at the University of Miami in the summer of 2022, after almost 30 years of teaching and administrative service at the University of Kentucky. He grew up in Evanston, Illinois, and received his B.A. from Grinnell College in 1986 and his Ph.D. in History from Princeton University in 1993. A Professor of History, Phil specializes in Britain and the British Empire in the 19^th century ... Continued

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‌Christina Larson

Assistant Director

Christina Larson (PhD in Art History) was named Assistant Director at the Center for the Humanities in September 2021. As someone who has studied humanities-related disciplines and who is passionate about scholarship and learning, she was delighted to assume this role at the University of Miami ... Continued

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Elizabeth Stoyanov Hernandez

Office Manager

Elizabeth Stoyanov Hernandez holds a B.A. in Business from Miami International University of Art and Design where she graduated Magna Cum Laude and obtained Leadership Seminar Certificate and Dean’s List Merit Awards. Elizabeth has extensive experience with specialized client-centric services and support, sponsorship, and donor relations, dedicated to identifying needs, delivering exceptional experiences, and conveying creative ideas and effective solutions to problems... Continued

Sydney Shamblin

UGrow Fellow (Center for the Humanities, 2024-2025)  

Sydney Shamblin Anderson is an English Ph.D. candidate with a Medieval and Early Modern Studies Concentration. Sydney’s dissertation examines the intersections of experimental science, anatomy, and performance studies in early modern revenge tragedies. In addition to her scholarly pursuits, she is deeply engaged in academic service. As the Founding Chair of the Shakespeare Association of America (SAA)’s Graduate Committee (est. 2024), Sydney leads initiatives to promote graduate student scholarship in one of the leading academic associations for Shakespeare studies. At the University of Miami, she currently serves as the President of the English Graduate Organization (EGO) and the Vice President of the Graduate Student Association (GSA). Additionally, as the appointed Graduate Representative to the Board of Trustees Academic Affairs Committee, Sydney contributes to university-wide discussions on academic policy decisions for the University of Miami.

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Lyric Johnson

Student Assistant (Marketing + Outreach Coordinator)

Lyric Johnson is a fourth-year undergraduate student pursuing a BA in Political Science and Psychology at the University of Miami while also completing two minors in Entrepreneurship and LGBTQ studies. This is her fourth year as a Student Assistant at the Center for the Humanities where she works to assist in events, marketing, and outreach efforts. Some of her achievements include being a Foote Fellows Honor student, member of Psi Chi International Honor Society, and a Presidential Scholar. She plans to begin teaching elementary school upon graduation and then to further her education by obtaining her Occupational Therapy Doctorate. 

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Layla-Bleu Jackson Yanez

Student Assistant (Digital Content Coordinator)

Layla-Bleu Jackson Yanez is a sophomore at the University of Miami, majoring in Sports Administration with a focus on the pre-law track. Born and raised in Miami, Florida, this is her second year as a Student Assistant at the Center for Humanities, where she assists with various events, research, administrative tasks, and social media. Layla-Bleu's passion for both sports and the legal field drives her to explore the intersections of culture, ethics, and law within the humanities.

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Layna Hopper

Student Assistant

Layna Hopper is a first-year student at the University of Miami, majoring in Biomedical Engineering on the pre-med track. This is her first year as a Student Assistant at the Center for the Humanities, where she works in event planning, research, and outreach fields. In addition to her role at the Center, Layna is on the university’s rowing team as well as a Presidential Scholar involved in UConnect, Alpha Epsilon Delta pre-health honor society, Biomedical Engineering Society, and American Medical Student Association clubs on campus. Layna’s interest in the intersection of medicine, technology, and humanities drives her enthusiasm for supporting the Center’s initiatives, fostering a deeper understanding across disciplines.

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Jackson Ori

Student Assistant

Jackson Benedict-Houseworth Ori is a second-year undergraduate student at the University of Miami Herbert Business School, pursuing a BBA in Economics with a minor in Philosophy. This is his first year as a Student Assistant with the Center for the Humanities. In addition to his role at the Center, he also works for the Department of Student Activities and Student Organizations as a Student Assistant, managing budgets requests and filing contracts. Moreover, Jackson is an active member of Canes Finance Association, Century Fund, Economics Club and the Ethics Society—and regularly volunteers with First Star Academy and the Ocean Conservancy.

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Atsar Williams

Student Assistant

Atsar Williams is a senior at the University of Miami, pursuing a B.S.C in Media Management with double minors in Graphic Design and Creative Advertising. This is her first year serving as a Student Assistant at the Center for the Humanities. She is actively involved in campus organizations, currently serving as the President of Ibis Elegance, Vice President of Elevate Runway, and Media Coordinator for UMLocked. Atsar is eager to apply her skills in social media analytics, graphic design, and digital communication to support the department's initiatives.

‌‌Mihoko Suzuki

Founding Director (2009 - 2018)

Professor Mihoko Suzuki earned her A.B. in an interdisciplinary major, History and Literature, in the College Scholar Program at Cornell University and her Ph.D. in Comparative Literature at Yale University. Her scholarship focuses on Renaissance and early modern literature and ... Continued

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‌‌‌Hugh Thomas

Director (2018 - 2023)

Professor Hugh M. Thomas received his B.A. and Ph.D. from Yale University and has taught at the University of Miami since 1988. His research focuses on the history of medieval Europe, particularly England, from the eleventh to the early thirteenth century ... Continued