ABQ Times

The University of New Mexico will host the Critical Mystery Studies symposium on November 18-19 at the Bobo Room in Hodgin Hall. The event is coordinated by Matthew David Goodwin from the Department of Chicana/o Studies, Nahir Otaño-Gracia from the Department of English, and Sarah Hernandez from the Institute for American Indian Research. It is organized by seven graduate students: Dante Olivas, Travis Torres Thompson, Ashley Martinez, Rebecca Martinez-Baca, Colton Campbell, Christy Frederick, and Ruben Loza.

The symposium aims to raise awareness about the cultural significance of monsters, ghosts, aliens, and conspiracy theories in various communities. It will also explore how mysteries like Roswell are connected to race and ethnicity. Nine scholars and artists are set to present their work at this inaugural gathering.

Open to the public both virtually and in person, the symposium begins with an opening ceremony on Monday, November 19 at 8:30 a.m. in the Bobo Room. Additionally, two events will take place at the Chicana/o Studies Casita: Ayden Castellanos' "The Ghoul's Guide to Podcasting" and Gabino Noriega's “An Evening of Spooky Tales."

Invited speakers include Bernadette Marie Calafell from The University of Oregon; Cathryn Merla-Watson from The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley; Kara McCormack from Bilkent University in Turkey; Paul Edward Montgomery Ramírez from Cleveland State University; James Padilioni Jr. from Swarthmore College; Jenny Rice from The University of Kentucky; Dale DeForest, a digital illustrator and storyteller; Ramona Emerson, a Diné writer and filmmaker; and Ayden Castellanos, creator of the podcast "Susto."

For more information or to register for the symposium, visit its website.