ABQ Times

Two faculty members from the College of Arts and Sciences at The University of New Mexico have received research grants from the 2025 National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) program. Carmen Nocentelli, an associate professor in English and Comparative Literature, and Anna M. Nogar, a professor of Hispanic Southwest studies, each secured $60,000 to support their current research endeavors.

The NEH is recognized for its competitive awards that support humanities across various fields such as literature, history, philosophy, religion, and the arts. These awards allow recipients time to write, conduct research, and engage in other project-related activities.

Jennifer Malat, dean of the College of Arts & Sciences at UNM expressed her satisfaction with this achievement: “I am delighted that the College of Arts & Sciences is home to not one but two faculty who have earned an NEH distinction this year. An NEH award represents years of work and scholarship and is an exceptional achievement. Carmen and Anna’s scholarship exemplifies the significance and reach of humanities research within the College. Their accomplishment underscores the College’s commitment to supporting research that enriches our understanding of culture, history and literature.”

Nocentelli's project focuses on completing her book "Black Legends and the Invention of Europe," which examines early modern political propaganda during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries using sources in eight languages. Her analysis highlights how misinformation contributed to a shared European identity despite fostering division.

"My research reveals how pervasive misinformation was during this period," said Nocentelli. "Yet paradoxically these divisive publications ultimately had a unifying effect: they fostered a shared European identity."

Nogar's work centers on Aurora Lucero-White Lea's contributions to New Mexican folklore through her upcoming book "Aurora Lucero-White Lea (1893-1963), 20th century Pan-Americanism and Indo-Hispano Folklore." Nogar emphasizes Lucero-White Lea’s role in preserving cultural traditions significant to Spanish-speaking citizens in New Mexico.

“I look forward to continuing my research on Aurora Lucero,” said Nogar. “Her scholarship on New Mexican folklore documented dances, music plays and stories."

Both professors are among only two recipients in New Mexico receiving NEH grants this cycle out of 240 awardees nationwide.

To learn more about Nocentelli’s or Nogar’s work visit their faculty profiles online or for additional information regarding NEH programs visit https://www.neh.gov/grants/research/awards-faculty-hispanic-serving-institutions.