2025 Spring PechaKucha Event

Spring PechaKucha Event Welcomes New Faculty, Sparks Community and Collaboration in the College of Social and Behavioral Science

The College of Social and Behavioral Science (CSBS) at the University of Utah hosted another inspiring PechaKucha event this spring, welcoming new faculty members through rapid-fire presentations that blended research, storytelling, and personal reflections. The biannual event invites new faculty to introduce their work and passions in just 20 slides, shown for 20 seconds each—a format that sparked conversation across disciplines. This year's presenters included Captain Daniel Nowicki (Naval Science), Assistant Professor of Sociology and Criminology Katherine Maldonado-Fabela, and Assistant Professor of Psychology, Tochukwu Nweze.

“These events are a celebration of our shared commitment to building community and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration,” said Dean Michelle M. Camacho. “Welcoming new faculty through this format infuses our college with fresh ideas, diverse perspectives, and renewed energy. It’s an opportunity to spark connection and catalyze new partnerships.”

Captain Daniel A. Nowicki, from the Naval Science (ROTC) program, gave a presentation titled Building a Culture of Trust. Captain Nowicki spoke on leadership and integrity forged through decades of military service. “Trust is the end of an equation,” he said. “It’s the result of all the little things that add up—daily actions, shared values, and how we treat each other. Culture isn’t just a word. It’s how people feel every day.”

Assistant Professor Katherine Maldonado-Fabela from the Department of Sociology and Criminology shared Motherhood, Community, and Joy, a moving talk rooted in her upbringing in South Central Los Angeles and her work with incarcerated women and displaced communities. “I ask how we can center vulnerable populations in our research and still practice joy, build community, and center love through everything,” she said.

Assistant Professor Tochukwu Nweze from the Department of Psychology shared his global journey with his presentation Transitioning to Utah: My Academic Journey So Far. “I’m interested in how adversity in childhood shapes cognitive development across different global contexts,” he said. “Even in the U.S., socioeconomic inequalities continue to impact educational and occupational outcomes. My goal is to explore how we might close those gaps through a better understanding of stress-adapted skills.”

Dean Camacho closed the event with gratitude and encouragement: “These presentations allow us to see beyond the research—to glimpse the personal stories and motivations that shape each scholar. They catalyze new connections and interdisciplinary potential. Let’s keep following up with each other. This is how we build community.”