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College of Arts & Sciences

CAS Chronicles

(From Left) USF students Asia Anderson, Eduardo Fox-Velazquez, associate professor Joshua Scacco, USF students Camila Cernawsky Nakandakari, and Aldo Puccinion, on a research field trip to the Iowa caucuses in 2020. (Photo courtesy of Joshua Scacco)

(From Left) USF students Asia Anderson, Eduardo Fox-Velazquez, associate professor Joshua Scacco, USF students Camila Cernawsky Nakandakari, and Aldo Puccinion, on a research field trip to the Iowa caucuses in 2020. (Photo courtesy of Joshua Scacco)

New Center for Sustainable Democracy to create research opportunities for students

The College of Arts and Sciences welcomes the newly established Center for Sustainable Democracy (CSD). Founded in 2023, the center is under the leadership of Dr. Joshua Scacco, associate professor in the Department of Communication.

Dr. Joshua Scacco. (Photo courtesy of Joshua Scacco)

Dr. Joshua Scacco. (Photo courtesy of Joshua Scacco)

Established with a primary focus on the challenges and opportunities of modern-day democracy, the CSD centers its mission around three key pillars: resilient leadership, information environments, and sustainable communities. Through these pillars, the center aims to understand the roles of political and civic leaders, journalists, and ordinary individuals involved in supporting democracy.

The CSD’s objective is to serve as a nonpartisan, multidisciplinary research center, empowering citizens to make informed decisions, be a contributing member of society, and to positively impact society both at the individual and community level.

Scacco shares that the CSD is far more than a research hub, it is a catalyst for change. He hopes that the new center will have a positive impact on the student body.

“The center plans to promote the importance of democracy for students via research initiatives and community engagement. CSD builds opportunities on the USF campus for graduate and undergraduate student research and development, including the tangible skills for future careers and members of civil society. These skills include research-based initiatives, public communication, and networking,” Scacco said.

The CSD invites students and scholars alike to embark on a journey of understanding, engagement, and empowerment.

Visit the Center for Sustainable Democracy's website for more information. Students who would like to become involved with the center, can contact director Dr. Joshua Scacco.

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About CAS Chronicles

CAS Chronicles is the monthly newsletter for the University of South Florida's College of Arts and Sciences, your source for the latest news, research, and events at CAS.