(photo courtesy of Cydney Seigerman)
Cydney Seigerman, a 2024 recipient of the Graduate School’s Engaged Scholarship Award, is an interdisciplinary Ph.D. candidate in UGA’s Integrative Conservation (ICON) program and the Department of Anthropology in the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences. “ICON provides the perfect platform to pursue my passions and integrate different perspectives into my work,” they remarked about the program, which encourages interdisciplinary research and the incorporation of diverse fields of study.
Reflecting on their journey to receiving the Engaged Scholarship Award, Seigerman expressed deep gratitude to their collaborator, Ivaneide, and the residents of Quilombo Mearim—a rural community in Quixeramobim, Ceará, Brazil. Together, they created a play that delved into the history of water access in their community, highlighting the vital role of community trust and collaboration in achieving meaningful change.
Seigerman’s current work and research focus on the lived experience of water insecurity in rural Ceará, Northeast Brazil. Through an interdisciplinary approach that spans the social and natural sciences, as well as performance arts, they seek to increase understanding of local water challenges and their impacts on communities.
“I organize community-engaged theater workshops and devise performances with rural communities in the region,” Seigerman explained. “This not only makes local water issues more visible to municipal and state agencies but also creates space for residents to explore their own relationships with water.”
(l to r) Ron Walcott, Vice Provost of Graduate Education and Dean of the Graduate School; S. Jack Hu, Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost; Cydney Seigerman; Jennifer Frum, Vice President for Public Service and Outreach
Seigerman’s journey wouldn’t have been possible without the guidance and support of mentors who helped shape their graduate career. Dr. Don Nelson, Professor of Anthropology and their doctoral advisor, who provided critical support during their early years in graduate school and later introduced Seigerman to research on adaptation and water issues in Ceará, Brazil, profoundly influencing their dissertation research and ongoing interests.
“During my first months in Quixeramobim, Paulo Ferreira [former superintendent of the Office of Hydraulic Works of Ceará] helped me establish working relationships with people at NGOs and government agencies,” Seigerman recalled. “His support was invaluable in navigating the region and connecting with key stakeholders.”
Additionally, Seigerman acknowledged Emily Sahakian, Associate Professor of Theatre and Film Studies and a member of their dissertation committee, whose guidance greatly impacted their pedagogical approach and work as an engaged theater scholar.
As Seigerman continues to make strides in the field of water scholarship and community engagement, their story serves as a testament to the importance of mentorship, collaboration, and perseverance. With each step forward, they empower communities, amplify voices, and drive positive change—leaving an indelible mark on both academia and society.
The Engaged Scholarship Award was launched in 2024 to recognize extraordinary community-engaged scholarship and public service by graduate students that advance the public service, outreach, and engagement mission at UGA. This award is established by the Graduate School in connection with UGA Public Service & Outreach and the Office of Service-Learning. Recipients are selected by a committee drawn from Public Service & Outreach-affiliated administrators and graduate faculty. Learn more here.
