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Office of International Education
Asia Research Institute
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Middle East Studies Initiative

The Middle East Studies Initiative (MESI) contributes to UB’s broader educational mission by expanding opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students to study the world’s interconnected histories and cultures. Through public lectures, symposia, film screenings, art exhibitions, and conferences, the initiative introduces students to emerging scholarship and encourages interdisciplinary dialogue across West Asia, East Asia, and beyond.

About MESI

MESI collaborates with the Department of History, the Department of Africana and American Studies, the Office of International Education, the Asia Research Institute, the Humanities Institute, and the Office of Inclusive Excellence. Together, these partners foster scholarly inquiry and accessible public engagement with the diverse histories, cultures, and societies of the Middle East (West Asia).

MESI launched UB’s first Micro-Credential in Middle East Studies (9 credit hours), which began enrolling students in spring 2025. This interdisciplinary credential responds to student interest and provides a structured pathway for studying the region while complementing a wide range of academic majors.

Program Goals

  • Expanding course offerings within the Micro-Credential.
  • Increasing public engagement through additional lectures, symposia, and film series.
  • Deepening student involvement through the new Middle East Studies Student Club.
  • Building new partnerships with local and regional organizations for experiential learning opportunities.
  • Exploring external grant possibilities to expand the Initiatives capability.

Steering Committee

Hani Khafipour, Chair, Department of History

Camilo Trumper, Departmet of History

Sam Bell, Department of Political Science

Tanya Shilina-Conte, Department of English

Berin Golonu, Department of Art

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Faculty Funding

  • Korean Studies Funding
    9/14/26
    With grant funding from the Academy of Korean Studies, the Asia Research Institute provides seed funding for faculty research projects, faculty conference travel support, and funding to develop new Korean studies classes or classroom modules.
  • International Education Research Grants
    9/14/26
    Through the University at Buffalo Office of International Education (OIE), faculty and graduate students at UB who work on Asia-related topics have the opportunity to apply for funding to support their research.
  • Nila T. Gnamm Fund
    9/14/26
    Managed by the UB APEC Study Center, in conjunction with the Department of Geography and Asian Studies Program, the Nila T. Gnamm Fund supports UB faculty and student research projects related to the study of Southeast Asia, including projects conducted in affiliation with the Asia Research Center.
  • Asia Research Institute Faculty Grants
    9/14/26
    The UB Asia Research Institute (ARI) offers research grants of up to $3,000 on a competitive basis to support scholarly research or creative work related to Asia and Asian diasporas. Funds can support research travel; purchase and collection of data; subvention or other publication expenses; and student research assistants. 

Student Opportunities