Dr. Diana Galarreta-Aima, a native of Peru, holds a MA and PhD in Spanish Literature from the University of Virginia. Her academic research is focused on Islamic influence in Medieval and Early Modern Spanish Literature and Culture, and conversion and captivity narratives. She is also interested in scholarship of teaching and learning.  She is currently an Associate Professor of Spanish at JMU and the coordinator of the minor of Medical Spanish.  Diana is also a volunteer with Sin Barreras ( a non-profit in Charlottesville that serves and empowers the local Latino community), Charlottesville Center of Justice and Legal Aid as a legal translator and interpreter, and the Charlottesville SPCA. Diana enjoys running and hiking with her husband and her three amazing dogs and learning new vegetarian recipes. Diana proudly represents PERU.