FIYou: Shlomi Dinar


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Name: Shlomi Dinar

Hometown: Rehovot, Israel

Job Title/Department: Assistant Professor, Department of Politics and International Relations

Campus: Biscayne Bay Campus

In a nutshell: In addition to teaching a number of courses (such as Contemporary International Problems, International Negotiation, Theories of International Relations, Environment and Security), I am also affiliated with the School of International and Public Affairs. In this capacity I have the pleasure of directing the Middle East Society, a membership organization that works to raise money for student scholarships and helps to promote FIU (and the Biscayne Bay Campus) as a center for debate and learning on matters related to the Middle East.

Number of years at FIU: 6

What do you enjoy most about your job?

While I very much enjoy the academic environment, which is conducive for research and writing, I love interacting with students. At FIU we have an incredible student body that is diverse, hard-working and determined. Headquartered at BBC I also enjoy interacting with the North Miami community. I do this largely through the Middle East Society. By bringing local and international experts to speak at FIU on matters related to the Middle East, we are exposing the community to an array of journalists, pundits and academics, as well as building an important relationship between the community and FIU. Our next event will take place on Nov. 17 and we will feature a top expert speaking on Turkey’s role in the Middle East and Turkey’s efforts at becoming a member of the European Union.

What do you think faculty/staff and students should know about your department?

Our department brings together an array of faculty members trained in various disciplines. This multidisciplinary nature of our department is the major strength of our particular unit compared to other traditional political science or international relations departments across the country. We are therefore able to offer graduates and undergraduates a very large array of courses and expertise. Politics and international relations are also an important component of the newly created School of International and Public Affairs. As students continue to take advantage of the programs at the school they will be further exposed to the multi- and inter-disciplinary programs we boast at FIU.

Where is your favorite spot on campus? Why?

The Biscayne Bay Campus, as its name indicates, is right on the bay. On weekends I sometimes bring my kids to campus and enjoy the open space and scenic vistas. We fly kites, scoot on our scooters, ride our bikes or just stroll inevitably ending up on the beach by the kayak launch. Then we dip our feet, skip rocks and try and catch a glimpse of a manatee passing by. On a breezy afternoon there’s nothing better.

If there is one thing you wish everyone knew about FIU, what would it be?

I wish everyone knew how to celebrate BBC. Even some of our students are either too busy to realize the campus is on the bay or too accustomed to being by the water to appreciate it. Part of the campus includes a walking trail through the mangroves. Every visit allows me a chance to discover something new. The School of the Environment and Society has just been inaugurated at BBC. Combined with an expansive university faculty that works on an array of environmental issues, the increasing importance of understanding environmental phenomenon through the lenses of the social and natural sciences and the availability of a picturesque venue to accommodate such a school, FIU is set to offer a very unique program. I work in the field of international environmental politics, so I very much look forward to the possibilities of such an initiative.

Family snapshot:

My wife Rebecca and two sons, Gideon and Issa (short for Isaiah).

Word that best describes you: Life-loving.

First paying job: Lifeguard at the local pool.

Favorite TV show: “Man vs. Food.”

Your proudest accomplishment:

My family.

What do you do when you are not working at FIU?

While I love to play sports (particularly soccer), my free time is usually spent with my family and working in the garden.

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