Quiros Awarded CURCA Grant
Sofia Quiros and her faculty mentor, Dr. Bibek Chand
(Photo previously published by Denise Ray, February 10, 2026.)
During the 2025-2026 academic year, ten students, in collaboration with faculty members, were awarded mini grants through the University of North Georgia (UNG) Center for Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities (CURCA).
Sofia Quiros, who is pursuing a B.S. in Political Science with plans to continue at UNG to earn a Master of Arts in International Affairs, was one of the ten whose research was funded. In her research, she looks at how international image relates to hosting the FIFA World Cup.
Encouraged by her faculty mentor, Dr. Bibek Chand, Sofia shares: “I've always been interested in the realm of sports, particularly soccer and the World Cup... I've always been curious on how an event emersed in popular culture can affect a country's international image.”
Sofia credits her time at UNG for preparing her as her involvement both in the classroom and out, through Model UN and similar activities, helped her strengthen her expertise in elementary research and public speaking. Looking back on the skills and knowledge Sofia has acquired, she realizes: “I knew that I had a basic understanding... but being able to work hands-on in our classes and in clubs has truly made me realize that I possessed these necessary skills on a professional level, especially with things such as data collection and applying research to real life situations.”
Even when her project comes to an end, Sofia assures it is just the beginning of her bright future. She hopes to present her research at conferences, such as UNG’s CURCA Annual Research Conference, and aims to use these opportunities to continue refining her paper to submit her work to esteemed, peer-reviewed journals. “The number of opportunities on an undergraduate level that have opened up for me is tremendous, and I cannot thank my mentor, Dr. Chand, and the university enough. I am glad to be able to carry on these skills with me into my professional endeavors.”