María I Ortiz Ph.D.

Dr. María I. Ortiz has a BA in Humanities (Comparative Literature) from the University of Puerto Rico – Mayagüez, graduating Suma Cum Laude, and receiving the Donald Marshall Award as Outstanding Humanities Student. Certified as a Spanish High School Teacher of the Department of Education of Puerto Rico, she completed graduate studies at the University of Cincinnati, receiving a Masters in Spanish and a Philosophy Doctorate Ph.D in Romance Languages and Literatures (2007).

She is the Executive Director of the UC Faculty Enrichment Center (2023) and a Spanish Language Specialist and Educator. She taught Spanish at UC Blue Ash College, and was Co-Director of the Learning and Teaching Center. Inducted to the University’s Academy of Fellows in Teaching & Learning (AFTL) in 2021. Dr. Ortiz was recognized with the 2020 University of Cincinnati's Mrs. A.B. Dolly Cohen Award for Excellence in Teaching and the Excellence in Teaching Awardee for the 33rd Annual Celebration of Teaching 2020 of The Greater Cincinnati Collegiate Connection Consortium (GC3). Dr. Ortiz received the 2017 UCBA Innovative Teaching Award for implementation of the integration of mindfulness practices and technology for teaching Spanish language.

In 2017, Dr. Ortiz led efforts to assist Puerto Rican college students with online courses after Hurricane Maria devastated the island. She worked with the University of Cincinnati's Provost Office and with colleagues nationwide to recruit and develop Sagrado Online Collaborative, a network of Spanish-speaking professors who remotely taught students through the Universidad del Sagrado Corazón in Puerto Rico. Dr. Ortiz shared her love for literature by teaching during the summer of 2019, as part of the expert faculty exchange at Xi’an International Studies University in Xi'an, China. Her research and publications include cultural studies perspective(s) and literary theory to analyze interactions between food, gastronomy, identity, Thirdspace, gender, performance and post colonial studies, as well as pedagogical strategies and activities for active learning classrooms. 

In 2024, she was recognized as a Changemaker by the Girls Scouts of Western Ohio for her comittment to education, diversity, equity, and inclusion programs and practices, providing acknowledgement and support for the intersectional needs of underrepresented groups and volunteered for the Alzheimer’s Association.

Ph.D., Romance Languages and Literatures: University of Cincinnati Cincinnati, OH, 2007 (Caribbean and Latin American Literature Spanish Literature 20th Century Cultural Studies: Food, Identity and Literature)

Master of Arts in Spanish: University of Cincinnati Cincinnati, OH, 2004 (Spanish and Latin American Literature Teaching Spanish and Second Language)

Bachelor of Arts in Humanities: University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez Campus Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, 2000 (Concentration in Comparative Literature Suma Cum Laude)

Certified High School Teacher of the Department of Education of Puerto Rico: University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez Campus Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, 2002 (Certification as Spanish High School Teacher Completed all 33-credits required on Fundamentals and Specialized topics in Education)

Certificate in Media and Technology for Education: Harvard Graduate School of Education 2022 (Overarching Certificate Learning Goals: Understand theoretical and research-based foundations of screen-based learning, teaching, and leading. Practice applying strategies in support of your learners and context. Join and engage in an active learning community of educators from all levels and roles from around the world.)

- Associate Professor - Educator of Spanish, University of Cincinnati, Blue Ash College, Blue Ash, OH

- Spanish Adjunct Assistant Professor, Raymond Walters College (UCBA), Blue Ash, OH

- Spanish Adjunct Assistant Professor, Sinclair Community College, Dayton, OH

- Spanish Instructor, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH

- 9th Grade Spanish Teacher, Ramón E. Rodríguez Díaz Junior-High School, Hormigueros, Puerto Rico

09-01-2022 -07-04-2023 Co-Director of the Learning and Teaching Center, The Director(s) of the Learning and Teaching Center will be responsible for promoting an overall vision for faculty and pedagogical development at the College, University of Cincinnati, Blue Ash College

07-05-2023 - Executive Director of the UC Faculty Enrichment Center (FEC), Vision The FEC provides support and advocacy to develop and retain a diverse faculty who feel professionally and personally enriched and satisfied, and who contribute innovatively to the mission of the university throughout their careers. Mission Engage and empower faculty for professional growth, personal well-being, and professional success in innovative ways throughout their careers., University of Cincinnati, Clifton Campus

Peer Reviewed Publications

Ortiz, María (2017. ) “El discurso gastronómico como símbolo de cohesión ante la fragmentación de la identidad de la 'Borinquen trasplantada' en la novela Trópico en Manhattan de Guillermo Cotto-Turner.” .Cuadrivium: ACTAS Primer Programa Académico del Festival de la Palabra., ,

Ortiz, María (2015. ) “Cocinando identidades: Un análisis del performance gastronómico y la fragmentación del sujeto femenino en ‘Recetario de incautos’ de Carmen Lugo Filippi”. Cuadernos de Literatura del Caribe e Hispanoamérica: El Caribe en tiempos de Post-Boom. , ,

Ortiz, María (2012. ) “La consolidación del libro de cocina como espacio narrativo El libro de los afectos culinariosde Carmen Vázquez Arce.” .Argus-a: Artes y Humanidades., ,

Ortiz, María (2011. ) “Paradigmas del performance gastronómico en ‘Marina y su olor’ de Mayra Santos– Febres.” .Hispanic Culture Review., ,

Ortiz, María (2009. ) “La comida que nos une y la geografía que nos separa: El discurso gastronómico como elemento de cohesión de la identidad puertorriqueña en Trópico en Manhattan de Guillermo Cotto-Thorner.” .CENTRO: Journal of the Center for Puerto Rican Studies., ,

Ortiz, María (2008. ) “Antígona furiosa: Paradigma de la sociedad argentina regida por el terror.” .Grafemas: Boletín electrónico de la Asociación Internacional de Literatura y Cultura Femenina Hispánica. , ,

Ortiz, María (2008. ) “Gastronomía, humor y lenguaje en Historia de la vida del Buscón de Quevedo.” .Hispanic Culture Review., ,

Ortiz, María (2006. ) “La materialización, manifestaciones y significados del “tercer espacio” en el film de Como agua para chocolate.” . Divergencias: Revista de Estudios Lingüísticos y Literarios. , ,

Ortiz, María (2005. ) “Historia de Arroz con Habichuelas: Un convenio gastronómico de la identidad puertorriqueña desde la perspectiva de Ana Lydia Vega.” .Monographic Review: Feasting, Fasting and Gastronomy in Hispanic Literature., ,

Ortiz, María (2008. ) “Aproximaciones del “Reader Response” a los poemas “La sardina”, “La habichuela”, “La cebolla” y “Oda al Hambre” de Rosa Chacel.” .Espéculo: Revista de estudios literarios., ,

Ortiz, María (2007. ) “Discurso gastronómico, discurso del poder: Una crítica a la dictadura franquista en Nada de Carmen Laforet.” .Espéculo: Revista de estudios literarios., ,

Ortiz, María (2005. ) “Espectáculo y gastronomía en el Quijote: Una crítica a la sociedad española en el episodio de las Bodas de Camacho.” .Espéculo: Revista de estudios literarios., ,

Ortiz, María (2018. ) “Distopías en la cocina: un análisis de los orígenes de la puertorriqueñidad a través del discurso culinario en las Crónicas de Indias”. .Revista Estudios Latinoamericanos, Centro de Estudios Latinoamericanos (CELA). Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM): Facultad de Ciencias Políticas y Sociales., , año XXXIII, núm. 42, julio-diciembre 2018 (42 ) ,139-158

Ortiz, María (2020. ) “Puesta en escena: Las manifestaciones de la hibridez cultural y el performance como medios interpretativos en las obras de ‘La pasión según Antígona Pérez’ de Luis Rafael Sánchez; ‘Yo también hablo de la rosa’ de Emilio Carballido; ‘Entre Villa y una mujer desnuda’ de Sabina Berman y ‘Postestad’ de Eduardo Pavlosky. .Contexto, Revista de Estudios Literarios Universidad de Los Andes , , 24 (26 ) ,64-78

Ortiz, María & Annette Redmon (2020. ) “Creating a Culture of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Through Active Learning Using Student-Created Infographics.” .Association for University Regional Campuses of Ohio (AURCO) Journal, , Volume 26 ,

Ortiz, Maria, Ruth Benander & Brad Mallory (2018. ) “Language Perceptions and Identity: Responses to linguistic microaggressions from one community’s conversation.” .Journal for Research and Practice in College Teaching (JRPCT) What works in the classroom, , Vol. 3.1 ,47-64.

Ortiz, María, Lizzie Ngwenya-Scoburgh & Annette Redmon (2017. ) “The Next Crusade: Combating Workplace Microaggressions to Avert Employment Litigation.” .The 53rd Annual MBAA International Conference, (Proceedings) March 22–24, 2017. , , 1-16

Ortiz, María (2021. ) Escritores en la cocina: Decodificando el imaginario culinario en textos selectos del Post-boom latinoamericano. Bordes: Revista de Estudios Culturales. , , Enero-junio (21 ) ,14-25 -ISSN 2244-8667

Ortiz, María I (2021. ) “Spanish Club Online: An Extracurricular Experience for Building a Community of Thriving Language Learners.” .The FLTMAG, IALLT (International Association for Language Learning Technology), , Fall 2021 ,

https://fltmag.com/spanish-club-online/

Ortiz, María I. (2022. ) "Recoding for Learning: Reading Comprehension Strategies for Online Discussions" .The Scholarly Teacher, , (September, 22, 2022 ) ,

https://www.scholarlyteacher.com/post/recoding-for-learning-reading-comprehension-strategies-for-online-discussions

Other Publications

Ortiz, María I. (2021. ) Integrating Inquiry-based Learning Strategies to Further L2 Proficiency. .The Cardinal Newsletter of the Ohio Foreign Language Association, Fall 2021 , Ohio Foreign Language Association

https://the-ofla-cardinal.org/2021/10/14/integrating-inquiry-based-learning-strategies-to-further-l2-proficiency/

2020 Mrs. A.B. Dolly Cohen Award for Excellence in Teaching. The Mrs. A.B. "Dolly" Cohen Award for Excellence in Teaching at the University of Cincinnati is the University’s highest teaching honor, as it recognizes achievements and contributions in university teaching. It has been awarded since 1961. University of Cincinnati Status:Recipient Level:University Type:Recognition

2017 Innovative Teaching Distinguished Teaching Award UC Blue Ash College 2017 Innovative Teaching Distinguished Teaching Award for implementing innovative techniques that positively affect student learning and Contributing to the scholarship of teaching and learning. 17SS Recognition Recipient College Teaching University of Cincinnati, Blue Ash College Status:Recipient Level:College Type:Recognition

2020 Excellence in Teaching Awardee 33rd GC3 Annual Celebration of Teaching 2020 The Greater Cincinnati Collegiate Connection Consortium Status:Recipient Level:Regional Type:Recognition

2021 Academy of Fellows in Teaching & Learning (AFTL) Inductee of the 2021 Academy of Fellows in Teaching & Learning (AFTL) University of Cincinnati Status:Recipient Level:University

University of Cincinnati – Blue Ash College Learning & Teaching Center Co–Director 09-01-2022 -07-04-2023

University of Cincinnati – Blue Ash College: Diversity and Inclusion Committee Chair 05-16-2017 -05-15-2018

The American Council on Education, Women’s Network Ohio ACE WNO (Institutional Representative ) Type:University/College Service 01-15-2022

AAUP (Contact Compliance and Education Committee ) Member Type:University/College Service Level:University 2021

UC Latino Faculty Association (Leadership ) Member Type:University/College Service Level:University

Mindfulness for Educators Program , Fall 2017. Program designed to help educators build the inner resources to handle complex multi-faceted challenges, manage personal stress, and build resilience while enhancing professional effectiveness. , Harvard Graduate School of Education, , Cambridge, Massachussets

Distance Learning Design Seminar, An intensive seminar that takes place online with only one face to face meeting for Quality Matters Applying the Rubric training which results in QM recognition., University of Cincinnati, Blue Ash College, , Blue Ash, OH

Faculty Development & Diversity Boot Camp Sponsorships Program for Spring 2017, National Center for Faculty Development & Diversity (NCFDD) Faculty Success Program. Funded by the Office of the Provost, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, University of Cincinnati, , Cincinnati, OH

UCBA Diversity Faculty Learning Community, Explored and engaged more personally with diversity issues, after completing pre-and post-Intercultural Development Instrument (IDI) assessment. The result of reflections, activities and conversations is noted on the blog-websites., University of Cincinnati, Blue Ash College, , Blue Ash, OH

Geography 2011: Geography of Latin America, Geography of Latin America is a study of the regional geography of Latin America. There are two course foci. The first is thematic, a topical study that provides a basic understanding of important underlying themes: an introduction to the history of the region, physical geography, population growth and ethnicity, urbanization, and the changing structure of the Latin American economy- agricultural systems, industrialization, tourism and the informal sector. The second focus is an in-depth regional analysis of Latin America: Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, northern and southern Andean nations., University of Cincinnati, Blue Ash College, , Blue Ash, OH

06-2021Creativity & Design Thinking Certificate, Understanding of best practices that successful teachers use to inspire creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, and communication, along with practical tools that support creative problem solving, engineering, and project-based learning activities that provide students with opportunities to practice creativity and design thinking skills. 12 hours of instruction completed., Krause Center for Innovation, , Foothill College, Los Altos Hills, California (USA)

2024-2024 CIMER Entering Mentoring & Culturally Aware Mentoring Trainings for Mentors and Mentees, 1) Entering Mentoring: Evidence-based, interactive approach designed to help mentors improve their mentoring relationships. 2) Culturally Aware Mentoring This full-day advanced workshop will equip you with skills to address cultural diversity within research mentoring relationships by increasing your personal cultural awareness and applying evidence-based strategies to increase and culturally aware mentoring behaviors. , Center for the Improvement of Mentored Experiences in Research (CIMER), , https://cimerproject.org/

-SPAN-1011 EXTENDED SPANISH 1

-SPAN-1012 EXTENDED SPANISH 2

-SPAN-1013 EXTENDED SPANISH 3

-SPAN-1014 EXTENDED SPANISH 4

-SPAN-1001 BASIC SPANISH I

-SPAN-1002 BASIC SPANISH II

-SPAN-2015 SP COMP AND CONV I

-SPAN-2016 SP COMP AND CONV II

15-SPAN-301 SPEAKING IN SPAN

15-SPAN-302 SPANISH TEXTS

15-SPAN-313 HISPANIC CULTURE US

"Food, Identity and Culture" Level:Undergraduate

Special Mentions on Literature Reviews for Literary Criticism, Caribbean & Latin American Literature, Food, Identity, and Literature.

del Aguila, Rocío and Vanesa Miseres eds.,Food Studies in Latin American Literature: Perspectives on the Gastronarrative. United States, University of Arkansas Press, 2021.

ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1682261816
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1682261811

Mateo del Pino, Ángeles y Nieves Pascual Soler (eds). Comidas bastardas: gastronomía, tradición e identidad en América Latina. Chile, Editorial Cuarto propio, 2013.

ISBN9562606414, 9789562606417,

Phone: 513-556-7314
maria.ortiz@uc.edu