Cristina Mislán awarded $15,000 Research Council grant
By Emily Early
COLUMBIA, Mo. (April 15, 2026) — Cristina Mislán, an associate professor at the Missouri School of Journalism, has received a Research Council grant of $15,000 from the University of Missouri. The grant will fund her ongoing project, “Living and Dying on Sacred Ground: Existential Recovery in Southern Louisiana and Puerto Rico,” where Mislán explores the relationships humans have with their environment and ecosystems.
“Professor Mislán’s research examines how culture, community and the environment intertwine, and I’m thrilled to see the value of that work recognized,” said David Kurpius, dean of the School of Journalism. “In combining elements of community reporting, science writing and oral history, this project showcases the multidisciplinary research that grows out of meaningful engagement between journalism experts and communities.”
Mizzou provides funds to support research, scholarship and creative projects across the campus. Mislán received the maximum grant amount offered by the Research Council.
“It feels like my work is being supported,” said Mislán. “People seem excited about this project, and it feels good to know that the institution you work at supports your work.”
“How do you tell a story about a community without going there, seeing and being and experiencing and being with people, right? You have to be with people. This is my way of also being in solidarity with the same communities that I want to tell stories about
Cristina Mislán, associate professor, Missouri School of Journalism
In 2022, Mislán received a grant from the Reynolds Journalism Institute to begin her research in New Orleans. Now, Mislán plans to use the funding from the Research Council to visit Puerto Rico this summer alongside a graduate student and continue her research. She has completed over 20 life story interviews encompassing the complete narrative of one’s existence. She plans on finishing more while living amongst Puerto Rico communities to learn about their relationships with the land.
“There’s something really special about being there in person and seeing history unfold in front of your face,” said Mislán. “That’s important to me, as it is important to be in a community [where] people also see history unfold in real time.”
Her inspiration for this project is multifaceted. Not only is her family from Puerto Rico but Mislán grew up outside of New Orleans and witnessed Hurricane Katrina devastate the community and land. The area she grew up in has been referred to as “Cancer Alley” because of nearby plants and refineries. This factored into Mislán’s interest in researching environmental and climate justice.
Her focus on solidarity journalism, a research-based form of reporting that prioritizes voices of those experiencing social injustice, braids her research and background together. Mislán is planning on being in Puerto Rico for at least a month to immerse herself into her research about the island.
“How do you tell a story about a community without going there, seeing and being and experiencing and being with people, right?” said Mislán. “You have to be with people. This is my way of also being in solidarity with the same communities that I want to tell stories about because I’m personally connected to them. Even with my personal connection and my familiarity, I still think it’s important to be there. A grant like this allows me to do that.”
“I want it to be accessible by journalists who care about important storytelling and also just a broader audience who cares about these issues.”
Cristina Mislán, associate professor, Missouri School of Journalism
Mislán is hoping that after her trip to Puerto Rico, she can begin outlining a book encompassing her research. This will be her second book project, and she hopes to write for an audience beyond just academics.
“I would love for it to be also accessible to, for instance, the folks who are experiencing these climate and environmental injustices who are on the front lines of that,” said Mislán. “I want it to be accessible by journalists who care about important storytelling and also just a broader audience who cares about these issues.”
She is also considering additional mediums to tell stories about environmental justice, climate change and existential recovery in situations revolving around disaster. Mislán wants to explore creative storytelling in addition to her nonfiction book.
The University of Missouri Research Council takes applications for internal funding several times a year. In addition, the Reynolds Journalism Institute has opportunities for Professional Innovation Fellowships, and students and faculty at the School have access to a variety of other grants supporting research and hands-on learning experiences.
Updated: April 16, 2026