Professor Explores Infuence of Islam On Asian Cultures

By AIMÉE EICHER Sun

News Editor

Throughout her time in academia, Prof. Chiara Formichi, Asian Studies, has researched the relationship between Asian cultures and Islam, primarily focusing on Indonesia.

Formichi began studying the topic as an undergraduate student, earning a B.A. in Islamic Studies from Sapienza University of Rome. Though she said she partly entered the field by chance, her ties to Indonesia made studying the role of Islam in the country an obvious choice. Formichi has visited Indonesia in the past, and as a Malay speaker, she mostly uses sources that are written in the Indonesian language.

Carrying with her knowledge from her undergraduate years, Formichi went on to earn an M.A. in Southeast Asian Studies and a Ph.D. in History of Southeast Asia from the University of London.

“I explored the role of Islam in the nationalist movement that opposed Dutch colonialism and ways in which Islam remained prominent politically after the establishment of an independent, post-colonial nation-state,” Formichi said.

’95 and Steve Conine ’95, the founders of Wayfair.

Moesch also stated that criteria for selection includes successfully running or beginning a business, contributing to business in a way that inspires others, using business skills to enrich humanity and displaying integrity.

“Barry has an overall desire to empower students to start businesses at an early age. He’s very passionate,” Moesch said. Beck currently sponsors the Marla and Barry Beck Entrepreneurship Fellows Program, which provides

$5,000 awards for Cornell students to work on entrepreneurial projects over the summer.

Beck was unable to be reached for comment but shared his accomplishment on LinkedIn.

Outside of the Entrepreneur of the Year award, EaC provides a variety of support to Cornell students and alumni.

The program works with students from all colleges — not just business students.