Pro Mundo: Research in every corner of the world

In 2024, when Baylor added Pro Mundo to the University’s then 173-year-old motto, it was more than an aspirational statement — it was a recognition of the global impact Baylor stewards every day. On every continent, Baylor faculty conduct research that serves, innovates and enlightens in fields like human health, business and the humanities. Here are just a few examples of research “for the world.”

Haiti, Diplomacy and the American Revolution

Ronald Angelo Johnson, Ph.D., Ralph & Bessie Mae Lynn Chair and Associate Professor of History

Johnson, an expert in early American and Haitian history, combines these in his book Entangled Alliances: Racialized Freedom and Diplomacy During the American Revolution, uncovering how Black and white patriots partnered with allies from what is now Haiti to fight for independence across the region.

Rare Intact Tomb in Italy

Davide Zori, Ph.D., Associate Professor of History, and Colleen Zori, Senior Lecturer in the BIC/Honors College

Last summer, a Baylor-led archaeology project uncovered a rare, intact Etruscan chamber tomb in Central Italy. The find is among the most significant in decades for understanding ancient pre-Roman civilization. Davide Zori leads the San Giuliano Archaeological Research Project behind the discovery.

Stress and Resilience in Ukrainian War Refugees

Michael Muehlenbein, Ph.D., and Mark Flinn, Ph.D., Professors of Anthropology

Baylor plays a key role in a multi-institution project studying trauma, resilience and health in Ukrainian war refugees. Students analyze cortisol in 12,000 saliva samples to document variations in trauma response and support resilience training for those impacted by war and migration.

Cervical Cancer Screening in Ghana

Matt Asare, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Public Health

Cervical cancer is called “the disease of the poor,” and women in low- and middle-income countries are six times more likely to develop it. Asare spearheads the distribution of home-based, self-collection kits to help Ghanaian women take proactive steps and avoid preventable health challenges.

Brazilian Military Dictatorship History

Marilia Corrêa, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of History

With a focus on Cold War politics and military dictatorships in the Americas’ Southern Cone, Corrêa’s research yields insights on political mobilization, armed forces and more. Her research will lead to a forthcoming book on Brazilian military dictatorship from 1964 to 1985.

Leopard Seal Feeding Behavior

Emily Sperou, 2025 Baylor Ph.D. graduate, now a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Rhode Island

Leopard seals are apex predators in Antarctica, and a Baylor-led study challenges assumptions about their diet. The research shows most seals are specialists, targeting different prey at different times, which affects the region’s food web.