Globalization is a hot topic right now, but what does it mean for Western North Carolina’s economy? This summer, UNC Asheville sophomore Andrea Fernandez plans to find out.

Through a grant from the UNC Undergraduate Research Initiative, Fernandez will be conducting one-on-one interviews, gathering photographs and collecting data to create an exhibit detailing the impact of globalization on WNC businesses. Additional seed money for the project is provided by Kimmel and Associates and other area businesses.

The exhibition will debut in November and then will travel to area 4th-10th grade classrooms. It is the 11th exhibit created by the Center for Diversity Education. Previous exhibits have covered the local history of desegregation, the region’s contemporary Latino community, and immigrant businesses. Each exhibit is seen by some 2,500 students and community members each year.

Fernandez also plans to use the information in her undergraduate research project, which she then will present at national and local conferences.

Local business leaders who wish to be interviewed for this project may call the Center for Diversity Education at 828/232-5024.