Fabrice Uwihirwe, MAPSS

Fabrice Uwihirwe is a current Master of Arts Program in the Social Sciences (MAPSS) student with a focus in political science from Kigali, Rwanda. He was drawn to MAPSS primarily because of the location and faculty. “Living in Chicago has been incredibly fun! There’s always something to do or incredible people to meet around every corner! Also, the amount of stuff I’ve discovered through random flyers posted on objects throughout the city has been startling in the best way possible,” Uwihirwe shares.  

Aside from the draw of the city of Chicago, the faculty at the University were major inspirations in Uwihirwe’s academic work. “Professor Adom Getachew's work inspired me heavily while in undergrad, and the school in general has been host to prominent Black political thinkers from Cathy J. Cohen to Michael Dawson,” explains Uwihirwe. He hopes to work with the amazing faculty at the University on his thesis, which will investigate questions surrounding African constitution-building and its role/limit in the repudiation of colonialism in the international arena.   

Looking to the future, Uwihirwe says, “I'm considering a dual PhD/JD program to continue engaging with topics related to postcolonial political theory and international laws and norms.”  

Uwihirwe also sees MAPSS as a great way for people to change their career or academic path. “As someone who is switching from Economics to Political Science, I recommend you apply even if you're afraid that your undergraduate major doesn't perfectly line up with your master's program of interest. Everyone doesn't have a straight path, and it's okay to embrace that and hone whatever skills you gained along the way to help you in your pivot.”