{"id":103957,"date":"2019-10-23T13:30:03","date_gmt":"2019-10-23T17:30:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/news\/?p=103957"},"modified":"2019-10-28T13:35:32","modified_gmt":"2019-10-28T17:35:32","slug":"potter-to-lead-ucfs-center-for-the-study-of-human-trafficking-and-modern-slavery","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/news\/potter-to-lead-ucfs-center-for-the-study-of-human-trafficking-and-modern-slavery\/","title":{"rendered":"Potter to Lead UCF\u2019s Center for the Study of Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery"},"content":{"rendered":"
Professor Roberto \u201cHugh\u201d Potter was appointed this week to lead UCF\u2019s Center for the Study of Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery.<\/p>\n
The center answers several needs in an area of Florida particularly vulnerable to human trafficking because of its agricultural and hospitality industries. Affiliated faculty conduct research and provide consulting expertise to professions that encounter human trafficking, including law enforcement, nursing, social workers and nonprofits.<\/p>\n
Potter brings a broad background in sociology to the director position, including experience in academia, Florida\u2019s justice system and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. He currently teaches criminal justice.<\/p>\n
The center is supported by the UCF Foundation\u2019s Human Trafficking Fund and is administered in cooperation with the Office of Global Perspectives and International Initiatives in the College of Sciences.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have a deep pool of researchers, faculty and students who are committed to using their expertise to combat this scourge on society. I\u2019m excited to see this center grow and flourish under Dr. Potter\u2019s leadership,\u201d says College of Sciences Dean Michael Johnson.<\/p>\n
Potter says he has several goals in mind with the new center, and collaboration with other departments and colleges is key to making them a reality. Any college, department or center is welcome to reach out to him directly, Potter said.<\/p>\n
Rosen College of Hospitality Management, for instance, has teamed up with the United Abolitionists network of first responders to teach students how to recognize signs of human trafficking. Evolving technology used to cover tracks and illegally move people means digital forensics students need to stay informed of latest trends. The arts can play a role as a medium for raising awareness around trafficking.<\/p>\n
\u201cLike most social problems, this is not something that anyone owns or solves. It takes a team.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re bringing an interdisciplinary approach to this,\u201d Potter says. \u201cLike most social problems, this is not something that anyone owns or solves. It takes a team.\u201d<\/p>\n