Rafael Lamas' research interests include modern Spanish literature and cultural studies, Hispanic musical theatre, performance studies, Spanish nationalism and imperialism, and historical memory studies. He is the author of Musíca e Identidad (Alianza Editorial, 2008). His articles have appeared in Hispanic Review, Arizona Journal of Hispanic Cultural Studies, Quimera, Debats, and Genre. He is also an orchestra conductor and a concert pianist, and has performed throughout Europe and the United States. As lead pianist at Madrid's Teatro de la Zarzuela, he has accompanied acclaimed singers such as Plácido Domingo and Verónica Villarroel. He has also conducted orchestras and opera productions in New York, Los Angeles, Madrid, Rome, and Vienna. He was awarded the 2006-2007 Rome Prize. He is the director of Fordham's Study Abroad program in Granada, Spain.

Affiliations at Fordham: Latin American and Latino Studies - Comparative Literature