Emerging Scholars

PhD Students

Jacob Gallegos

"I am broadly interested in American Political Development, political part behavior, social movements, and how these interact to affect marginalized communities. I am excited to join SPGS and CLAPR because of the wonderful resources and community they provide that stimulate wonderful ideas and research. Latino politics are so important to me because they are inseparable from the fabric of political science, especially in the context of American politics. I can’t wait to be a part of this thriving community."

Jordin Tafoya

"My research interest is strategic political repression towards marginalized communities, as well as the response to such repression, for instance, representation and political attitude formation/organization/mobilization. I am so excited to be a part of SGPS and CLAPR because I value relationships with peers and faculty members above all else, as they lead to creative, productive, and valuable learning environments. Latino politics is particularly important to me because it is a unique and incredibly powerful-- yet understudied-- part of the United States electorate. I'd like to do my part in the movement towards adequate representation. I look forward to contributing to the success of both SPGS and CLAPR!"      

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Jazmin Jimenez

"I am originally from Riverside California and was raised in Mascota Jalisco, Mexico for a portion of my life. I am a first generation American and student. Which is why my research interests are focused on Political sentiment and policies in the U.S. in regards to Latinx/Hispanics, immigrants, and marginalized communities.  I am very much looking forward to working with the individuals at SPGS and CLAPR because they are truly passionate about their work and are a great group of experts. I believe we need to better understand and incorporate Latino politics given that we interact with the Latino community on a regular if not a daily basis. I believe sparking political interest and further contributions is what this large minority population needs in order to progress and have positive long-term outcomes not only for Latinx Americans but all Americans."

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Andrea Borbon

"I care about American Politics, and specifically, immigration politics, the impact of language on big and small scales, and the experience of Latinxs in the US. I am excited to join SPGS and CLAPR because I believe that studying the behavior and beliefs of underrepresented communities, such as the Latinx community, is vital to understanding the needs of said communities to improve the quality of life and the opportunities available to them. Studying Latinx politics is important because Latinxs are a HUGE part of society, and our history and struggles are not often addressed accurately, adequately, or appropriately. I grew up in Agua Prieta, Sonora, a small border town. Seeing the struggle of emigrants and immigrants from Mexico to the United States gives me a more complete picture of big debates about who belongs in the United States and how newcomers shape our economy, our society, and our politics."

Undergraduate Students

Diana Lara Zamora 

Major: Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a double minor in Spanish and Transborder Chicana/o Latina/o Studies

"I am a first-generation third-year student at Arizona State University (ASU). My research interests are politics, Latino studies, migration, education, and health. I am excited to join SPGS and CLAPR because it is a fantastic opportunity to learn and develop critical thinking, analytical, research, and writing skills that will help me in my future career. As part of the Latino community in the United States and a current higher education student, I think it is crucial to study Latino Studies to learn about current political, cultural, economic, psychological, and historical issues impacting my community." 
 

Sisto Jacobo 

Major: Political Science, minor in History

"I am personally invested in research about issues that heavily affect Latino interests, these interests include public education for Latinos and English language learners and southern border issues; both of my parents played a major role in helping inform my knowledge of these areas throughout my life. I am excited to join CLAPR through the School of Politics and Global Studies as I will be able to conduct tangible research for issues that affect my Latino community. My grandparents came to the U.S. as migrant field workers and experienced many political and social hardships that still occur, but they persevered and put their families in a position where today I can study Latino politics so that their struggles will not go forgotten- that’s why Latino politics are so important."
 

Zoey Paredes 

Major: Political Science (BA) and Secondary Education (BAE)

"Hello! I am a Senior studying Political Science and Secondary Education at Arizona State University. My interests lie in the Latinos community, more specifically their interests and stakes in education and housing issues. I am thrilled to be on the CLAPR team and in the School of Politics and Global studies. I enjoy conducting high-level research, data analysis, writing, and change-making work."

Alyssa Bickle

Major: Journalism and Mass Communication (BA), Political Science (BA), Urban and Metropolitan Studies (minor)

"I am a first-generation fourth-year college student with research interests in housing, education, healthcare and how these issues translate to inequities among minority groups. I am also a journalist, having written for The Copper Courier, The State Press and the Mesa Daily Independent. I am excited to join CLAPR to bring forward my journalistic perspective and work with a multitude of people from diverse backgrounds. Researching and writing about the Latino community, which has been historically underrepresented in the past, is incredibly important to advance the well-being and generational success of this community."