Learn Here. Lead Anywhere.
In the School of Social Sciences, Humanities and Arts, known on campus as SSHA, we develop analytical, critical, and creative thinkers, conscientious and active global citizens, and lifelong learners and leaders. At our campus and in SSHA, you have opportunities to work with faculty and research that supports communities. Here are highlights!
Maria-Elena De Trinidad Young Assistant Professor in the Department of Public Health
Public Health Professor Maria-Elena De Trinidad Young is a scholar of immigrant health, and her research seeks to understand the impact of the US immigration system on the well-being of immigrants and their families. Her studies look at the disparities in health and health care access between US citizens and non-citizens. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she conducted research on the health and economic impact of the pandemic on Latino families in rural regions of California. She mentors Public Health undergraduate and graduate students who are also pursuing research on the various impacts of immigration policy on health and well-being.
Ma Vang Associate Professor of Critical Race and Ethnic Studies
Critical Race and Ethnic Studies Professor Ma Vang is a scholar and teacher of Asian American and Southeast Asian studies. As a research fellow funded by the Hellman foundation, she developed a project on refugee care and the stories that bridge community and institutions. This fellowship recognizes teaching with research that engages students, both locally and nationally. Her program and department have been awarded a Mellon Foundation grant, which supports student-led activities to raise awareness in the Merced community and beyond about race and social justice.
Curious about the career paths of recent SSHA graduates?
Political Science and Sociology, with JOSE LOPEZ
Jose Lopez is from Boyle Heights of Los Angeles and majored in both Political Science and Sociology. He served as the founder and president of the Political Science Honors Society, Pi Sigma Alpha, the External President of ASUCM (Associated Students of UC Merced), and the President of the Merced Pre-Law Society. Jose was a research assistant in collecting data on governmental ministers from Africa. He also assisted faculty in the Political Violence Lab by researching media bias about political violence. His two-year internship with a local attorney further cultivated Jose’s passion to practice law and help those in need.
Global Arts Studies, with KAREN ZAVALA-GUEVARA
A first-generation student from South America, Karen Zavala-Guevara received her BA degree in Global Arts Studies, focusing on filmmaking and photography. She assisted the Global Arts Studies Program (GASP) department with social outreach and worked at the UC Merced Library, where she discovered her passion for archiving and digital curation. She is currently a Catalog Manager/Researcher for the Am Stock Cameo Film Library in Los Angeles. She also worked for Clampett Studio Collections as a Digital Archivist. Karen enjoys working on creative projects and believes in the importance of highlighting BIPOC artists.
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