ABOUT ME

Angelica Ruvalcaba (she/her/ella) graduated as a dual-major PhD in Sociology and Chicano/Latino Studies with a specialization in Women's and Gender Studies from Michigan State University. Her research interests include Chicana feminism, Latinx sociology, sociology of education, race/ethnicity, and immigration.

EDUCATION

2023

Michigan State University

Ph.D. Sociology
Dual Major in Chicano/Latino Studies

Specialization in Women’s and Gender Studies
Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan

2020

Michigan State University

M.A. Sociology

Thesis: “I Can Be Myself, [Almost] Always: A Latinx Microclimate in a Predominantly White Institution of Higher Education”

Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan

2017

Texas A&M University

B.A. Sociology

Latino/a & Mexican American Studies minor; History minor

Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas

Home: Education

Latina Undergraduate Student Activism

Home: Education

Dissertation Summary:

This qualitative dissertation explores Latina undergraduates' activism at a predominantly white institution of higher education in the Midwest. Through the use of semi-structured interviews, I explore themes of justice, challenging apathy, and amplifying the voices of marginalized peoples through activism.

RESEARCH EXPERIENCE

Home: Experience

August 2021 - Present

Understanding the relationship between field of study and college attainment

In this quantitative study, the relationship between majoring in Ethnic, Area, and Gender Studies and bachelor's degree attainment is examined through a QuantCrit lens. Additionally, we explore the differences in this relationship among racial and ethnic groups.

January 2022 - Present

A Critical Race Theory Analysis of DEI Statements from BIG 10 Sociology Departments

In this study, the research team explores the ways in which Departments of Sociology in the BIG 10 Academic Alliance discuss and engage with racism and other systems of oppression as they appear in their DEI statements. This work is in collaboration with Katrina Groeller, Jenny Olivarez, and Dr. Jennifer Lai.

November 2018 - May 2020

I can be myself [almost] always: A Latinx microclimate in a predominantly white institution of higher education

Through the use of open-ended interviews and demographic questionnaires, I explore themes of belonging, identity, invalidation, space, and microaggressions through a Critical Race Theory and LatCrit lens.

PUBLICATIONS

Published Manuscript

Ruvalcaba, Angelica, Madeline Nash, Jennifer Lai, and Jihan Mohammed. 2020. “Reclaiming Space: The Narratives of Female Doctoral Students of Color.” Women, Gender, and Families of Color 8(2):194-202.

Accepted Manuscripts

Ayala, María Isabel, Magaly Ordoñez, and Angelica Ruvalcaba. “The Framing of Latinxs’ Education: An Examination of Spanish-Language Newspapers.” Latino Studies Journal.

Lai, Jennifer, and Angelica Ruvalcaba. Forthcoming. “Institutional Compassion: Counterstories to betrayal in sociology.” Feminisms, Race, and Social Justice. The Feminist Wire Books.

Flores, Amanda, Angelica Ruvalcaba, Erika Vallejo, Dianey Leal. Forthcoming. “Midwest Tejanas: Navigating entre mundos juntas.” ¡Somos Tejanas!

Manuscripts in Progress

Ruvalcaba, Angelica. “I Can Be Myself, [Almost] Always: A Latinx Microclimate in a Predominantly White Institution of Higher Education.”

Ayala, Maria Isabel, and Angelica Ruvalcaba. "Understanding the relationships between field of study and college attainment."

Ruvalcaba, Angelica, Katrina Groeller, Jenny Olivarez, and Jennifer Lai. “Invisible Obstacles and Hidden Curriculums: Behind Racial Disparities in Times to Degree Completion in Sociology.”