Academic Journey and Professional Contributions
From her early childhood in Mexico to her current role at one of the world's leading technical universities, this scholar's path has been defined by a deep commitment to history and social justice. Born in Mexico City and raised largely in Tapaxco by Marxist parents—including a mother who was a teacher—her early environment laid the groundwork for a lifelong pursuit of academic excellence and social inquiry.
Educational Foundations
After completing elementary school, her family immigrated to Culver City, California. She demonstrated early academic brilliance, graduating as the valedictorian of Culver City High School in 1991.
She continued her studies at Pomona College, where she earned her bachelor's degree in 1995. Although she initially intended to study political science or international relations, her perspective was fundamentally shifted by history courses taught by Sidney Lemelle and Miguel Tinker Salas at Pomona, as well as Cindy Forster at Scripps College. This influence led her to change her major to history.
Her advanced academic training took place at the University of California, San Diego, where she earned a master's degree in 1998 and a PhD in 2001. Her doctoral research focused on Rubén Jaramillo, a Mexican agrarista (a proponent of land reform), a subject that later became the focus of her first book published in 2008.
Professional Trajectory and Faculty Appointments
Following her doctoral studies, she began a distinguished teaching career. She served as a visiting professor at Pomona College and conducted postdoctoral research at Yale University. She later held a tenured position as a professor at Dartmouth College before joining the faculty at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in 2015.
Beyond the classroom, she remains an active voice in university governance and social issues. As a member of the Alliance of Concerned Faculty—a group consisting of 50 professors—she has participated in the MIT encampment since April 2024. In a letter co-signed with Michel DeGraff on March 25, 2024, she addressed pro-Palestinian protests at MIT, condemning both the rise of antisemitism and the use of such accusations to stifle free speech.
Current Research and Publications
Her current scholarly efforts are focused on Cuban medical internationalism, the practice of Cuba sending healthcare professionals abroad to provide medical assistance. This interest aligns with her previous public support for vaccines during the COVID-19 pandemic. She is currently in the process of writing a book on this subject.
Key Facts
- Education: PhD from UC San Diego (2001); Bachelor's from Pomona College (1995).
- Academic Appointments: Currently at MIT (since 2015); previously at Dartmouth College, Yale University, and Pomona College.
- Specialization: History, specifically Mexican agrarismo and Cuban medical internationalism.
- Notable Work: Published a book in 2008 dedicated to the movement of Rubén Jaramillo.
- Advocacy: Member of the Alliance of Concerned Faculty at MIT.
| Year/Period | Institution/Milestone | Role/Achievement |
|---|---|---|
| 1991 | Culver City High School | Valedictorian |
| 1995 | Pomona College | Bachelor's Degree in History |
| 1998 | UC San Diego | Master's Degree |
| 2001 | UC San Diego | PhD |
| 2008 | Publication | First book on Rubén Jaramillo |
| 2015–Present | MIT | Professor |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the focus of her doctoral thesis?
Her doctoral thesis focused on the Mexican agrarista Rubén Jaramillo, whose movement she later dedicated her first book to in 2008.
Which institutions has she been affiliated with as a professor or researcher?
She has held positions at Pomona College (visiting professor), Yale University (postdoctoral researcher), Dartmouth College (tenured professor), and MIT (since 2015).
What is her current research project?
She is currently writing a book regarding Cuban medical internationalism.
What is her stance on free speech and antisemitism at MIT?
In a March 2024 letter, she condemned the rise of antisemitism while simultaneously opposing the use of such accusations to suppress free speech during pro-Palestinian protests.