David Torres-Rouff

David Torres-Rouff is an Associate Professor of History at the University of California, Merced, affiliated with the Department of History & Critical Race and Ethnic Studies within the School of Social Sciences, Humanities and Arts. His research examines race, ethnicity, urban development, and borderlands history in California and the U.S. West. Torres-Rouff holds a Ph.D. (2006) and M.A. (2000) from UC Santa Barbara and an A.B. (1995) from UC Berkeley.

His research interests focus on Latina/o history, comparative borderlands, and the intersection of public policy with social institutions. He explores topics such as interethnic kinship in colonial California, Chinese self-representation in Los Angeles, and the role of water infrastructure in shaping urban power dynamics. His work bridges historical analysis with contemporary debates on race, space, and community formation.

Key themes in his publications include the evolution of Los Angeles from its colonial foundations to the late 19th century, examining how racial hierarchies and municipal governance shaped urban landscapes. His scholarship also addresses the historical experiences of marginalized groups, including Indigenous and Mexican communities, in the context of U.S. expansion and urbanization.

Torres-Rouff’s articles and book reviews highlight interdisciplinary approaches, connecting environmental history with social policy and urban planning. His work contributes to broader discussions on how historical processes continue to influence modern issues of equity and identity in the American West.