Light Carruyo

Light Carruyo is an Associate Professor of Sociology and Latin American/Latinx Studies at Vassar College, currently serving as Chair of the Sociology Department. She holds a BA from Oberlin College and an MA and PhD from the University of California-Santa Barbara. Her research focuses on the gendered and racialized dimensions of nation-building, economic development, and comparative racialization, with fieldwork in Venezuela, the Dominican Republic, and the United States. She explores critical pedagogies, qualitative methods, and the intersection of gender and labor through historical and contemporary lenses.

Recent work includes examining Lucy Maynard Salmon’s contributions to social sciences during her tenure at Vassar. She has authored books like Producing Knowledge, Protecting Forests (2008) and published articles on topics ranging from ecotourism to music as political protest. Her research and teaching emphasize interdisciplinary approaches to social justice and equity.

Administratively, Carruyo has served as Co-Chair of the Committee on Inclusion and Excellence, Director of Exploring Transfer, and Director of the Latin American and Latinx Studies Program. She currently advises the Milo P. Jewett House as a Faculty House Fellow. Her courses include Introduction to Sociology and Transnational Perspectives on Women and Work.