Veronica Lerma

Veronica Lerma is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Sociology at the University of California, Davis, within the College of Letters and Science. Her academic work bridges critical carceral studies, intersectionality, and educational sociology, with a focus on Latinx communities and systems of criminalization.

Education:

• Ph.D., Sociology, University of California, Merced, 2022
• M.A., Sociology, University of California, Merced, 2015
• B.A., Sociology, University of the Pacific, 2013

Her research explores how race, gender, and class intersect in the criminal justice system and higher education. She employs qualitative methods to examine the lived experiences of Chicanas, racialized labor in universities, and the consequences of defunding public institutions. Her work highlights structural inequalities and resistance among marginalized communities.

Her recent publications reflect a strong trend in critical race theory, carceral studies, and equity in academia. These works frequently analyze institutional racism, gendered punishment, and the emotional and labor burdens placed on people of color in educational spaces.

Scientific Awards:

• UC Davis Humanities Institute Faculty Research Fellowship, 2023-2024
• ASA’s Section on Race, Gender, and Class Graduate Student Paper Award, 2022
• UC President’s HSI Pre-Professoriate Fellowship, 2020-2021
• Fletcher Jones Fellowship, 2019-2020
• William T. Grant Scholars Mentoring Grant, 2017-2019

Veronica Lerma has been actively involved in research and mentorship, securing competitive grants such as the William T. Grant Scholars Mentoring Grant. While no formal advisees are listed, her role as a faculty fellow and awardee indicates strong engagement in academic service and student support. She teaches courses on criminology, intersectionality, and social inequality, contributing to both undergraduate education and scholarly discourse.