Aurelia Lorena Murga

Dr. Aurelia Lorena Murga is an Associate Professor in the Department of Sociology & Anthropology at The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), part of the College of Liberal Arts. She holds a Ph.D. in Sociology from Texas A&M University (2012), an MA (2004), and a BA (2001) in Sociology from Texas A&M International University.

Research & Teaching Focus: Her work centers on social inequality, migration, gender studies, and ethnic studies. A notable publication examines Mexican Americans' perceptions of cultural authenticity and the 'foreign other.' She has also led research on migration and health through grants like the UC Berkeley-funded Mental Health of Mexican-Origin Populations study.

Awards & Recognition:

• Regents' Outstanding Teaching Award (2016)
• UTEP Academy of Distinguished Teachers (2019)
• Liberal Arts Community Engagement (LACE) Award (2021, 2021)

Grants & Leadership: Currently leads a UTEP ADT-funded initiative training undergraduates in 'Know Your Rights' community engagement. Previously collaborated with UC Berkeley on pandemic-era mental health studies for Mexican-origin populations.

Teaching & Mentorship: Teaches courses ranging from introductory sociology to graduate-level thesis supervision (SOCI 5398/5399). Active in mentoring through internships (ANTH/SOCI 4303) and special topics courses on migration and social theory.