David Tamayo

David Tamayo is an Assistant Professor of History at the University of Michigan, affiliated with the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of California, Berkeley (2018). His research focuses on modern Latin America, particularly Mexico, examining the histories of right-wing politics, middle-class activism, and transnational conservatism. He is currently writing a book titled Remaking the Right: Mexico's Middle Classes and the Rise of Transnational Conservatism, analyzing the resurgence of the political right in post-revolutionary Mexico through the lens of American service clubs like Rotary and Lions International.

Dr. Tamayo teaches courses such as HIST 363 (Modern Mexico) and HIST 328 (Mexico Since 1910). He is also affiliated with the Center for Latin American and Caribbean Studies (LACS) and contributes to the university’s diversity initiatives, drawing from his background as an immigrant from Tijuana and his experience supporting non-traditional students. His work bridges transnational history, political sociology, and border studies.

His scholarly awards include the Richard J. Orsi Prize (2020) for his article on anti-Japanese hysteria and U.S. efforts to annex Baja California. His research emphasizes how ostensibly non-political organizations facilitated conservative political agendas, undermining progressive social movements.