Ian Olivo Read

Ian Olivo Read, PhD, is an Associate Professor of Latin American Studies at Soka University of America, serving as the Undergraduate Co-Director of the Center for REHR SIGS and a Senior Research Fellow. He holds a PhD in History from Stanford University, an MA in Social Sciences from the University of Chicago, and a BA in International Studies from DePaul University. His research focuses on the history of Brazil and Latin America, particularly examining disease, slavery, and race. He teaches courses such as 'Career 100,' 'Introduction to Latin American Studies,' and advanced studies on Brazil.

Read’s work bridges historical analysis with sociological inquiry, addressing themes like the interplay of oppression and self-determination. Key publications include The Hierarchies of Slavery in Santos, Brazil (2012) and The Shapes of Epidemics and Global Disease (2020, co-edited). His research on disease history and slavery has been recognized with awards like the American Council for Learned Societies Fellowship (2016) and the Professor of the Year Award (2012).

He has held positions at institutions like UC Berkeley and Stanford, contributing to academic networks spanning Latin America. His current projects explore post-colonial societies and the historical impact of disease on marginalized communities.