Jennifer A. Jones

Dr. Jennifer A. Jones is an Associate Professor of Sociology at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC), affiliated with the Department of Latin American and Latino Studies within the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Her research focuses on race and ethnicity, immigration, political sociology, and Afro-Latinx studies. She earned her Ph.D. in Sociology from UC Berkeley in 2011. Her work examines the social construction of race through immigration trends, multiracial identities, and intergroup relations in the U.S. South.

Dr. Jones’ notable contributions include her 2019 book *The Browning of the New South*, analyzing Mexican immigrants’ experiences in North Carolina and their implications for regional race relations. She previously held positions at the University of Notre Dame and Ohio State University, where she was a Social and Behavioral Sciences Diversity Fellow.

Her research spans topics like immigrant racialization, political mobilization, and the intersections of race and class. Key themes include how marginalized groups form alliances, navigate exclusion, and reshape political landscapes. Her work has been published in journals such as *Ethnic and Racial Studies* and *Latino Studies*.

Dr. Jones’ recent studies (2020–2024) explore racial solidarity, disaster migration, and multiracial identity formation. She emphasizes the transformative role of social movements in shaping racial narratives and policies, particularly in new immigrant destinations.

Professional awards include her postdoctoral fellowship at Ohio State. Her research has informed debates on immigration policy, racial equity, and the evolving dynamics of U.S. racial landscapes.