Jennifer Ayala

Jennifer Ayala, Ph.D., serves as Professor in the Sociology, Urban Studies, and Anthropology Department at Saint Peter's University while directing both the Center for Undocumented Students and Latin American and Latino Studies program. Her work embodies the university's Jesuit social justice mission through deep community engagement and student relationships extending beyond graduation.

Her academic credentials include:

• Ph.D. from The Graduate School at CUNY
• B.A. from Montclair State University

Dr. Ayala's research centers on immigrant justice and youth wellbeing using PAR Entremundos methodology, with recent focus on how Latine young adults conceptualize wellbeing through arts-based approaches. Her scholarship bridges education, sociology, and social justice advocacy, particularly for undocumented communities.

Analysis of her 2012-2023 publications reveals consistent use of participatory action research to address educational inequity and immigrant rights, emphasizing arts-based healing methods and decolonizing academic practices. Recurring themes include youth agency, narrative empowerment, and community-driven policy change.

No scientific awards were documented in the source material.

As instructor of dissertation seminars (GE-871/873) and courses like Educational Psychology, she mentors graduate students. Her community-engaged research suggests grant involvement though specific funding isn't detailed.

She leads the Center for Undocumented Students providing advocacy and support systems, and directs the Latin American and Latino Studies program advancing academic exploration of Latino cultures and social issues.