Kat Gutierrez

Kat Gutierrez is an Assistant Professor of History at the University of California Santa Cruz, specializing in colonial history with a focus on botanical science in Southeast Asia.

Her research expertise includes:

• Colonial History of the Philippines under Spanish and American rule
• Botanical exploration and scientific knowledge production during colonial periods
• Environmental history of Southeast Asia
• Intersections of science and imperial power structures

Dr. Gutierrez is currently developing a book project examining American and Spanish colonial botanists in the Philippines, analyzing how botanical knowledge was intertwined with colonial administration and cultural exchange. Her work bridges traditional historical methods with environmental and scientific history perspectives.

She has shared her research through academic presentations, including a podcast episode where she discussed her scholarly approach and recommended cultural works such as the film 'Mababangong Bangungot (Perfumed Nightmare)' for understanding Southeast Asian perspectives.