Melanie Sonntag

Melanie Sonntag is a Researcher and Fellowship Director at the University of New Mexico Center for Social Policy. With a Ph.D. in Political Science from UNM, she focuses on social, institutional, and political barriers to equity for racial and ethnic minorities and women. Her international academic background includes a B.A. from Waseda University (Japan) and an M.A. from Philipps-University (Germany).

• Education:
  • B.A. in International Liberal Studies, Waseda University
  • M.A. in Political Science, Philipps-University Marburg
  • Ph.D. in Political Science, University of New Mexico

Her research spans pandemic policy analysis, immigration dynamics, gender equity, and institutional reform. Recent publications examine mask-wearing politics, sexual harassment policy, and the mental health impacts of immigration during crises.

Current projects emphasize equitable low-carbon transitions and fieldwork methodology under constrained access. She advises graduate students, particularly on navigating hidden costs of international education. The UNM Center for Social Policy, where she works, addresses social determinants of health and policy implementation challenges.