Melissa Ann Canlas

Melissa Ann Canlas is an Associate Professor in International and Multicultural Education at the University of San Francisco. She serves as Project Director of USF’s AAPI Center (an AANAPISI grant-funded program) and teaches undergraduate courses in Critical Diversity Studies. As a daughter of Filipino immigrants, her scholarship focuses on addressing educational injustice through liberatory frameworks.

Education

• EdD in International and Multicultural Education, University of San Francisco
• MA in Asian American Studies, San Francisco State University
• BA in English, St. Mary’s College of Maryland

Research Focus

Dr. Canlas’s work centers on ethnic studies, critical pedagogy, and participatory research methodologies. Her interdisciplinary approach bridges:

• Racial justice in educational systems
• Humanizing teaching practices
• Social movement theory-practice connections
• Community-engaged leadership development

Professional Leadership

• Co-Coordinator of Humanities Mellon Scholars Program (2017-2023)
• Director of Education at Revolutionary Love Project developing social movement resources
• Former Faculty and Project Director at City College of San Francisco

Publication Themes

Her recent scholarship demonstrates consistent focus on transformative pedagogies for marginalized communities, particularly exploring: decolonial storytelling methods, critical leadership development in Asian American contexts, and socio-political educational frameworks for immigrant youth. Works consistently emphasize community-centered approaches and intersectional justice.