Nathan Ellstrand

Nathan Ellstrand is a postdoctoral DPAA Research Partner Fellow at San Diego State University's Department of History, supporting the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency. He holds a Ph.D. in History (2022) and a Certificate in Ignatian Pedagogy (2020) from Loyola University Chicago, along with an M.A. in Latin American Studies (2011) and B.A.s in History and Politics (2009) from UC Santa Cruz.

• Research Focus: U.S.-Latin American transnational history, Sinarquismo, sanctuary movements, digital humanities, and public history.
• Teaching: Over a decade of experience at UC Santa Cruz, UC San Diego, UC Davis, and Loyola, emphasizing Ignatian Pedagogy and student-driven learning.
• Key Publications: Peer-reviewed articles in Diplomatic History and Middle West Review, with forthcoming work on racialized policing (AHR) and Chicano faith politics (A Contracorriente).
• Awards: Recognized by San Diego State University (2024), IEHS (2020), UC Davis (2015), and the Fulbright Program (2012).

His public humanities work includes co-founding the Historians of Catholic Mexico network, United Fronteras digital archive, and the Immigration Advocacy History Project. He advocates for accessible historical narratives and community-university partnerships.