Pedro Nava

Dr. Pedro Nava is an Associate Professor and Director of Educational Leadership in the School of Education and Counseling Psychology at Santa Clara University. His scholarship centers on educational equity for Chicanx/Latinx and immigrant communities, combining critical race theory, participatory action research, and community-engaged methodologies.

Education

• Ph.D. in Urban Schooling – University of California, Los Angeles, 2012
• Ed.M. in Administration, Planning, and Social Policy – Harvard University, 2003
• B.A. – California State University, Fresno, 1996

Research Interests

Dr. Nava’s research interrogates systemic inequalities in urban and rural schooling, emphasizing critical pedagogy and critical race theory. He investigates how immigration status intersects with educational opportunity, and he collaborates with families and communities to co-construct transformative practices through participatory action research.

His work also explores family-school-community engagement, leveraging community cultural wealth frameworks to amplify migrant and undocumented voices in educational policy and practice.

Publication Trajectory

Across more than two decades, Dr. Nava’s publications trace the evolution of critical scholarship in education. Early works examine institutional barriers for Chicano students, while recent studies integrate quantitative ethnography and testimonio methodologies to illuminate intersectional experiences of Latinx youth, undocumented graduate students, and farmworker families.

Scientific & Community Awards

No formal awards are enumerated in the provided text.

Advising & Grants

While specific grants and advisees are not listed, Dr. Nava’s leadership role as Director of Educational Leadership implies extensive mentoring of master’s and doctoral students, as well as oversight of grant-funded initiatives that advance equity-focused leadership preparation.

Labs, Teams & Centers

Dr. Nava directs the Educational Leadership programs within the School of Education and Counseling Psychology, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and community-engaged research teams that partner with local schools, nonprofits, and migrant organizations.