Ramona Pérez

Dr. Ramona Pérez is a Professor of Anthropology at San Diego State University's College of Arts & Letters and serves as Director of the Center for Latin American Studies. She is also graduate faculty in the joint doctoral program in Global Health and for the Department of Women's Studies. Her academic leadership extends to multiple institutional roles including Chair of the Institutional Review Board (2013-present), Senator on the Faculty Senate (2016-2018), and member of the University Research Council (2014-present).

Dr. Pérez received her educational foundation from:

• B.A. from San Diego State University (1992)
• M.A. from University of California, Riverside (1995)
• Ph.D. from University of California, Riverside (1997)

Her research program centers on power dynamics and political economy across multiple intersecting themes including transnational migration, food systems, gender roles, and community development. Pérez conducts comparative research across the US/Mexico border, southern Mexico, Nicaragua, and Brazil, examining how marginalized populations navigate structural inequalities while maintaining cultural identity. Her work uniquely bridges academic scholarship with practical application through community engagement and policy relevance.

Analysis of her publication record reveals consistent focus on transnational experiences, particularly examining how Mexican and Central American communities maintain cultural connections across borders while adapting to new environments. Her research shows particular strength in documenting how traditional practices (ceramic production, food preparation) intersect with contemporary challenges (lead poisoning, migration, changing gender roles).

Dr. Pérez has received significant recognition for her scholarly contributions:

• National Science Foundation REU Grant (2000-2002)
• Policy Fellow for the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU)
• Educational Testing Services (ETS) Fellowship on Public Policy (2000-2002)

She has successfully mentored numerous students who have gone on to receive prestigious fellowships including Fulbright, Ford Foundation, Tinker, and Sally Cassanova Predoctoral Fellowships. Her field school program in Oaxaca, Mexico (ongoing since 2003) has served as a critical training ground for emerging anthropologists, with students presenting findings at major conferences and developing thesis projects based on their fieldwork.

Dr. Pérez directs multiple research initiatives including her long-running Oaxacan field school program and is developing a new US/Mexico border field school. She has established extensive internship networks across San Diego, Tijuana, Managua, and Rio de Janeiro, creating meaningful opportunities for students to engage with communities addressing migration, health, education, and environmental sustainability challenges.