How Chicanx/Latinx Faculty Empower and Inspire UC Davis Students

During this year’s Latinx Heritage Month (September 15-October 15), UC Davis Chicanx/Latinx faculty contributed their time and talents at several Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion events to create strong connections with our students. Their research and cultural insights help us uplift and provide important mentorship opportunities for Latinx/Chicanx students. These dedicated faculty members are working to transform higher education and encourage future generations of researchers and scientists.

The Division of DEI sponsored and supported these opportunities as part of our AVANZA HSI efforts. We chose the term, AVANZA, because it honors the strength, energy, and forward thinking of our comunidad at UC Davis. AVANZA honors the past, present, and future. It represents momentum. It recognizes the activism and movements that have already transformed our institution and that continue to push us in new and important directions.

The Aoki Center and UC Davis Hispanic Serving Institution Speaker Series Presents Professor Michael V. Singh, UC Davis Department of Chicana/o/x Studies

On October 1st, CAMPSSAH Scholar Michael V. Singh kicked off the DEI Latinx Heritage Month events by introducing his newly published book, Good Boys, Bad Hombres: The Racial Politics of Mentoring Latino Boys in Schools. Hosted by the Aoki Center as part of their HSI Speaker Series, Singh discussed his two years of ethnographic research exploring how school-based mentorship programs respond to the perceived crisis of Latino boys and are influenced by neoliberal state policies.

After the presentation, Singh engaged with students, answering questions about his research. He shared insights from his work on Latino male mentorship and the broader context of contemporary and historical education to address specific student experiences and concerns.

Michael V. Singh is an assistant professor in the Department of Chicana/o/x Studies at UC Davis whose research is guided by questions of racial and gender justice in schools. He has three primary areas of focus: (1) Ethnographic portraits of the educational lives of Latino men and boys in school-day and after-school programming, (2) Life-history narratives exploring the experiences of K-12 Latino men teachers, and (3) Conceptual research on race, power, and schooling.

The Genetic History of Latinos, What our Genes Tell us About our History and Health

On October 2nd, Luis Carvajal-Carmona, our Associate Vice Chancellor for Academic Diversity and professor of biochemistry and molecular medicine at the School of Medicine, delivered a special presentation at El Centro (Center for Chicanx and Latinx Academic Student Success). He discussed the genetic history of Latinx populations, drawing on his expertise as an internationally recognized human and population geneticist. Early in his career, Carvajal-Carmona made significant contributions to understanding the genetic admixture that shaped Latinx populations across the Americas.

During his talk, he highlighted how genetic data variability helps us understand community formation and the relevance of Latinx genetic history to current disease patterns. The presentation was followed by a lively Q&A session, where he explored topics such as his educational journey, mentors, and the challenges he faced. Carvajal-Carmona also acknowledged the opportunity gaps Latinx students encounter, emphasizing that despite any doubts, they all deserved to be at UC Davis. He underscored the importance of Latinx/Chicanx students in their respective fields, noting that their unique perspectives are invaluable.

Bienvenida Fall Welcome

On October 5th, the ARC Ballroom buzzed with excitement as students and staff gathered for Bienvenida, UC Davis’ Chicana/o/x/Latina/o/x Fall Welcome. Hosted by the Department of Chicana/o/x Studies, the event featured showcased notable speakers, Chicano/a/x advisors, and a vibrant performance by Danzantes del Alma. 

The DEI table featured CAMPOS and CAMPSSAH faculty members: Luis Carvajal-Carmona (Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine), Luis Diaz-Garcia (Viticulture and Enology), Blas G. Guerrero (Interim HSI Director), José Manuel Santillana Blanco (American Studies), and Jesús M. Velázquez (Chemistry). Students from diverse backgrounds mingled, sharing their university and career goals. Faculty members engaged in meaningful one-on-one conversations, addressing student concerns and offering valuable advice to help them succeed. 

These Latinx Heritage Month DEI events highlighted how ardently UC Davis Chicanx/Latinx faculty are committed to helping students succeed. Their enthusiasm shone through every student interaction, trying to connect with them on a personal level. They are dedicated to uplifting Latinx/Chicanx students, and their efforts create a more inclusive and supportive university environment.