Research Themes
SIPCE advances multi-, inter- and transdisciplinary research that produces relevant knowledge and proposes meaningful solutions aimed at supporting democratic societies, social justice, as well as more equitable and sustainable futures. Functioning as an inclusive space and broker for individual and collaborative research projects, SIPCE brings together faculty, staff, and students from different disciplines and with different areas of expertise. Central to the School’s focus are intersectional theories, methodologies, and approaches that pay attention to the rich, diverse, and unique region of South Texas and the Rio Grande Valley as well as its broader national, international, and global connections and contexts.
SIPCE faculty and program coordinators are currently involved in several individual and collaborative research projects that broadly revolve around the following themes, problems and/or research methods:
(Big) Data, Technology, and Media in Society
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Faculty: Drs. Paul Jorgensen and Sarah Rowe
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Applying theories and methodologies grounded in the humanities and liberal arts, faculty pursue cutting-edge research projects, some of which study the usage of campaign finance data in connection with other demographic, political, and economic data. Another area of faculty research revolves around the connection between the media, technology, artificial intelligence, medicine, and concepts of the self. Faculty additionally employ digital technologies such as 3D modeling and virtual reconstructions to provide new avenues of analysis and aid in community outreach and engagement.
Chicana/Latina and Indigenous Feminist Epistemologies, Theories, Methodologies, and Pedagogies
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Faculty: Drs. AJ Baginski, Stephanie Alvarez, Cathryn Merla-Watson, Erika-Rendon-Ramos, and Silvia Patricia Solis
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Faculty linked to this theme pursue innovative research projects that apply feminist, indigenous, queer, and decolonial theories, methodologies, epistemologies, and pedagogies to issues such as education, the usage of language, knowledge production, creative and cultural productions, social justice and environmental activism, as well as community engagement (e.g., connecting with K-12 teachers and working local and regional community organizations).
Diaspora, Border(land)s, and Migration
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Faculty: Drs. AJ Baginski, Ian Seavey, Stephanie Alvarez, Cathryn Merla-Watson Erika-Rendon-Ramos, and Silvia Solis
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Assuming transnational and transcultural perspectives, faculty linked to this research theme explore topics including education, language and bilingualism, identity, and community building, as well as migration, immigration, and borderlands life. Through the usage of culturally responsive methodologies such a testimonios and pláticas, SIPCE scholars unearth, document, and study the histories, networks, experiences, and aspirations of migrants and immigrants.
Historic Knowledge, Cultural Heritage, and Natural Landscapes
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Faculty: Roseann Bacha-Garza, Drs. AJ Baginski, Ian Seavey, Stephanie Alvarez, Erika Rendon-Ramos, Sarah Rowe, Russell Skowronek, and Silvia Patricia Solis
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Faculty and staff linked to this theme collaborate with community partners to investigate aspects of societies in the deep and recent past. They create engaging spaces of knowledge and seek to improve the livability of the RGV through sustainable development for the benefit of local communities and visitors. Faculty members also explore the multiple meanings that are assigned to people, places, and objects of archaeological, historical, and cultural value.
Imagining Sustainable Futures: Facts, Fiction, and Forecasts
- Faculty: Drs. Friederike Bruehoefener, Paul Jorgensen, Ian Seavey, Cathryn Merla-Waston, Stephanie Alvarez, Sarah Rowe, Silvia Solis.
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Faculty linked to this theme study visions of sustainable futures articulated by individuals and groups, including artists, activists, politicians, political parties, and governments. Paying attention to lessons from both the past and the present, SIPCE scholars examine proposals, speculations, and forecasts relating to issues such as war and peace, environmental protection, gender equity, democratic processes, and institutions, as well as food and social justice.
(Re)Imagining and (Re)Making of Medicine, Health, and Illness
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Faculty: Silvia P. Solis
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Faculty members investigate and document medical and health practices of individuals, communities, and societies. Their innovative scholarship explores intersecting determinants as well as the commodification and cultural representation of health, wellbeing, diseases, illnesses, and medicine. Paying particular attention to underrepresented and underserved groups, populations, and communities, SIPCE scholars cover topics such as bioethics, mental health and emotions, motherhood and childbirth, interpersonal violence and (historical) trauma, functional medicine, and Indigenous medical knowledges.