Profile
Stevie Ruiz is a doctoral candidate in the Department of Ethnic Studies. He is currently writing his dissertation, "The Color of Settlement: Race, Conformity and Land Conflict in Imperial County, 1905-1965" which analyzes how land allotment programs from the early twentieth century onward shaped race relations in the Imperial Valley, a region located 70 miles east of San Diego. His research is fueled by political questions as to how race and racism is shaped by architectural infrastructure, built environments and land policy in Southern California border context. His work intersects with Queer Studies, Environmental History & Law, Political Geography, Chicana/o Studies and Comparative Ethnic Studies. In addition to his enthusiasm for archival research, he is just as passionate about teaching. What he enjoys most about his job as an academic is being able to demonstrate to students how institutions shape their own lives, as well as their personal histories and futures. Issues of diversity, retention and building a safe and productive learning environment are most important to him. He has participated in several workshops related to diversity both on and off the UCSD campus. He is proud to belong to such a dynamic department where activism and community mentoring are taken seriously by his colleagues and professors. He is originally from a working class neighborhood called Highland Park located in northeast Los Angeles. He is the son of Mexican immigrant parents and first generation to earn a high school diploma, bachelor's degree and Ph.D.
