Meet Lourdes Carmona

Tell us a bit about yourself

I am originally from Yecapixtla, Morelos, and Mexico City, now I call San Diego home. I graduated from California State University, San Marcos, with a double major in Social Sciences and Spanish. In the summer of 2024, I had the opportunity to conduct research using Zine Praxis to challenge and question the structures of knowledge and power imposed by colonialism in two indigenous communities in Morelos, Mexico. I chose to attend graduate school for two main reasons: first, to research and preserve the traditions, customs, and oral histories of indigenous communities in Mexico; and second, to set a precedent, an example that immigrant Latinos can obtain degrees in higher education.

What are you studying/researching?

My research focuses on exploring the intricate narratives surrounding Malintzin, drawing from oral histories to illuminate the often-overlooked stories of indigenous communities, curanderas/os, and the role of food as a tool for decolonization. I use Zine praxis to challenge and question the structures of knowledge and power imposed by colonialism.

Tell us about your campus involvement at UC San Diego

In San Diego, I enjoy hiking and contributing to my community by organizing beach cleanups and coordinating Clean Up Days in my neighborhood.

Why UC San Diego?

I chose UC because of its prestigious reputation, outstanding faculty, and the program's interdisciplinary nature, which offers the flexibility to choose from a range of classes and research interests. Additionally, the fully funded Latin American Studies Program allows me to pursue higher education without the burden of loans

Have you received any awards or fellowships?

Yes, the Latin American Studies Program awarded me a $2,000 grant to support my summer 2024 research in Morelos, Mexico.