Meet Ruby Johnston

Tell us a bit about yourself

I am originally from Santa Cruz, CA, and I moved to San Diego 5 years ago to get my undergraduate degree in Political Science from SDSU. I minored in Spanish and Latin American Studies, and was able to volunteer intern with multiple organizations that provide services for migrants in the area such as the International Rescue Committee, Al Otro Lado, and Jewish Family Services. I decided to go to graduate school after recognizing a desire to deepen my knowledge around the type of work I was doing in non-profit and volunteer organizations, and try to become the most effective form of an advocate and activist to support migrant rights in the borderlands.

What are you studying/researching?

I am creating a thesis project that examines the ways that mental health and reproductive needs of migrant women are cared for in shelters along the Mexico/Guatemala border, specifically in Tapachula, Chiapas. This means I am interviewing shelter staff and professionals about the protocols and methods of care that they offer and creating an understanding of how the vulnerabilities of migrant women are best acknowledged and cared for in this region.

Tell us about your campus involvement at UC San Diego

My cohort is pretty small but also close-knit. We are all very different and come from a multitude of backgrounds but also share many similarities in our core values and morals. It has been a blessing to become closer with all of them and watch as we all develop our research interests. I love going to use the recreational facilities on campus, especially the indoor pool. I love utilizing some of the resources on campus such as the triton bike store and food pantry as well.

Why UC San Diego?

I chose UC San Diego so I could stay in the border city that is so central to my work, which also allows me to have access to the shelters in the area, the migrant and refugee community, Tijuana, and also the network of care and support that is so strong in this area. UC San Diego gives me the tools to achieve my academic pursuits and sustain my lifestyle at the same time.

Have you received any awards or fellowships?

I have been awarded the GPSA Travel Grant Award so I can complete my research abroad.